Hermès Shiny Black Porosus Crocodile Kelly Bag with Gold Hardware 28, 1940.
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 8 in (20.32 cm)Depth: 4 in (10.16 cm)Length: 11.5 in (29.21 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Shiny Porosus Crocodile, Gold Hardware
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Repair has been made by Hermès to top handle and tourette.
- Seller Location:Banner Elk, NC
- Reference Number:
Hermès
For Hermès, what began as a maker of leather equestrian goods for European noblemen would eventually grow into one of the most storied fashion labels in the world. In 1837, German-born French entrepreneur Thierry Hermès opened a saddle and harness purveyor in Paris. Gradually, the house extended into accessories and luggage for its riders, and today, in paying homage to its origins, the family-run luxury brand resurfaces horse motifs in everything from clothing and modernist jewelry to pillows and handbags.
The first top-handled bag ever produced by Hermès was the Haut à courroies, which made its debut in 1892. A tall bag secured with a folded leather flap (fastened with bridle-inspired straps), it was designed to transport riding boots and a harness.
As the world made the switch from horse to automobile, the bag adapted, becoming a multifunctional travel satchel instead of a designated saddlebag. Today, 120 years later, the HAC remains in Hermès’s line — and its distinctive flap and clasping straps have laid the groundwork for some of the house’s other iconic bags.
In the 1930s, Robert Dumas (son-in-law to Émile-Maurice Hermès, Thierry’s grandson) designed a smaller, trapezoidal take on the flap bag with a handle and two side straps. Later, actress Grace Kelly, then engaged to Prince Rainier of Monaco, is said to have used one of these bags to conceal her pregnancy during the 1950s. Because she was photographed constantly, the coverage catapulted her handbag to international popularity.
In 1977, Hermès officially renamed the model for her, and the Kelly bag was born. Each Kelly bag takes between 18 and 25 hours to produce, and its 680 hand stitches owe solely to one Hermès artisan.
Robert Dumas was also responsible for another one of the brand’s most iconic offerings: the launch of its first silk scarf on the occasion of Hermès’s 100th anniversary in 1937. Based on a woodblock designed by Dumas and printed on Chinese silk, the accessory was an immediate hit.
Today, vintage Hermès scarves, typically adorned in rich colors and elaborate patterns, serve many functions, just as they did back then. Well-heeled women wear it on their heads, around their necks and, in a genius piece of cross-promotion, tied to the straps of their Hermès bags. Kelly even once used one as a sling for her broken arm.
In 1981, Robert Dumas’s son Jean-Louis Dumas, then Hermès chairman, found himself sitting next to French actress and musician Jane Birkin on a plane, where she was complaining about finding a suitable carryall for the necessary accoutrements of motherhood. After the two travelers were properly introduced, Birkin helped design Jean-Louis’s most famous contribution to the Hermès canon: the Birkin bag, a roomy, square catchall with the HAC’s trademark leather flap top and the addition of a lock and key.
Owing to the brand’s legendary commitment to deft, handcrafted construction, the Birkin is an investment that is coveted by collectors everywhere.
While the Kelly and Birkin may be standouts, gracing the arms of everyone from royal heiresses to hip-hop stars in the past few decades, the handbags are but a small part of Hermès’s fashion offerings.
Since the 1920s, the brand has produced some of the most desirable leather goods in the world. There’s the Constance bag, a favorite of Jacqueline Kennedy, the recently relaunched 1970s-era Evelyne and, on the vintage market, a slew of designs dating back to the 1920s.
