Box Calf / Veau Box through the years #boxcalfnerds
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I got a vintage 1974 Constance box. Really lovely. I used leather cleanser wipe and conditioner wipe. It then looks really nice. Though it is also box leather but the Constance is a lot softer than the box calf of my 1972 Kelly.
I hope I will keep it well.
I hope I will keep it well.
This was a litle of an impulse purchase : ) Box Kelly 1947. I though WOW, that bag has seen a few things, and I have never seen such an old Kelly! I thought it would be cool to own an a bag with such history. Grace Kelly didn't carry her famous kelly until the early 50's. Now that I am writing the check I am worried that the bag is too old, and that it is on it's last lap around the track, and that I overpaid.
I'm sure H would replace the cracked handles. I need opinions: is it is worth the money replacing handles being that they can't fix the other cracks? I'd appreciate if all the box lovers would chime in and tell me what they would do with this bag? Carry it as is? Spa minor clean? Spa replacement handles and hardware (major facelift)? I don't mind telling that I paid 3000. for the bag, was that too much?
Please let me know what you see in the pics --give me the good news and bad news!!
I'm sure H would replace the cracked handles. I need opinions: is it is worth the money replacing handles being that they can't fix the other cracks? I'd appreciate if all the box lovers would chime in and tell me what they would do with this bag? Carry it as is? Spa minor clean? Spa replacement handles and hardware (major facelift)? I don't mind telling that I paid 3000. for the bag, was that too much?
Please let me know what you see in the pics --give me the good news and bad news!!
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It's easy to see why you were attracted to it.
Handles are expensive
You have nothing to loose by taking it in to Hermes and getting a proper opinion; in fact it is the only way you will know for certain what costs might be involved - then you you can make an informed decision based on what you want for the bag.
FWIW it looks looks in better condition in the photos than your questions suggest.
Handles are expensive
You have nothing to loose by taking it in to Hermes and getting a proper opinion; in fact it is the only way you will know for certain what costs might be involved - then you you can make an informed decision based on what you want for the bag.
FWIW it looks looks in better condition in the photos than your questions suggest.
I agree with @PJW5813 , the bag doesn't look nearly so bad as it sounded from your concerns. You have some small tears and some cracking.
I own a 1952 Kelly (like yours, a "Kelly before it was called a Kelly") and I love that I have the piece of H history. Mine doesn't have damage but it's not a new bag, and I love the little things that are different, like the hardware.
I'd wait to get it and see how you feel. Personally I carry my old Kelly as is, although I could spa it or replace the hardware I enjoy that it's different from, say, a 2017 Togo bag. If you are very unhappy with the condition take it in to a boutique that has a resident artisan and get a quote. I have found that they are often much gentler with pricing on very vintage bags, as they appreciate the face that we are preserving heritage
I wanted that old vintage vibe, it's a fashion style that I'm interested in. I imagine myself looking like an Olsen twin. I have the bag, so next I have to lose 50lbs, grow my hair, buy a better wardrobe, and turn back time 25 years!! Thanks for your feedback!!
I agree with @PJW5813 , the bag doesn't look nearly so bad as it sounded from your concerns. You have some small tears and some cracking.
I own a 1952 Kelly (like yours, a "Kelly before it was called a Kelly") and I love that I have the piece of H history. Mine doesn't have damage but it's not a new bag, and I love the little things that are different, like the hardware.
I'd wait to get it and see how you feel. Personally I carry my old Kelly as is, although I could spa it or replace the hardware I enjoy that it's different from, say, a 2017 Togo bag. If you are very unhappy with the condition take it in to a boutique that has a resident artisan and get a quote. I have found that they are often much gentler with pricing on very vintage bags, as they appreciate the face that we are preserving heritage
I love this photo! I think you can carry off this style at a bit more "mature" age -- just envision Stevie Nicks instead of an Olsen Twin and you're all set! At least, that's what I'm telling myself!
