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

[1Shianty]

Hi Doc

I am starting my very own Hermes journey and thinking to buy two vintage Hermes bags. A Box Constance 23 and Box Kelly 28 which both have scratches, leather splits, missing strap for the Kelly and etc. I have been searching for information and opinions in TPF and found this trail. Greatly appreciate if you can give me an advice or two whether I should buy them or not. TIA.

Here are pictures of the Constance:

 

[1Shianty]

Kelly 28:

 

[1Shianty]

More pictures of the Kelly from the seller:

 

[Muffin_Top]

Hi Doc !
There is currently a Nouméa I could purchase for a veeeery low price.
It seems to have been against all odds ^^
To my eye the leather looks on good condition except its color, which seems to have been originally a beige like it remains under the closure.
In your opinion:
- might the H spa save such a desperate item ?
- should I rather go to a specialized cobbler who will color it black, maybe navy or forest green
- should I rather give up ?

Thank you !

 

[lil_twin_stars]

Hi Doc!
I am thinking to get a pre-loved Lindy in Ultra-violet or Raisin color (coz I love purple!) however, there’s a patch of discoloration at the back of the bag where the Lindy folds, and also all 4 corners.
Can you advise if such discolorations can be restored by H spa?

And in your opinion, is the purple color hard to care for, ie. easily discolored? Coz I saw a few listings for ultra-violet Lindy, but all have discolorations despite being less than 10-year-old bags.

 

[hpryohwa]

Hey there
Water damage usually leaves blister effects and texture issues...not sure I see pinholes maybe send me more close up photos ? As to the over all condition how does the bag feel? Is it silky smooth?
the finish looks a bit rumpled as opposed to smooth which is typical of a vintage box calf bag which has not been upkept with proper spa services over long periods of time. Is this the effect of someone we’re to paint a bag? Um not if I did it lol
Looks rather like “some” color touch may have been done but the whole bag? I’m not sure about that. Sometimes a shop will spray a bag with a spray shine product which might look a bit bubbled upon close inspection ? So if it’s a bit of proper color touch up a pro can remove it and redo it properly? If you would care for more detailed scrutiny send additional photos . Things I like about this Kelly is it appears to be in decent shape considering and it could be made to look better in the right restorer’s hands.
All the best doc

OH MY GOSH!!! So I finally got around to start cleaning this bag today and so much black pigment came out! Then I started seeing the side fold leather showing grey cracks! Is it possible that I might have cleaned & buffed too harshly or just previous color touch up being lifted off? How do I restore the color back?

I used Saphir RenoMat (had to use quite a bit - picture of the rag below), then a very thin layer of Saphir Nappa followed by Saphir Universal Cream Polish (probably 5x) using combination of cotton cloth & horsehair brush. Perhaps Nappa wasn't necessary, but the leather looked so dry - in fact, it still feels/look dry. When do I know the leather is well hydrated?

I've also attached the other side of the bag that has not been cleaned yet. Now I see the shiny bottom part is from previous color/waxing treatment of some sort. I'm not sure if I should move on to cleaning rest of the bag using the same method... perhaps this was too much of a project to handle by myself. Any advice would be very greatly appreciated!

 

[pfsy]

Hi Doc, I love the aged look of my Box Lydie bag, but is there something I can do to "repair" or prevent the leather cracks from getting worse? Thank you!

 

[docride]

Hi Doc, I love the aged look of my Box Lydie bag, but is there something I can do to "repair" or prevent the leather cracks from getting worse? Thank you!

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What a cool bag oops err hello there!
Well a trust professional restorer could do wonders with this bag with addressing the cracks but I’m thinking you want to attempt a home restoration? If so you will want to condition to prevent it getting worse crack stability could be addressed with some crack stabilizers but they sent for the faint hearted abd can make a big mess espionage a bend like you have there.
Suffice to say conditioning time is where I’d start ...
try to use a nice lighter weight lotion type conditioner rather than a thicker waxy it’s grease one to start. Maybe some meltonian all purpose to start ?
come on back when you’ve gotten that done and we’ll see what else is in order?
How’s that sound?
ok then !
Good luck and I’ll be waiting to see and hear how it’s coming along
All the best doc

 

[docride]

OH MY GOSH!!! So I finally got around to start cleaning this bag today and so much black pigment came out! Then I started seeing the side fold leather showing grey cracks! Is it possible that I might have cleaned & buffed too harshly or just previous color touch up being lifted off? How do I restore the color back?

I used Saphir RenoMat (had to use quite a bit - picture of the rag below), then a very thin layer of Saphir Nappa followed by Saphir Universal Cream Polish (probably 5x) using combination of cotton cloth & horsehair brush. Perhaps Nappa wasn't necessary, but the leather looked so dry - in fact, it still feels/look dry. When do I know the leather is well hydrated?

I've also attached the other side of the bag that has not been cleaned yet. Now I see the shiny bottom part is from previous color/waxing treatment of some sort. I'm not sure if I should move on to cleaning rest of the bag using the same method... perhaps this was too much of a project to handle by myself. Any advice would be very greatly appreciated!

