Sign in
HERMES Vintage Kelly Bag Black Box Calf With Shoulder Strap
The edit · Designer Bags
A used Hermès Kelly bag in black. The originals are still out there, and they hold up better than anything new. A bag from this era was designed to be carried, not photographed, and it shows in the hardware and the stitching.
Two centuries of saddle stitching.
Founded in 1837 in Paris as a harness maker for the carriage trade. The house moved into leather goods and silk, and its Birkin and Kelly bags became the most famous handbags in the world.
Hermes holds value like almost nothing else in fashion. A well-kept vintage Birkin or Kelly is essentially a currency, and even the silk carres appreciate when the design is right.
Why it's called that
Hermès Kelly
Originally the Sac à dépêches, it was renamed in 1977 after Grace Kelly, who used it to shield her pregnancy from the paparazzi.
What to look for
Blind stamps, date stamps and the maker's mark inside the bag. Hand-stitched seams with a slight saddle-stitch slant are the tell of the real thing.
Look at the corners, hardware and lining. Real bags age at the stress points first, so a worn corner is often a good sign, not a flaw.
How to wear it
Wear it high and tight under the arm, the way the strap length was intended. Let a loud bag do the talking against plain tailoring.
Asking price
No bids yet
Affiliate link — if you buy through it, The Vintage Guide may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Keep exploring
More like this
Similar finds from the designer bags edit.
Designer Bags
Authentic Vintage Judith Leiber Floral Crystal Minaudiere Evening Clutch Purse
USD 799.99
Designer Bags
Etra Vintage 1950s clutch bag
USD 55.00
Designer Bags
VINTAGE CHANEL Black Quilted Calfskin Leather Classic Single Flap Shoulder Bag
USD 2995.00
Designer Bags
Vintage Hermes Navy Blue H Belt Buckle Only - Fits 32mm Belt Made in France
USD 159.00
Designer Bags
vintage boho louis vuitton bag
USD 750.00
Designer Bags
Authentic Vintage Louis Vuitton Keepall 50 Monogram Brown Duffle Hand Bag Travel
USD 489.95
Designer Bags
Louis Vuitton Large Steamer Trunk 19th Century with Key
USD 1850.00
Designer Bags
Christian Dior Vintage Lady Dior Large Cannage Lambskin Ivory 2Way Bag
USD 849.00
Designer Bags
Christian Dior Trotter Saddle Bag Pouch Handbag Canvas Leather Red Vintage y2k
USD 590.00
Designer Bags
Vintage Gucci Diana Bamboo handle bag Lime Green Suede
USD 179.00