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

[docride]

Hi Docride, I stumbled upon your threads today about leather care and treatments and am just amazed at your wealth of knowledge! I got this beautiful vintage black box Kelly and while there are no cracks on the leather, the overall bag looks very good, there’re these wrinkles on the side (as if the bag has been pressed down on this area if you know what I mean) - I attached some close up photos here. It looks worse on close up under strong direct lighting than it is in reality or when worn on the arm.

My question is: is there anything I can do to lessen the look of these wrinkles? Are they inevitable or is it because someone has actually mistreated this bag in the past which caused the wrinkles?

Thanks so much in advance!!!

Hello , so sorry I missed your post ! Looks like you have a vintage bag with which has had gotten to the stage of dryness at some point . the wrinkles and the non smooth appearance of the leather are going to remain though you might get “some “ improvement in the over all appearance with spa.
If the bag is in otherwise sturdy condition I charge you with the question… is this the look you are going for ? If it’s not I would say keep looking rather than trying and hoping to get this bag to look less vintage.
I hope that helps ?
All the best doc

 

[Cle832]

Hi Doc! One of my good friends recommended I post my question on this thread. I hope I am doing this correctly as I am new to PurseForum. I am looking to buy a vintage Hermes box leather 23 Constance. There are a few scratches on the box leather, a small area that looks brown…possibly the leather has been worn, a few nicks or scrapes to the glazing. Also the seller noted the leather strap is slightly faded. The buckles has many scratches. This will be my first Hermes purchase ever and am hoping you can chime in with your expertise is Hermes spa can help with these areas of concern…. Also to note I have never even stepped foot into an Hermes boutique but have loved their vintage pieces. So basically I am a bit clueless. Can you please provide your opinion on what you think of this bag and these wear and tear? Thank you.

 

[Cle832]

Also here is an example of some of the scratches here and there. Would spa help it blend in better?

 

[Cle832]

Also does the strap look like there are cracks near along the stitching? Would spa/conditioning help or will it just get worse over time?

 

[docride]

Hi Doc! One of my good friends recommended I post my question on this thread. I hope I am doing this correctly as I am new to PurseForum. I am looking to buy a vintage Hermes box leather 23 Constance. There are a few scratches on the box leather, a small area that looks brown…possibly the leather has been worn, a few nicks or scrapes to the glazing. Also the seller noted the leather strap is slightly faded. The buckles has many scratches. This will be my first Hermes purchase ever and am hoping you can chime in with your expertise is Hermes spa can help with these areas of concern…. Also to note I have never even stepped foot into an Hermes boutique but have loved their vintage pieces. So basically I am a bit clueless. Can you please provide your opinion on what you think of this bag and these wear and tear? Thank you.

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Hello there !
A vintage Constance what a great classic to add to your collection. Looks like these are areas which can be made to look better with spa
All the best ,doc

 

[docride]

Also does the strap look like there are cracks near along the stitching? Would spa/conditioning help or will it just get worse over time?

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Hey again, are these cracks ? “Possibly” you have some tiny cracks or color loss from /around the awl punch holes which are then sewn through. However I’m not seeing anything majorly scary of great concern. Some conditioning can often help, as well as bit of pigment to help disguise the colorloss . The over all condition of the leather is the best indicator of wether to expect things of get much worse quickly or if it’s relatively stable. Show me the whole bag … and tell me how does the leather look and feel ?
All the best doc

 

[Rllersk8!skinny]

Hi Docride! I have been on the hunt for a previously loved Hermes Kelly with some character. I tend to gravitate towards the natural leathers as I love the story they tell with their marks and patina. I'm relatively new to Hermes in general and the Kelly bag specifically so I'm trying to learn as much as possible about the different leathers. I have been eyeing a Kelly that I believe is vache natural and does have some wear. I don't mind the imperfections (I actually love them!) but just wanted to make sure that it didn't appear there were any major issues/soon to be issues. Thank you so much in advance. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help and expertise (I've been reading through all your posts and everything is so helpful!) And sorry about the picture quality as the picture were sent to me in a strange format.