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Whoa !
whoa whoa Nhelly!
Saphir Reno Mat is like for removing old finish and polish off. Probably over kill but in moderation should have been ok ..(.I would actually have avoided this so folks I’m not recommending this ) im
Thinking it’s a bit much on your beautiful bag
Then adding in saphir for Napa (for naked oil tanned leather ) is way too greasy oily abd causes break down of the finish .
Please stop adding conditioner now you’re killing your bag with intended kindness.
let the bag rest for the week don’t muck with it ...
Send me additional photos and we’ll see where you are with this lovely bag ..,ok?
Let all those conditioners migrate and settle for now ... and reassess next week .
it will be ok .... im
Not mad with you nor scolding you ... you’ve worked very hard to help this bag ... so good however things are heading in the wrong direction so best to stop before adding more ingredients in to this soup which may already be over flowing the pot ( smiles)
How’s that for now? Ok?
feel free to message me with additional photos if you’re not feeling comfy here. Dont worry this bag will be great!
Very big hugs
Doc

 

[docride]

Hi doc,

I got some stike water stain on my Negonda calfskin garden party bag. Hermes currently don't take repair orders in Texas. Can I do something about it at home? Maybe apply little water, rub it and apply light leather conditioner on it to remove the white water stain marks?

Hey there
Can you post a photo ? I would not add more water and I would not seal the water in with conditioner. Let’s see what’s happening first ok?
all the best doc

 

[pfsy]

What a cool bag oops err hello there!
Well a trust professional restorer could do wonders with this bag with addressing the cracks but I’m thinking you want to attempt a home restoration? If so you will want to condition to prevent it getting worse crack stability could be addressed with some crack stabilizers but they sent for the faint hearted abd can make a big mess espionage a bend like you have there.
Suffice to say conditioning time is where I’d start ...
try to use a nice lighter weight lotion type conditioner rather than a thicker waxy it’s grease one to start. Maybe some meltonian all purpose to start ?
come on back when you’ve gotten that done and we’ll see what else is in order?
How’s that sound?
ok then !
Good luck and I’ll be waiting to see and hear how it’s coming along
All the best doc

Thanks so much for the detailed reply docride!

I've inquired with 5 bag restore places here in my country, but they're saying that they can't do anything about the cracks.

1 person said he will use leather cement but recolor the whole bag. I really don't want to recolor the bag though

What do you think I should say? Just maybe tell them to condition the cracks and use crack stabilizer? I'm not sure why they're telling me that they can't do anything about the cracks

 

[ryukafroo]

Hi Docride!
I’m sorry if a similar question has already been posted .... I am considering an etoupe jypsiere in clemence leather but I do wear a lot of jeans (more Middle blues and dark denims as opposed to light wash). Do you think there might be color transfer ? If so, anything I can do to prevent this or something I can do to treat the color transfer should it happen?
Thanks so much for your advice !

 

[docride]

Hi Doc

I am starting my very own Hermes journey and thinking to buy two vintage Hermes bags. A Box Constance 23 and Box Kelly 28 which both have scratches, leather splits, missing strap for the Kelly and etc. I have been searching for information and opinions in TPF and found this trail. Greatly appreciate if you can give me an advice or two whether I should buy them or not. TIA.

Here are pictures of the Constance:View attachment 4790793View attachment 4790794View attachment 4790795View attachment 4790796View attachment 4790797View attachment 4790798View attachment 4790799

Hi There,
A classic constance ... is a wonderful Iconic bag to aquire, I want you to get the best bag for your budget. I wish I could get a a full front and full back photo... are you choosing between these two bags or wanting them both? Im not quite sure. Some light scratches don't worry me in particular. The cracking strap ... might be a problem but evaluate the other side as well its two pieces of leather stitched together.
I'll check back
doc

 

[docride]

Hi Docride!
I’m sorry if a similar question has already been posted .... I am considering an etoupe jypsiere in clemence leather but I do wear a lot of jeans (more Middle blues and dark denims as opposed to light wash). Do you think there might be color transfer ? If so, anything I can do to prevent this or something I can do to treat the color transfer should it happen?
Thanks so much for your advice !

Well hey there,
Yes you bet you can sure get color transfer from your jeans to your lighter colored bags. Actually wash your jeans in a vinegar wash can set the dye and help keep the color transfer from happening in the first place. And You can apply protection lotion to your bag to help keep the leather fro absorbing the dye transfer and you can get some leather wipes to have on hand when it occurs to quickly remove the dye transfer. Enjoy your beautiful bag with confidence!
I hope this helps?
Hugs,doc

 

[docride]

Thanks so much for the detailed reply docride!

I've inquired with 5 bag restore places here in my country, but they're saying that they can't do anything about the cracks.

1 person said he will use leather cement but recolor the whole bag. I really don't want to recolor the bag though

What do you think I should say? Just maybe tell them to condition the cracks and use crack stabilizer? I'm not sure why they're telling me that they can't do anything about the cracks

Hello, Oh dear, leather cement? Full on recolor? That doesn't sound good. Is the leather dry rotted? Your restorers have examined the leather? dont despair yet....
Message me...
xo doc