The authenticity of this bag has been checked and verified by our experts who have over 10 years of experience in vintage and luxury bags.

This vintage Hermès Birkin 40 in black Ardennes leather with gold-tone hardware offers timeless sophistication. In very good condition, it features dual rolled top handles, a flap top with turn-lock closure, and a tonal leather-lined interior. Ideal for work, travel, or elevated daywear, this iconic piece brings classic Hermès elegance to any occasion.

Q: What size is this Hermès Birkin 40, and what does the 40 mean?
A: This is a Birkin 40, which refers to the bag’s width in centimetres. For this specific item, the measurements are approximately 40 cm wide, 30 cm high and 20 cm deep, with a handle drop of about 12 cm.

Q: What typically fits inside a Birkin 40?
A: The Birkin 40 is one of the roomiest classic Birkin sizes and is often chosen for work, travel or days when you carry more than the essentials. It can generally accommodate items such as a long wallet, phone, pouch, notebook, water bottle and documents, and may also suit some smaller laptops depending on the device and how you pack. Please refer to the Measurements on this page for exact dimensions.

Q: Is the Birkin 40 suitable as an everyday bag?
A: It can be, but it is usually best suited to those who prefer a larger handbag or want extra capacity for work and travel. Many collectors see the Birkin 40 as more practical for business trips, commuting or overnight essentials than for very light daily use.

Q: Is this bag likely to work as a carry-on or travel bag?
A: The Birkin 40 is widely considered one of the more travel-friendly Birkin sizes thanks to its generous capacity. That said, airline cabin rules vary by carrier, route and aircraft, so we always recommend checking your airline’s current hand-luggage policy before travelling.

Q: What is Ardennes leather, and is it durable?
A: Ardennes is a vintage Hermès calf leather known for its structured feel, pronounced grain and strong durability. It is especially appreciated by collectors because it tends to hold its shape well and is generally more resistant to everyday scratches and wear than many smoother leathers.

Q: What colour and hardware does this bag have?
A: This piece is crafted in black Ardennes leather and finished with gold-tone hardware. It also features dual rolled top handles, a flap top with turn-lock closure, tonal leather lining, internal pockets and protective feet at the base.

Q: What does the stamp Circle S 1989 mean?
A: The serial marking indicates this bag dates to 1989. For vintage Hermès pieces, the blind stamp is an important detail used to identify the production year, and it is also one of the elements checked during authentication.

Q: What is included with this bag?
A: This item includes a clochette, padlock and key. Everything included with the purchase is listed in the product information section; if something is not listed there, it should not be assumed to be included.

Q: What is the condition of this vintage Birkin 40?
A: The overall condition is rated Very Good Condition. The exterior and interior both show light traces of use, and the hardware is shiny with light scratches. As with all vintage items, minor signs of age and handling are normal and part of the bag’s character.

Q: How can I tell if this Hermès bag is authentic?
A: Authenticity is assessed through a combination of details rather than one feature alone, including leather quality, stitching, stamp format, hardware construction and overall craftsmanship. For this piece, the vintage blind stamp, materials, build and finish are all key points considered during expert authentication.

Q: What size is this Hermès Birkin 40, and what does the 40 mean?
A: This is a Birkin 40, which refers to the bag’s width in centimetres. For this specific item, the measurements are approximately 40 cm wide, 30 cm high and 20 cm deep, with a handle drop of about 12 cm.

Q: What typically fits inside a Birkin 40?
A: The Birkin 40 is one of the roomiest classic Birkin sizes and is often chosen for work, travel or days when you carry more than the essentials. It can generally accommodate items such as a long wallet, phone, pouch, notebook, water bottle and documents, and may also suit some smaller laptops depending on the device and how you pack. Please refer to the Measurements on this page for exact dimensions.

Q: Is the Birkin 40 suitable as an everyday bag?
A: It can be, but it is usually best suited to those who prefer a larger handbag or want extra capacity for work and travel. Many collectors see the Birkin 40 as more practical for business trips, commuting or overnight essentials than for very light daily use.

Q: Is this bag likely to work as a carry-on or travel bag?
A: The Birkin 40 is widely considered one of the more travel-friendly Birkin sizes thanks to its generous capacity. That said, airline cabin rules vary by carrier, route and aircraft, so we always recommend checking your airline’s current hand-luggage policy before travelling.

Q: What is Ardennes leather, and is it durable?
A: Ardennes is a vintage Hermès calf leather known for its structured feel, pronounced grain and strong durability. It is especially appreciated by collectors because it tends to hold its shape well and is generally more resistant to everyday scratches and wear than many smoother leathers.

Q: What colour and hardware does this bag have?
A: This piece is crafted in black Ardennes leather and finished with gold-tone hardware. It also features dual rolled top handles, a flap top with turn-lock closure, tonal leather lining, internal pockets and protective feet at the base.

Q: What does the stamp Circle S 1989 mean?
A: The serial marking indicates this bag dates to 1989. For vintage Hermès pieces, the blind stamp is an important detail used to identify the production year, and it is also one of the elements checked during authentication.

Q: What is included with this bag?
A: This item includes a clochette, padlock and key. Everything included with the purchase is listed in the product information section; if something is not listed there, it should not be assumed to be included.

Q: What is the condition of this vintage Birkin 40?
A: The overall condition is rated Very Good Condition. The exterior and interior both show light traces of use, and the hardware is shiny with light scratches. As with all vintage items, minor signs of age and handling are normal and part of the bag’s character.

Q: How can I tell if this Hermès bag is authentic?
A: Authenticity is assessed through a combination of details rather than one feature alone, including leather quality, stitching, stamp format, hardware construction and overall craftsmanship. For this piece, the vintage blind stamp, materials, build and finish are all key points considered during expert authentication.

Hermès

Clemence Birkin 40 Bag

Hermès

Birkin 40 Ardennes Bag

Hermès

Birkin 35 Béton Togo Bag

Hermès

Clemence Birkin 40 Bag

Hermès

Birkin 40 Ardennes Bag

Hermès

Birkin 35 Béton Togo Bag