Docride's Hermes Lazarus Thread (can this Hermes be Saved? )

[docride]

This is a vintage drag bag in navy, but the top looks quite heavily cracked…. Salvageable or not?

View attachment 6135021

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The surface finish looks quite buckled is the leather below cracking also? If not perhaps a few conditioning rounds could help keeping it from getting worse. However it’s hard to judge leathers actual condition from just a photograph. If the leather has gotten to the point of cracking / dry rot or flaking off I would avoid this bag. If there was no return policy I would avoid as well. Does the rest of the bag look good? . Check any areas where there are bends to the design. Also check are areas of articulation. Make sure the aforementioned areas are free from cracks or tears .
All the best , docride

 

[Gin&H]

Hi there ,
How does it feel to? Is it very stiff ?
If it feels supple and the strap isn’t cracking deeply and the bag really doesn’t have any functionality issues ….
Then I’d condition the bag and then I’d just enjoy the bag .
All the best, doc

Hi @docride! I just bought on eBay (thankfully returns are accepted just in case). Will update if leather still feels supple and if not, will see if it’s salvageable/worth it to keep. Thank you!

 

[annapurse]

The surface finish looks quite buckled is the leather below cracking also? If not perhaps a few conditioning rounds could help keeping it from getting worse. However it’s hard to judge leathers actual condition from just a photograph. If the leather has gotten to the point of cracking / dry rot or flaking off I would avoid this bag. If there was no return policy I would avoid as well. Does the rest of the bag look good? . Check any areas where there are bends to the design. Also check are areas of articulation. Make sure the aforementioned areas are free from cracks or tears .
All the best , docride

Thank you so much! Decided to pass as not returnable and the cracks looked deeeeeeeep

 

[starryidsurprise]

Hi @docride, love your leather expertise! Was wondering if you have any thoughts about the ability to get this discoloration out?

The seller disclosed that they dropped something food-related (not oily) on their bag and tried to clean it with warm water and soap, resulting in this discoloration. I’ve heard mixed experiences with Hermes spa getting stains out, and that epsom leather is particularly difficult.

Would love to know your expert thoughts, thank you!

 

[annaria]

Hi Doc

It is my dream to have a Box Plume. This bag is very much loved, but in good form.

Do you think the color can be restored where it has rubbed off?

Overall the leather appears dry in some areas as well, would you think?

Kind regards, and as always, thanks for your expertise.

 

[Charm]

View attachment 6140256

Hi Doc

It is my dream to have a Box Plume. This bag is very much loved, but in good form.

Do you think the color can be restored where it has rubbed off?

Overall the leather appears dry in some areas as well, would you think?

Kind regards, and as always, thanks for your expertise.

That's a very cool bag even as is.

 

[docride]

Would you please share what type of soft cloth you used? I'm wanting to start carrying one to have handy in case of a spill and always thought a fine microfiber was safe, so glad to learn it isn't! Thank you!

I like a white plain cotton wash cloth 👍

 

[docride]

View attachment 6140256

Hi Doc

It is my dream to have a Box Plume. This bag is very much loved, but in good form.

Do you think the color can be restored where it has rubbed off?

Overall the leather appears dry in some areas as well, would you think?

Kind regards, and as always, thanks for your expertise.

Yes the color can be restored in trusted hands . Do not let anyone spray it with color leather paint …
All the best
Doc

 

[docride]

Hi @docride, love your leather expertise! Was wondering if you have any thoughts about the ability to get this discoloration out?

The seller disclosed that they dropped something food-related (not oily) on their bag and tried to clean it with warm water and soap, resulting in this discoloration. I’ve heard mixed experiences with Hermes spa getting stains out, and that epsom leather is particularly difficult.

Would love to know your expert thoughts, thank you!

View attachment 6138744

It looks like the surface finish of the leather is rubbed off
And it would need color correction
However colored Epsom is often two toned with a different color tone on the top of the grains and a different tone on the rest of the leather
Therefore color correction never looks quite right especially in the middle of a panel
You ca. almost get away with it on corners but in the middle of a panel ? Yikes !
Not a great situation , most non Hermes restoration ships would record the whole bag so to have a uniform result , there by truly altering the look of the bag IMO .
I hope this helped
All the best
Doc

 

[RitaLA]

Hi there! Wondering how to smooth out this scratch on epsom (vert criquet). thank you for all your knowledge. Also what would be your recommendation to clean this leather. I purchased pre-owned and wanted to do a quick clean prior to scheduling a spa with leather surgeons. Thank you

 

[WhiteBus]

Hi there! Wondering how to smooth out this scratch on epsom (vert criquet). thank you for all your knowledge. Also what would be your recommendation to clean this leather. I purchased pre-owned and wanted to do a quick clean prior to scheduling a spa with leather surgeons. Thank you
View attachment 6149075

if you are going to send it for spa with anyone, let them do the best they can for you; don't compromise their efforts by a bit of diy first
attempting to 'smooth out a scratch' on epsom is not a task for the inexperienced

 

[RitaLA]

if you are going to send it for spa with anyone, let them do the best they can for you; don't compromise their efforts by a bit of diy first
attempting to 'smooth out a scratch' on epsom is not a task for the inexperienced

Thank you! I always go to leather surgeons.

 

[docride]

Hi there! Wondering how to smooth out this scratch on epsom (vert criquet). thank you for all your knowledge. Also what would be your recommendation to clean this leather. I purchased pre-owned and wanted to do a quick clean prior to scheduling a spa with leather surgeons. Thank you
View attachment 6149075

Hi I’d not treat it yourself before sending to the restoration shop.
What a pretty bag .

All the best doc

Leather care products by leather type

Thread 'Docride's Hermes leather care recommendations list no chatter'

Sep 18, 2017

Hello everyone
Because this will help me help you to help yourselves
I'm going to compile my recommendations for the care and upkeep of various Hermes leather and exotics skins
I ask that this will become a guide and sticky to help all everyone
so please no questions , posts or statements here
Thank you for your paitence as I work on this
My opinions are not the end all be all for leather upkeep of course and I will not name every product made (nor every product used by professionals)
This is being put together to help non professional folks make informed choices using easy to use...

• docride
• Replies: 24
• Forum: Hermès Reference Library

• 

 

[RitaLA]

Hi I’d not treat it yourself before sending to the restoration shop.
What a pretty bag .

All the best doc

Leather care products by leather type

Thread 'Docride's Hermes leather care recommendations list no chatter'

Sep 18, 2017

Hello everyone
Because this will help me help you to help yourselves
I'm going to compile my recommendations for the care and upkeep of various Hermes leather and exotics skins
I ask that this will become a guide and sticky to help all everyone
so please no questions , posts or statements here
Thank you for your paitence as I work on this
My opinions are not the end all be all for leather upkeep of course and I will not name every product made (nor every product used by professionals)
This is being put together to help non professional folks make informed choices using easy to use...

• docride
• Replies: 24
• Forum: Hermès Reference Library

• 

Thank you!! Already contacted Leather Surgeons. They always rescue my bags LOL. Thank you for your response. I appreciate it

 

[docride]

Thank you!! Already contacted Leather Surgeons. They always rescue my bags LOL. Thank you for your response. I appreciate it

Good luck 🍀