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

[lovely2008]

Hello there
It will get more slouchy it might even be stuffed in the photos ask the seller
Cleaning and conditioning information can be found in the thread in the reference section on that topic
The darkness on the corners probably are not going to clean off probably it wear with color loss
Color restoration on dark areas with lighter colors can be difficult I’d say use a professional on that
The sheen ? I’d ask the seller it could be the photo lighting or it could be an after market shine spray or something else.
All the best
Doc

I've look at your leather care recommendations thread, but did not see anything on swift. Did you use a different term for this leather? Thanks!

 

[docride]

I've look at your leather care recommendations thread, but did not see anything on swift. Did you use a different term for this leather? Thanks!

It is a finished leather and I have repeated my information on Finished leathers ...
I have included swift on the top of the list to avoid worries and missing it.

Finished leathers have a colored or clear top coat on them so most all of the Hermes lathers you are familar with fall this catagory
semifinished leathers are in between and have a lighter top coat that sometimes wears away an example is Vache Natural
unfinished leathers are naked an example is barenia
Finished leathers have a colored or clear top coat on them so most all of the Hermes lathers you are familar with fall this catagory
semifinished leathers are in between and have a lighter top coat that sometimes wears away an example is Vache Natural
unfinished leathers are naked an example is barenia

 

[lovely2008]

It is a finished leather and I have repeated my information on Finished leathers ...
I have included swift on the top of the list to avoid worries and missing it.

Finished leathers have a colored or clear top coat on them so most all of the Hermes lathers you are familar with fall this catagory
semifinished leathers are in between and have a lighter top coat that sometimes wears away an example is Vache Natural
unfinished leathers are naked an example is barenia
Finished leathers have a colored or clear top coat on them so most all of the Hermes lathers you are familar with fall this catagory
semifinished leathers are in between and have a lighter top coat that sometimes wears away an example is Vache Natural
unfinished leathers are naked an example is barenia

Thanks again for the info!

 

[docride]

Thanks again for the info!

I’m sorry It really was not clear [emoji4] thank you for bring that to my attention

I will write something more in detail about swift in future

It important not to get crazy with conditioner on this already soft and oily leather type
It will only make the leather even more floopy
Ok?
Best doc

 

[buttonmushroom]

Hi again

I would follow the directions in the box because each product may have its own application specifics

Yes If you have applied wax or oils or have polish on the area you will want to remove it before applying touch up color


Do Always pretest any and all products in small hidden areas first

Apply color touch up discretely

Use only A tiny amount

Blend very well

Allow to cure

Repeat if needed

Do not apply anything over this area for a few days


Just for the record This thread is about can this Hermes bag be rescued not actually teaching you how to rescue it yourself

Although I did do a thread like that in the past I found I was repeating myself and folks don’t follow directions even when clearly written thank you for understanding .

The thing about reading directions is it does not give anyone actual skills

For this reason I recommend more difficult restorations be handled by the professionals .


Best of luck
Doc

Hi doc, thanks for your advice. Still haven't decided whether to just live with it or try touching up (have dyed a bag before but a cheaper one so definitely still nervous). But greatly appreciate your time to respond to my questions

 

[docride]

Hi doc, thanks for your advice. Still haven't decided whether to just live with it or try touching up (have dyed a bag before but a cheaper one so definitely still nervous). But greatly appreciate your time to respond to my questions

I personally would not have used the products you were keen on in this case
I think a little staining polish would probably do the trick and be easier
You did not show me the scratch in the context of photo of the whole bag like where it is and how much it shows
Some Lincoln black staining wax polish only on that area would most likely sort out the problem
Of course do not use staining wax polish all over the bag as it could slip and get on hands and clothes
But a tiny amount on a scratch should be fine.
Good luck
Doc

 

[Theodorang]

Hi doc, it’s me again! I just received my black Togo bolide 35 (from 2007) a few days ago and noticed a couple of issues. I would love to get your opinion on whether or not the flaws are fixable, as I’m deciding if I will keep the bag.

The first thing is that the leather tab of the zipper is torn a bit; I think that probably means I have to get it replaced, but do you think it would be expensive to do so at the Hermes spa?

I also found that some of the edge paint (not sure of the technical term for this, sorry) on one of the handles had worn away, leaving the edges of the leather exposed. Do you think it could be repainted?

Thank you for your help!

 

[docride]

Hi doc, it’s me again! I just received my black Togo bolide 35 (from 2007) a few days ago and noticed a couple of issues. I would love to get your opinion on whether or not the flaws are fixable, as I’m deciding if I will keep the bag.

The first thing is that the leather tab of the zipper is torn a bit; I think that probably means I have to get it replaced, but do you think it would be expensive to do so at the Hermes spa?

I also found that some of the edge paint (not sure of the technical term for this, sorry) on one of the handles had worn away, leaving the edges of the leather exposed. Do you think it could be repainted?