Good design never goes out of style. Find a variety of vintage Hermès handbags, day dresses, shoes and more on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Banner Elk, NC
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Gris Ostrich City Steamer PM Top Handle Bag, 2021.By Louis VuittonLocated in Banner Elk, NCLouis Vuitton Limited Edition Gris Ostrich City Steamer PM Top Handle Bag, 2021. This steamer bag is a classic Louis Vuitton closet staple which was first introduced and designed by Nicolas Ghesquière for cruise-ship passengers in 1901. Since its inception, the Steamer bag can be found in a host of colors, fabrics and finishes making it a heirloom quality piece that will continue to stand the test of time. This incredibly rare and highly sought after Limited Edition Steamer PM Bag was produced during the Winter of 2021 and combines the luxury of exotic ostrich skin with the sleekness of the classic tote steamer shape. This piece of Louis Vuitton history originally retailed for $17,500 and is rivals with the quality and likes of the prestigious Hermès Birkin Bag. Handcrafted in France to the highest luxury standards from premium "Ostrich", Louis Vuitton artisans...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- Bottega Veneta Mount Envelope Small White Leather Top Handle Crossbody BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Banner Elk, NCBottega Veneta Mount Envelope Small White Leather Top Handle Crossbody Bag, 2021. This contemporary piece of fashion was introduced for the Fall 2...Category
2010s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Brown Alligator Octagon Cross Body Flap Bag with Gold Hardware, 1989.By ChanelLocated in Banner Elk, NCChanel Brown Alligator Octagon Cross Body Flap Bag with Gold Hardware, 1989. Exceptional and rare, this highly sought after piece of Chanel history was produced between 1989 - 1990 baring a serial code of "1143159". Handcrafted in Italy to the highest luxury standards, this octagonal flap bag is constructed from exotic rare brown alligator skin and lined with a matching lambskin interior. The symbolism of quality that Chanel is known for is seen in the iconic 24-karat hardware used on the "CC" logo adornment to front of bag as well as in the classic mademoiselle chain. Brown lambskin interior opens to a hand-stitched "CC" logo located to underside of flap, "Chanel" gold foiled heat stamp above interior slip pocket and "Made in France" to opposite side of interior. Octagon bag...Category
1980s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Louis Vuitton Raffia Giant Monogram OnTheGo MM Navy Shoulder Tote Bag, 2021.By Louis VuittonLocated in Banner Elk, NCLouis Vuitton Raffia Giant Monogram OnTheGo MM Navy Shoulder Tote Bag, 2021. The "OnTheGo" bag was introduced in 2019 by creative director Nicolas...Category
2010s American Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Damier Azure Neverfull Top Handle Tote Bag, France 2010.By Louis VuittonLocated in Banner Elk, NCLouis Vuitton Damier Azure Neverfull Top Handle Tote Bag, France 2010. The iconic "Neverfull" was first introduced in 2007 and was designed as a competitor for the similar Goyard tote bag...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton x Murakami Limited Edition Monogram Multicolor Alma Top Handle BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Banner Elk, NCLouis Vuitton x Murakami Limited Edition Monogram Multicolor Alma Top Handle Bag, 2003. This incredibly rare and highly sought after piece of ...Category
Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Brown Monogram Coated Canvas & Vachetta Leather Mini NoeBy Louis VuittonLocated in Bishop's Stortford, HertfordshireLouis Vuitton Brown Monogram Coated Canvas & Vachetta Leather Mini Noe Brand- Louis Vuitton Model- Mini Noe Product Type- Top Handle Serial Number- AR**** Age- Circa 2004 Colour- Br...Category
Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags
- Nancy Gonzalez Beaded Raffia & Orange Croc HandbagBy Nancy GonzalezLocated in West Palm Beach, FLNancy Gonzalez Beaded Raffia & Orange Croc Handbag. This bag is in good condition with a few beads being loose and some minor bottom wear. The beads are ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Top Handle Bags
- Judith Leiber Deep Red Lizard Top Handle Handbag - SHWBy Judith LeiberLocated in West Palm Beach, FLJudith Leiber Deep Red Lizard Top Handle Handbag - SHW Circa 90's This beautiful structured handbag in a beautiful deep red lizard color, is in excellent condition. It has an art dec...Category
1990s American Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Lockme Bicor Black WhiteBy Louis VuittonLocated in Torre Del Greco, ITLouis Vuitton signed bag, Lockme model, made of black and white two -tone leather with silver hardware. Equipped with a header with interlocking, internamnete covered in black suede,...Category
2010s Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Capucines GM Top Handle Bag Black LeatherBy Louis VuittonLocated in Torre Del Greco, ITLouis Vuitton signed bag, Capucines model, size GM, made of black grained leather with beige inserts and silver hardware. Equipped with a central flap, internally lined in smooth bla...Category
2010s Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Red Courchevel Leather Birkin 30By HermèsLocated in London, GBIn a beautiful red burgundy colour, the courchevel leather adds the perfect balance of shine and texture for this 30cm Birkin. Made in 2001, this piece has truly maintained its quali...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
The Hermès Passe-Guide Bag Might Not Be as Well Known as the Birkin or Kelly, But It’s Every Bit as Chic
Find out why this under-the-radar piece is so exceptional.
How to Spot a Fake Hermès Birkin Bag
The iconic Birkin bag is much coveted — and often copied. Find out how to tell the real deal from a convincing fake. Of course, you don't have to worry about this on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.