A Vintage Hermes Sac à dépêches (Kelly) Bag. This bag pre-dates what later became known as the iconic Kelly bag. Originally designed by Émile-Maurice Hermès, the handbag is crafted from Porosus crocodile skin carefully graded with distinct grains and even patterns. The lining is crafted from goats-skin leather. The bag retains all the original gold-plated hardware and includes tiret and clochette complete with keys (stamped 021 Hermes), the brass plaque is stamped Hermes Paris and above it in gilt tooling Hermes Paris. The leather strap is embossed with the number 26. The bag rests on four brass feet, no shoulder strap, approx 34 cms. Note: This bag formerly belonged to Hungarian Elizabeth Helene Kovacs (1905-1996) who was married to Robert Voisin. Robert Voisin had a family connection to the Luxury French Car Manufacturers Avions Voisin, started by the brothers Gabrielle and Charles Voisin. The bag became a firm favourite of Princess Grace Kelly who used it to mask her early pregnancy. She and the bag became fashion icons of the 20th Century whose popularity endures to this day. It is understood that this is an early example of these handbags and is in remarkable condition given its age.