Hermès Kelly Bags in Auction 1286 – Jewellery and Watches

The Hermès Kelly Bag is regarded as a symbol of timeless elegance and remains one of the most sought-after icons in the world of luxury fashion. It represents exceptional craftsmanship, exclusive materials and a distinctive silhouette that transcends passing trends.

Originally introduced in the 1930s, the model became world-famous through Grace Kelly, later Princess of Monaco. In 1956, she used her Hermès handbag to shield her pregnancy from the press — an image that became iconic. In 1977, Hermès officially named the model after her: the Kelly Bag.

In Auction 1286 – Jewellery and Watches, Lempertz presents a selection of Hermès Kelly Bags from different decades, including examples in Veau Box as well as a rare version in Lézard Niloticus Lisse.

Auction 1286 – Jewellery and Watches: 19 May 2026, 2 pm at Lempertz, Cologne

Lot 178

This Hermès Kelly 28 Sellier in black Micro Lézard Niloticus Lisse was made in France in 1962. Crafted from exotic leather, it features gilt hardware and was handmade with the precision associated with Hermès.

The bag is offered with shoulder strap, lock, key in clochette and dust bag. The catalogue notes the blind stamp R and describes the condition as impeccable.
Dimensions: H 22, W 28, D 10 cm.

Estimate: €10,000 – 12,000

Lot 179

The Hermès Kelly 28 Retourné Veau Box Rouge Vif was made in France in 1970. It is crafted from calf leather and fitted with gilt hardware.

The bag is offered with shoulder strap, lock, key in clochette and dust bag. It bears the blind stamp Z and was restored by Hermès Paris in 2025. According to the catalogue, it is in very good age-appropriate condition.
Dimensions: H 22, W 28, D 10 cm.

Estimate: €4,000 – 6,000

Lot 181

The Hermès Kelly 32 Retourné Veau Box Bleu Marine was made in France in 1945. Crafted from calf leather with gilt hardware, this model reflects the enduring quality and craftsmanship for which Hermès is renowned.

The bag is offered with keys, clochette and dust bag. The catalogue lists the blind stamp A. It was restored by Hermès Paris in 2025 and is described as being in very good age-appropriate condition.
Dimensions: H 23, W 32, D 12 cm.

Estimate: €8,000 – 10,000

The three models offered in this auction illustrate different facets of the Hermès Kelly Bag: the structured elegance of the Sellier version, the softer silhouette of the Retourné models, classic Veau Box leather in Rouge Vif and Bleu Marine, and the rare texture of black Lézard Niloticus Lisse.

For collectors, details such as model, material, colour, blind stamp, hardware, accessories, condition and restoration by Hermès Paris are of particular importance. These catalogue details make each piece clearly identifiable and comparable within the auction context.

Auction 1286 therefore offers a rare opportunity to acquire selected Hermès Kelly Bags with documented catalogue information and attractive estimates.

Discover more about the history and significance of Hermès on our Hermès overview page.