Coach Rehab and Rescue Club
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In some catalogs it is called a Bixby sling so you weren't wrong.My apologies... it is a Bixby not a sling bag!
Good morning. Please forgive the darkness in these photos as I took them as Armageddon approached in the disguise of thunderstorms. I got this in the mail yesterday. I have been fascinated with kisslocks and realized that I may never find a duffle with a kisslock. (missed one and the other was UGH!!!) I had a tote or a watermelon bag about 15 years ago. I rehabbed it and sold it before I realized the chance I was taking. BTW, the color is a beautiful rust. 
I have conditioned the bag with Leather CPR and it is so soft and nice! I do have a few concerns. There are some spots on the leather that don't really bother me a lot but they are there. Also, the handles are darkened. Does anyone know what is in the handles to stiffen them? Can I dunk it or should I just go with it? The inside is immaculate.
I have conditioned the bag with Leather CPR and it is so soft and nice! I do have a few concerns. There are some spots on the leather that don't really bother me a lot but they are there. Also, the handles are darkened. Does anyone know what is in the handles to stiffen them? Can I dunk it or should I just go with it? The inside is immaculate.
Hi @Roro ! I dunked mine and had no problem but I don't know what is in the handles that stiffens them. My handles are also very darkened. My was in rougher shape than yours and it is a made in NYC. Yours is gorgeous!!! 
Thank you so much, @Jacynthe. Mine is also made in NYC and I really don't know why I'm obsessing on the handles. I"m very glad to know that you had a successful dunk and that makes me feel better about doing it with this bag.
The handles are fine to dunk as long as there are no openings. I've dunked many items with these types of handles. I did have one soften because there was a hole where the stitching was coming out. I just put some superglue in the hole and it helped stiffen it back up. The darkness on the handles doesn't really get much better in a bath. It is from the oils on people's hands. You might be able to gently scrape them to get some of the oil off. I don't know what caused the other spots. Maybe they'll wash out; maybe they won't. Some spots are permanent.
Thank you, @whateve. Especially for the information about the handles. I'll update when I decide what to do and move on it.
I fell off a swing (lol don't ask) and scraped the leather on the piping of my Demi Penelope and feel so sad
think I'll just put CPR and br on it for a little protection and hope it stays safe.
think I'll just put CPR and br on it for a little protection and hope it stays safe.
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Hi @Roro ! I dunked mine and had no problem but I don't know what is in the handles that stiffens them. My handles are also very darkened. My was in rougher shape than yours and it is a made in NYC. Yours is gorgeous!!!
I've never rehabbed a Watermelon Tote but see the link below for before/after pics of the Handle Clutch 9425 that I recently rehabbed. It was made in the same era as the Watermelon Tote and I'm pretty sure that it has similar handles. I gave mine a bath with no problems and got good results, good luck!
Coach Rehab and Rescue Club
Now that I am retired and quarantined I have plenty of time to work on my huge rehab piles! Here is a group After Picture of the 5 vintage bags that I have recently rehabbed. I had posted pics of the camel Willis previously and I rehabbed the BT Scooter bag years ago, but it just needed some...
forum.purseblog.com
I think houseof999 will make triplets!
I've never rehabbed a Watermelon Tote but see the link below for before/after pics of the Handle Clutch 9425 that I recently rehabbed. It was made in the same era as the Watermelon Tote and I'm pretty sure that it has similar handles. I gave mine a bath with no problems and got good results, good luck!
Coach Rehab and Rescue Club
Now that I am retired and quarantined I have plenty of time to work on my huge rehab piles! Here is a group After Picture of the 5 vintage bags that I have recently rehabbed. I had posted pics of the camel Willis previously and I rehabbed the BT Scooter bag years ago, but it just needed some...
Thank you, @katev. Your advice (and everyone's advice) is boosting my confidence for this rehab.
I love gray bags and found this one, but the current condition vs. a rehab challenge is intimidating with my very limited ability, knowledge and time. The bag is not in my possession - the photos are from the seller. Same bag - different lighting and background. 
Any input from those who have gone before me? Should this be my "Run Forrest, run" moment?? Thanks!!
Any input from those who have gone before me? Should this be my "Run Forrest, run" moment?? Thanks!!
Yes. Search here for 'nubuc' and 'devil'
Wow - I'm running.....Yes. Search here for 'nubuc' and 'devil'
Thank you so much @Lake Effect. If you experienced ladies avoid those bags, I certainly need to as well! Sadly, that poor bag might not get rescued.