 

[docride]

Hi Docride! I have been on the hunt for a previously loved Hermes Kelly with some character. I tend to gravitate towards the natural leathers as I love the story they tell with their marks and patina. I'm relatively new to Hermes in general and the Kelly bag specifically so I'm trying to learn as much as possible about the different leathers. I have been eyeing a Kelly that I believe is vache natural and does have some wear. I don't mind the imperfections (I actually love them!) but just wanted to make sure that it didn't appear there were any major issues/soon to be issues. Thank you so much in advance. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help and expertise (I've been reading through all your posts and everything is so helpful!) And sorry about the picture quality as the picture were sent to me in a strange format.

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Hey there ! Goodness I’m sorry I missed your post ! This looks like it’s not vache natural maybe it’s ; Charmonix in natural color or box napal in natural leather ?
If I might know the date stamp that could help .. over all it looks sturdy from here.
Make sure you have it authenticated , especially if there is no return policy in place. All the best !
Doc

 

[Rllersk8!skinny]

Hey there ! Goodness I’m sorry I missed your post ! This looks like it’s not vache natural maybe it’s ; Charmonix in natural color or box napal in natural leather ?
If I might know the date stamp that could help .. over all it looks sturdy from here.
Make sure you have it authenticated , especially if there is no return policy in place. All the best !
Doc

No apologies necessary! I am so appreciate of your time and expertise!! Do you mind if I send along a few other pictures as I am curious to your thoughts on the leather? Thank you again!

 

[Nataliec1]

Hi Doc! First time posting so I apologize in advance if I do something wrong! I recently bought a 1986 black box Kelly 28. I made sure there were no cracks and for the most part it’s beautiful, but it does have dryness on the sangles and along the back where it creases when it opens. I know this won’t ever go away, but do you think it should be sent to the spa right away? I conditioned it with Cadillac conditioner which did not do much. The sides are also dry, but for the most part the front, back and handles feel smooth & beautiful. I’ll let it alone for a while unless you feel this needs spa treatment ASAP or will get worse. Do you see any red flags or major concerns with it? Thanks for your advice!

 

[docride]

No apologies necessary! I am so appreciate of your time and expertise!! Do you mind if I send along a few other pictures as I am curious to your thoughts on the leather? Thank you again!

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Hey this beautiful! Looks like it is indeed vache natural leather . What a fabulous find!
Congratulations!
Sincerely , Doc

 

[docride]

Hi Doc! First time posting so I apologize in advance if I do something wrong! I recently bought a 1986 black box Kelly 28. I made sure there were no cracks and for the most part it’s beautiful, but it does have dryness on the sangles and along the back where it creases when it opens. I know this won’t ever go away, but do you think it should be sent to the spa right away? I conditioned it with Cadillac conditioner which did not do much. The sides are also dry, but for the most part the front, back and handles feel smooth & beautiful. I’ll let it alone for a while unless you feel this needs spa treatment ASAP or will get worse. Do you see any red flags or major concerns with it? Thanks for your advice!
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Hi there !
What a beautiful Bbk28! It does look like at some point it was allowed to become dry I agree. If you tried some conditioning but it didn’t seem to do anything (only if zero improvement) then perhaps it has some after market coating on it ? If so , I’d bring it to spa to get your bag checked just to be sure.
However, if you got some improvement with your home spa conditioning and it does not feel in danger of cracking then why not enjoy your bag as is for now and send to spa next spring ?
All the best ,doc

 

[teepeechu]

Good morning Docride,

I recently my purchased this chevre birkin. The only blemish is this tear/lift in the leather. Do you have a recommendation for what I could use to prevent the leather lifting and damaging further? Thank you in advance for any advice.

 

[Nataliec1]

Hi there !
What a beautiful Bbk28! It does look like at some point it was allowed to become dry I agree. If you tried some conditioning but it didn’t seem to do anything (only if zero improvement) then perhaps it has some after market coating on it ? If so , I’d bring it to spa to get your bag checked just to be sure.
However, if you got some improvement with your home spa conditioning and it does not feel in danger of cracking then why not enjoy your bag as is for now and send to spa next spring ?
All the best ,doc

Thank you, Doc! I have a vintage B35 that’s been at the spa since January and is due back any day, so when it comes in I’ll drop this one off while I pick that one up. I appreciate your help!

 

[chistmas07]

Hi Doc.
I just purchase this Hermes Birkin HAC 28 togo gold bag which is my dream bag. I really love this bag but the cracks on the handles and leather flaking on the side straps are my concerns. Without replace the handles, I'm thinking of asking the spa to seal the cracks then use the twillies. If I do that, how long the handles will last until it will fall apart? should I keep or return the bag? Please share your opinions.