Hermès Rare Vintage Shiny Black Porosus Crocodile Kelly Handbag with Gold Hardware 28cm, 1940. Originally introduced in the early 1930's as the Sac à dépêches bag, the Kelly became world renowned after Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco appeared on the cover of Life magazine shielding her baby bump from the paparazzi with a Kelly. With the help of Grace Kelly, the Kelly bag became a highly coveted luxury piece with over 24 hours of hand craftsmanship into each bag made in a variety of colors, leathers and finishes.

This exceptionally rare and sought after piece of Hermès history was believed to have been hand crafted in France in the original Hermès atelier in Paris France due to the production year of 1940. The Kellys' trapezium rigid sellier structure has over 2,600 stitches to the premium exotic porosus crocodile skin, a personal favorite of actress Grace Kelly, and is adorned with 18K gold plated hardware. This Kelly is also absent of a heat date stamp but does have "Hermès Paris" engraved to both sides of the tourette closure indicative of pre-production year of 1947. The matching top handle strap, tourette and clochette have been professionally restored by Hermès to preserve the quality and integrity of this vintage treasure. Comes complete with the removable clochette, tourette, lock, two keys as well as dust bag. In great vintage condition with signs of structure wear due to storage and light signs of wear to corners. Internal box calf shows scratching due to age but overall fantastic condition considering the age of the piece. Multiple certificates of authentication will also be provided to buyer.

Full specifications and condition listed below:

Measures: 11.5” L x 8” H x 4” D / Strap Drop: 4”

Condition: GRADE: 3. Great vintage pre-owned condition. Porosus crocodile skin shows minimal signs of wear with creasing due to age and slight warping of structure due to storage. Hardware has moderate scratching to tourette closures and base feet. Underside of flap show the majority of wear from use with light scratching and creasing to box calf leather. Minuscule signs of glue residue to handle and hardware plaques where repairs have been made by Hermès. Lock and clochette are brand new and come with small accessory dust bag. Overall bag is in excellent shape considering the age.

Year Made: Pre-1947/1940

Authenticity Details: Engraved Hermès to both sides of tourette closure, indicative of production years.

Material(s): Porosus (Saltwater) Crocodile, Box Calf Leather, Gold Plated Hardware

Grading:

GRADE 1: This item exhibits no signs of use or wear and could be considered as new. There are no flaws.

GRADE 2: This item exhibits minor flaws and could be considered nearly new. It may never have been used or may have been used a few times. There are only minor condition notes, which can be found in the item’s specific condition report.

GRADE 3: This item exhibits visible signs of use. Any signs of use or wear are minor. This item is in good condition.

GRADE 4: This item exhibits wear from frequent use. This item either has light overall wear or small areas of heavy wear. The item is considered to be in fair condition.

GRADE 5: This item exhibits normal wear and tear from regular or heavy use. The item is in good, usable condition but it does have condition notes