Hermes Black Calf Box Sellier Kelly 28
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Height: 8.27 in (21 cm)Length: 11.03 in (28 cm)
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Please refer to the images for further condition details or ask for close-ups.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: DPCU0822HERK281stDibs: LU33617811212
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: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Hermès Clemence Leather 34cm LindyBy HermèsLocated in London, GBThis Hermès 34cm Lindy bag, first released in Spring/Summer 2007 show, features two different versions of shoulder straps and two exterior slip pockets. It o...Category
2010s Top Handle Bags
- UNIQUE MADE TO ORDER Prada Colour Block HandbagBy PradaLocated in London, GBThis yellow and pink crocodile leather colour block tote from Prada features foldover top with twist-lock closure, gold-tone hardware, a panelled colour block design, an internal zip...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Top Handle Bags
- Fendi Cookie Yellow HandbagBy FendiLocated in London, GBTrendy Cookie Yellow Handbag crafted in Italy with 100% leather in a curvy-edge body. FF logo plaque in silver-tone as well as the hardware. Magnetic s...Category
2010s Top Handle Bags
- Fendi Mia Flap BagBy FendiLocated in London, GB* Cognac brown calf leather * Ruched detailing * Iconic FF logo plaque * Leather and chain-link shoulder strap * Foldover top with magnetic fastening * Internal zip-fastening pocket ...Category
2010s Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Paris-Bombay 2011/12 Parcel BagBy ChanelLocated in London, GBPart of CHANEL's 2011-2012 Paris-Bombay collection, this Parcel bag is crafted from smooth leather with a caged design. Its diamond-quilted construction is beautifully complemented b...Category
2010s Top Handle Bags
- Dior Saddle Bag Pink FlowersBy Christian DiorLocated in London, GBThe Saddle bag was designed in 1999 and debuted on the runway of Galliano’s cowboy-inspired range for Spring/Summer 2000. John Galliano’s design has an asymmetric shape and a frontal...Category
Early 2000s Top Handle Bags
- Celine Trapeze Medium Tri-Color Suede and Leather HandbagBy CelineLocated in Boca Raton, FLCompany-Celine Model-Trapeze Medium Color-Tri Color White Black and Orange Date Code-S-AT-4184 S-CU-5104 Material-Leather and Suede Measurements-11.75" L x 7"W x 8.25" H Strap-14....Category
2010s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- VALENTINO burgundy leather Rockstud VA VA VOOM LARGE TOTE BagBy ValentinoLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Valentino Large Va Va Voom tote bag in burgundy smooth leather featuring light gold-tone signature pyramid studs. Closes with a buckle and is lined in beige canvas wit...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- VALENTINO red leather VRING LARGE TOTE BagBy ValentinoLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Valentino large VRING tote bag in red leather featuring gold-tone metal logo plaque attachment at the front that is decorated with a matching red leather trim keyring ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Bag with Top Handle Classic Flap Graffiti Watercolor Turquoise Nylon BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLMulti color Chanel watercolor graffiti flap with ombre interwoven chain Year: 2011 Large ombre CC logo Magnetic clasp Nylon interior lining Interior center zipper pocket Strap drop ...Category
2010s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Chanel 2005 Vintage Beige Camelia Canvas Small Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel 2005 Vintage Beige Camelia Canvas Small Flap Bag 2005 {VINTAGE 19 Years} Beige Grey Woven Canvas Silver hardware Magnetic tab flap closure Patent leather piping and CC logo d...Category
Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel 2000 Brown Multicolor Patchwork Mink Fur Chain Shoulder Tote BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Brown Multicolor Patchwork Mink Fur Shoulder Bag Brown Mink Interlocking CC Logo Gold-Tone Hardware Chain-Link Shoulder Strap Leather Lining &...Category
Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Modern Fine 18 Karat Yellow Gold Rectangular Link BraceletLocated in Poitiers, FRBracelet in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. This fine pre-owned yellow gold bracelet features interlocking rectangular links. The clasp is a spring ring. Length : 18,5 cm ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Modern Bracelets
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- TIFFANY & Co. Platinum .12ct Solitaire Diamond Pendant NecklaceBy Tiffany & Co.Located in Los Angeles, CATIFFANY & Co. Platinum .12ct Solitaire Diamond Pendant Necklace Metal: Platinum Chain: 16" Pendant: 3.25mm wide Diamond: round brilliant diamond, carat total weight .12 Hallmark: "©...Category
2010s American Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Platinum
- GIA Certified Peter Suchy Diamond Halo Rose Gold Engagement RingBy Peter SuchyLocated in Stamford, CTPeter Suchy Vintage Inspired 14k rose gold halo Diamond engagement ring. GIA certified .51ct center Diamond F, SI1, surrounded by 0.25ct of F, VS full cut Diamonds. 1 round brillian...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
MaterialsDiamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Lapis Lazuli Bow Yellow Gold Pendant NecklaceBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Holland, PA18k Yellow Gold Diamond Lapis Lazuli Bow Necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 20 diamond VVS1 clarity, G color total weight .10ct Details: Necklace Length: 15.5'' Pendant: 15mm x...Category
20th Century French Pendant Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
- Cartier Love Earring Yellow Gold 12mm SingleBy CartierLocated in Aventura, FLCartier LOVE single earring, yellow gold 750/1000. Diameter 12 mm. Sold individually. Details: Brand: Cartier Style: Love Earring Material: Yellow Gold (750/1000) Diameter: 12mm The...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Hoop Earrings
MaterialsYellow Gold
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.