Thank you for your help!
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Hello there
The zipper pull doesn’t look like it’s in need of immediate repair. yes Hermes can replace it however,I can not quote you the cost of replacing it.
Yes the edges can be recolored and reburnished by Hermes I don’t know the cost though.
All the best doc

 

[belhomme]

Hey doc!! Thinking of buying this very used So Black(!!) Kelly which is exciting. Though it is a little bit used, I plan on still getting it because of the price and I was wondering what hermes could do for these damages. I know it being Box leather the superficial scratches in the front and corners can be redone but how about this tearing(?) of the leather in the back? In some lighting, as you can see from picture 3, it is not all that bad but in other lighting (picture 4), it looks pretty bad. The leather is still pretty moist and not rly dry thought he bag needs general conditioning.
In conclusion, I think the bag needs corner fix ups, general leather conditioning and clean, and a replacement in hardware. I plan on sending it to hermes spa. Do you see any other work that needs to be done? Moreover, what is the expected rate of condition, when compared to new, when it comes back?? Would it be a stretch to say 8/10 (if currently the bag is 5/10)? I've never salvaged an Hermes before, so I really don't know what to expect. Anyhow, thanks in advance for your reply! happy holidays!!

!

 

[Theodorang]

Hello there
The zipper pull doesn’t look like it’s in need of immediate repair. yes Hermes can replace it however,I can not quote you the cost of replacing it.
Yes the edges can be recolored and reburnished by Hermes I don’t know the cost though.
All the best doc

Hi doc, thanks for your advice! Since it doesn’t seem like they’re big issues, I’ve decided to keep the bag!

 

[docride]

Hi doc, thanks for your advice! Since it doesn’t seem like they’re big issues, I’ve decided to keep the bag!

Awesome ! Enjoy !
Hugs doc

 

[docride]

Hey doc!! Thinking of buying this very used So Black(!!) Kelly which is exciting. Though it is a little bit used, I plan on still getting it because of the price and I was wondering what hermes could do for these damages. I know it being Box leather the superficial scratches in the front and corners can be redone but how about this tearing(?) of the leather in the back? In some lighting, as you can see from picture 3, it is not all that bad but in other lighting (picture 4), it looks pretty bad. The leather is still pretty moist and not rly dry thought he bag needs general conditioning.
In conclusion, I think the bag needs corner fix ups, general leather conditioning and clean, and a replacement in hardware. I plan on sending it to hermes spa. Do you see any other work that needs to be done? Moreover, what is the expected rate of condition, when compared to new, when it comes back?? Would it be a stretch to say 8/10 (if currently the bag is 5/10)? I've never salvaged an Hermes before, so I really don't know what to expect. Anyhow, thanks in advance for your reply! happy holidays!!

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Hello there,
Great Questions.
Those scratches are NEVER going to go away from spa-ing a bag they can be made to look better with some color and polishing. I did not see tearing I see a little separation at the seam on the top flap edge which isn't a structural problem. Once box calf gets light surface scratches and the bag is buffed and polished and buffed some more those scratches will blend back into the patina, they will not be removed or magically be healed. Deeper scratches like cat scratches with disruption of the skin like puncture marks will be much harder to make look better.
So while there will be some improvement ( I'm not comfortable rating for you on a scale of 1-10 that's subjective) Its important to sort out how you feel about such marks on your bags and how they might reflect upon you and your sense of style and the bag. How formal will you need this bag to be for instance? Only you know these answers.
All the best,doc

 

[Kelly blossom]

Hello there,
Great Questions.
Those scratches are NEVER going to go away from spa-ing a bag they can be made to look better with some color and polishing. I did not see tearing I see a little separation at the seam on the top flap edge which isn't a structural problem. Once box calf gets light surface scratches and the bag is buffed and polished and buffed some more those scratches will blend back into the patina, they will not disapear or magically be healed. Deeper scratches like seen on the back with disruption of the skin like puncture marks will be much harder to make look better. So while there will be some improvement its important to sort out how you feel about such marks on your bags and how they might reflect upon you and your sense of style and the bag. How formal will you need this bag to be for instance? Only you know these answers.
All the best,doc

Hi Doc,

Thank you for all your invaluable support and answers!

I too have a SO Black K32, she’s been loved and is a little bit worse for wear (I didn’t find the box to be of the same quality as say my B35 from 2000). Needless to say I’ve followed all your instructions over the years and she is looking great leather wise, but I’m anxious to hear if you know they will replace the black hardware?

Sorry if you’ve answered this before, I was under the impression this was the one thing H was not able to do, in regards to this bag?

Warmly,
Prue

 

[belhomme]

Hello there,
Great Questions.
Those scratches are NEVER going to go away from spa-ing a bag they can be made to look better with some color and polishing. I did not see tearing I see a little separation at the seam on the top flap edge which isn't a structural problem. Once box calf gets light surface scratches and the bag is buffed and polished and buffed some more those scratches will blend back into the patina, they will not be removed or magically be healed. Deeper scratches like cat scratches with disruption of the skin like puncture marks will be much harder to make look better.
So while there will be some improvement ( I'm not comfortable rating for you on a scale of 1-10 that's subjective) Its important to sort out how you feel about such marks on your bags and how they might reflect upon you and your sense of style and the bag. How formal will you need this bag to be for instance? Only you know these answers.
All the best,doc

Thank you so much for you kind reply. The last remark you have made really sheds a new light in my decision making process of buying this bag! I really appreciate it and such is the reason why I keep on coming back to this forum

 

[Newbie88]

Hi Doc, could I ask if wrinkling on barenia leather is a sign that it's on the dry side and may need some kind of conditioning, or is this just the normal way that barenia ages over time? Thanks!!