Alligator skin flaw or normal?

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twgrl

twgrl

O.G.
Sep 8, 2008
23
133
#1
Hello. I was looking to get some expert opinion as I am new to exotics. I just noticed there's a line going through a scale that doesn't cross through completely. Do you think the gator has a battle scar or, is it an undeveloped scale? The depth of the line looks just as deep as the other gaps-between-the-scales of the entire bag. My husband is calling it Harry Potter
:giggle:
. Curious to know your opinion before going to SA, as it obviously passed quality control.

IMG_5151.jpgIMG_5150.jpg
 
#2
I have owned many matte alligator bags, and I have not seen this (but it looks inherent to the hide).So, I don’t think it is a matter of concern or quality control. (In the sense that I believe it would have been noted and deemed acceptable for top grade). My (non-Hermes) custom Duret Buffalo Dalmatian bag was sourced from three Hermes hides that he purchased, and he and I picked. (Duret was H trained, and the individual who made my bag herself trained H artisans). My hide had two diagonal marks but was still considered by Hermes and by Duret to be top or premier quality.

Of course, if this bothers you, you should bring it up to your SA, but I kind of would like the idea that my alligator bag is extra unique. I do suspect though that my opinion will be the vast minority one on TPF, and most will not agree with me. This is a stock pic from Duret, but it is my specific, actual bag (my bag was the first ever that he made from Buffalo Dalmatian) and he certainly had a choice of the entirety of three hides to choose from. I was in Paris and saw the three hides. You can clearly see two diagonal marks on the top flap (there was no attempt to hide the marks; in fact, Duret chose to show case them)
signal-2021-10-11-123838_001.jpeg

ETA: I also love veining on togo leather
 
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#3
This is completely normal for gator; here’s my bag with a similar line pattern at the center line below the turnlock. Personally I love it, and this scale pattern is one reason I chose this bag - but, you have to love the pattern of your bag.
ETA: this is not an undeveloped scale, it’s just natural scaling.

IMG_6477.jpeg
 
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#6
twgrl said:
Hello. I was looking to get some expert opinion as I am new to exotics. I just noticed there's a line going through a scale that doesn't cross through completely. Do you think the gator has a battle scar or, is it an undeveloped scale? The depth of the line looks just as deep as the other gaps-between-the-scales of the entire bag. My husband is calling it Harry Potter
:giggle:
. Curious to know your opinion before going to SA, as it obviously passed quality control.

View attachment 5859747View attachment 5859748
Click to expand...
Ha, love the Harry Potter nickname! Looks completely normal to me. I own a few alligator & croc (non h)bags and they all have different marks, etc… Gorgeous bag!!
 
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#9
twgrl said:
Thank you all for your input!! I do see it as a unique birthmark. I wasn't sure if Hermes used perfect perfect pristine skins. Thank you :flowers:
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This is a perfect pristine skin. The mark is not a scar, it is part of the natural pattern. Hermès prizes beautiful skin patterns, but not in the sense that they will be as uniform as, say, a faux embossed alligator or croc.
In the bag you've shown, this would not be in any way a flaw from the H perspective.
 
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#10
The line through the scale has been very carefully placed to create a symmetrical V along the top between the handles.

It would be very interesting to understand how the scale patterns develop. We understand growth rings in trees.
It must be something like that and occasionally a division must start yet get aborted. The closer you look the more examples you can see.
 
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#11
880 said:
I have owned many matte alligator bags, and I have not seen this (but it looks inherent to the hide).So, I don’t think it is a matter of concern or quality control. (In the sense that I believe it would have been noted and deemed acceptable for top grade). My (non-Hermes) custom Duret Buffalo Dalmatian bag was sourced from three Hermes hides that he purchased, and he and I picked. (Duret was H trained, and the individual who made my bag herself trained H artisans). My hide had two diagonal marks but was still considered by Hermes and by Duret to be top or premier quality.

Of course, if this bothers you, you should bring it up to your SA, but I kind of would like the idea that my alligator bag is extra unique. I do suspect though that my opinion will be the vast minority one on TPF, and most will not agree with me. This is a stock pic from Duret, but it is my specific, actual bag (my bag was the first ever that he made from Buffalo Dalmatian) and he certainly had a choice of the entirety of three hides to choose from. I was in Paris and saw the three hides. You can clearly see two diagonal marks on the top flap (there was no attempt to hide the marks; in fact, Duret chose to show case them)
View attachment 5859752

ETA: I also love veining on togo leather
Click to expand...
Buffalo is my favorite Hermes skin. I wonder if it is still available.
 
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