As far as the bag is concerned, I also was expecting a much more beat-up bag after reading your write up. I agree with the others to see how you feel when you get it, and maybe see what a craftsperson says if you can see one in person. I had a Kelly that was much younger than this (1992) that had cracking along the top of the handle (I've since sold it but not because of the handle, more because the color and leather didn't work for me as well as I thought it would). DocRide saw photos of the bag and said that as long as the handle was structurally sound it wouldn't need replacement and that it would probably last for years. It was structurally sound, but I found that when I carried it, I felt the cracks and I kept unconsciously rubbing them with my thumb, so I would just tie a twilly on the handle.
Looks like a pretty cool old bag! Maybe just carry it as is for a while and see how you feel. I've seen bags for sale for more than $3K that look to be in much worse condition than yours!
What a beautiful bag, plus the history. I think that the 28 is the perfect size for the Kelly. To me, it brings out the proportions perfectly. I bought an early 70s BBK 32 the handle looks similar as yours and the leather as well. I paid a little more than 1/2 of your price, no lock no keys. I took it Hermes. They admired the bag, did not recommend replacing the handle but conditioned the bag to a beautiful even shine for ca €300. I can not tell the scuffed corners anymore from a foot away. I like the used Kellys especially in box. Someone said that the Lady Gaga or Olsen look is very difficult to pull off and fortunately or unfortunately your bag looks way to good for that. Hopefully you can find another look you like . Have fun. And I agree I have seen much worse bags for more money for sale. If they got sold, I am not sure, though...
. Have fun. And I agree I have seen much worse bags for more money for sale. If they got sold, I am not sure, though...
I admire your find & honest questions.
I like Kelly's of all years but the older ones have a character & dedication from their owners.
I can not comment about price though I do not see many, if any, Kelly's from that time so it seems like a unique acquisition .
People of all ages carry vintage bags. It becomes part of their individual style.
I like Kelly's of all years but the older ones have a character & dedication from their owners.
I can not comment about price though I do not see many, if any, Kelly's from that time so it seems like a unique acquisition .
People of all ages carry vintage bags. It becomes part of their individual style.
Well I think she's beautiful, but I am very new to Hermes and my only H bag was in a very similar condition when I bought it so I am no expert and perhaps a little biased!
My kelly is relatively young in comparison at probably about 50 years old so nowhere near the amazing age and history of this one.
Hermes did recommend a new handle for which I was quoted about £800, also new hardware as my turnlock was in danger of breaking which for the clasp and strap ends is about £200 and around another £200 for the corner wear.
I paid around £1700 for the bag, but with the current exchange rate and given that yours is so early I would have thought it would be a little more.
Have you received her yet? I'd love to see more photos!
Could you tell me please how your corners have held up after use?What a beautiful bag, plus the history. I think that the 28 is the perfect size for the Kelly. To me, it brings out the proportions perfectly. I bought an early 70s BBK 32 the handle looks similar as yours and the leather as well. I paid a little more than 1/2 of your price, no lock no keys. I took it Hermes. They admired the bag, did not recommend replacing the handle but conditioned the bag to a beautiful even shine for ca €300. I can not tell the scuffed corners anymore from a foot away. I like the used Kellys especially in box. Someone said that the Lady Gaga or Olsen look is very difficult to pull off and fortunately or unfortunately your bag looks way to good for that. Hopefully you can find another look you like
My Kelly is having her corners touched up currently and I'm really interested to know how well (with carefull use) they will last! Thank you
Her corners have lasted perfectly but I have only used the bag 5-10 times in the last year because I like my 28 so much better and I have a couple other bags which I also like and use. So the BBK32 is been sitting in my closet mostly. Not in the back, though. I touched up the corners of my Green Box Kelly28 and after a years use they could be done again if you look very closely. Professional work should look and last much better, I would hope. BTW, for your price comparison... the turn lock on my BBk32 is a little wiggly, as well. I think I did ok for what I want and I think that you did very well because yours is so unique. 25 years older that my 40 year old BBK, something! My bag has creases, bulges and dents but the leather feels and looks healthy. Your bag does not look like it was used very much but rather had one or a few bad tumbles....if the leather is healthy yours will look great. You can tell I like your bag. I will stop now. In our age close ups are seldom flattering...
