The original Birkin bag sold for a record €8.58 million ($10 million) at auction, showing demand remains robust for unique luxury collectibles.The black leather Hermès handbag made some forty years ago for the late singer and actress Jane Birkin was sold in a bidding war that lasted more than 10 minutes at Sotheby’s in Paris Thursday.

the original Birkin has several distinctions from subsequent versions, such as the handbag’s size, metal rings and hardware, and shoulder strap, among other details that were never replicated.

Morgane Halimi, Sotheby's global head of handbags and fashion, said the price was a "startling demonstration of the power of a legend and its capacity to ignite the passion and desire of collectors s...