Buying Vintage Chanel on VC

[teamdoublec]

Hey guys,

This is my first time delving into the world of vintage, specifically vintage Chanel bags, and I wanted to ask you all a question about buying pre-loved on VC.

I've found a patent Chanel camera bag on VC, and while it has a few cracks, it looks as though it could be saved through restoration. Further, I've managed to negotiate the bag down to a price that I think would be reasonable, however, I have a few reservations about the authenticity of the bag and attitude (??) of the seller.

Upon asking for a photo of the hologram sticker and serial number/code, I was told that VC does not allow this, but I have seen others posting photos of their stickers and codes. Is this a red flag that I am conveniently ignoring because I've got myself a deal? If it helps, apparently it's made between 1984-86.

Secondly, has Chanel ever made a bag during that era that has a zip pull made of a leather braid?

Finally, how hard would it be to restore cracked patent leather? Would anyone have a guess as to how much this would be?

Anyway, I'm super suss, but also, a little hopeful at the same time.

I look forward to reading your responses.

Thanks

 

[ozorezanitako]

Hi... I used to think that as long as I manage to get a good deal on a bag, I can disregard its unsatisfactory condition and just bring it for repair with the extra cash that I get to save. However, as time went by, I just think that if you were gonna spend thousands of dollars on a bag, you might as well make sure that the bag is at least in acceptable condition to your liking (aka you don't mind wearing it as it is). Reasons being, restorations may not always be possible depending on the flaw and the store that you go to, and it also might end up costing more than you think. Unless the piece is super rare, I would rather wait it out until I find something I can honestly accept and enjoy

Sorry that I do not get to answer your other questions. I've bought from VC many times (not Chanel) and the customer service once told me that all bags go through strict authentication process before dispatched to buyers, especially if it is Chanel. Take it with a grain of salt though.

 

[Saaski]

Patent leather is a pretty tricky material to be honest. Repairing cracks is difficult as it requires refinishing the piece, so I don't know how expensive that might be for you. Further, if your seller doesn't want to share pictures that's a red flag to me--you're right in that plenty of others post those details. Even if the seller wanted to censor some of the numbers, they should still be able to show you SOME part of the serial.

I'd pass, myself

 

[Egel]

You are literally paying thousands for a bag of which there are also thousands of. For talking the pre-loved route the price should be more than reasonable. For buying online you need some trust. I would just skip this bag. There will be more reasonably priced bags with way more helpful sellers.