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

[docride]

Thank you so much!!! For $15 I can’t go wrong lol! I know nothing about dyeing- would it damage the Hermes stamp and lining? Do you think the Hermes spa could replace the bottom piece and fix it? I’ve contemplated everything, I’ve zero experience with Hermes and I’m embarrassed to go to a boutique and ask with such a shabby but cool bag haha!

I think if you wanted to have it dyed the results would be according to the skill of the restorer . And the stamp question also would be saved or obliterated Depending upon the technique and skill of the restorer ( it’s a crap shoot ) same answer for what would happen to the interior ,( that bag is suede interior no lining if I remember correctly?)
Would Hermes replace the bottom panel ? I’m not able to answer that , but I can say the whole bag would need to be taken apart to do so ( this wouldn’t be cheap) if they did agree to do it .
I think if you really wanted to restore the bag shop around and check prices, and decide if you think it’s worth it?
I hope this helps ?
All the best ,doc

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[lovely2008]

Hi Docride! Is it possible for a black clemence leather become discolor turn to dark reddish brown like the picture? Thanks!

 

[docride]

Hi Docride! Is it possible for a black clemence leather become discolor turn to dark reddish brown like the picture? Thanks!View attachment 5730302

Hi there,
Why yes, it’s possible.
May I ask is the whole bag uniformly this color ? What color is the bag under the flap ?
All the best doc

 

[janejane]

Hi, would it be a bad idea to purchase a vintage Kelly with heavy splitting on handle wax edges? Leather is Ardennes. Also, is a loose turn lock an issue that only Hermes spa can fix? TIA!

 

[docride]

Hi, would it be a bad idea to purchase a vintage Kelly with heavy splitting on handle wax edges? Leather is Ardennes. Also, is a loose turn lock an issue that only Hermes spa can fix? TIA!

Handle waxed edges can often be fixed, a loose turn lock can usually be replaced . Often a loose turnlock is still functional so it’s up to you .
So , that all said , the question is “is it a good idea to purchase the bag ?” Without knowing the other details and the price I can not answer your question .
So, you might want to add in the price of the repairs to the price of the bag and then look at other bags which are on offer in that same price range ? That’s always been a good equation in my book .
All the best ,doc

 

[janejane]

Handle waxed edges can often be fixed, a loose turn lock can usually be replaced . Often a loose turnlock is still functional so it’s up to you .
So , that all said , the question is “is it a good idea to purchase the bag ?” Without knowing the other details and the price I can not answer your question .
So, you might want to add in the price of the repairs to the price of the bag and then look at other bags which are on offer in that same price range ? That’s always been a good equation in my book .
All the best ,doc

Thanks doc. I think my answer to your question is no. I decided to shop around more until I found an Ardennes Kelly in near mint condition. I bought it and it should be arriving this weekend

 

[janejane]

Handle waxed edges can often be fixed, a loose turn lock can usually be replaced . Often a loose turnlock is still functional so it’s up to you .
So , that all said , the question is “is it a good idea to purchase the bag ?” Without knowing the other details and the price I can not answer your question .
So, you might want to add in the price of the repairs to the price of the bag and then look at other bags which are on offer in that same price range ? That’s always been a good equation in my book .
All the best ,doc

Hi doc- I saw an old post from a forum member saying they sent their vintage Ardennes Kelly to you for a spa to prevent color loss and dryness. Mine just came and it looks fine but is that something you recommend and do you have any info on that? Thanks!

 

[docride]

Thanks doc. I think my answer to your question is no. I decided to shop around more until I found an Ardennes Kelly in near mint condition. I bought it and it should be arriving this weekend

Awesomeness

 

[docride]

Hi doc- I saw an old post from a forum member saying they sent their vintage Ardennes Kelly to you for a spa to prevent color loss and dryness. Mine just came and it looks fine but is that something you recommend and do you have any info on that? Thanks!

Hi doc- I saw an old post from a forum member saying they sent their vintage Ardennes Kelly to you for a spa to prevent color loss and dryness. Mine just came and it looks fine but is that something you recommend and do you have any info on that? Thanks!

Hi there
I have some YouTube’s which can help answer some of your questions a link maybe found below my post . There is also a thread in the Hermes reference section which has leather specific care and upkeep information.
Hopefully these will help you ?
You are welcome to post photos of your bag and ask questions regarding its condo here also.
All the best doc .

 

[docride]

Hi doc- I saw an old post from a forum member saying they sent their vintage Ardennes Kelly to you for a spa to prevent color loss and dryness. Mine just came and it looks fine but is that something you recommend and do you have any info on that? Thanks!

Hi doc- I saw an old post from a forum member saying they sent their vintage Ardennes Kelly to you for a spa to prevent color loss and dryness. Mine just came and it looks fine but is that something you recommend and do you have any info on that? Thanks!

Hi I forgot to mention , yes I do recommend upkeep of your bag with home or professional spa services .
✅

 

[docride]

Awesomeness

 

[matchagrl]

Hi @docride, I've been reading through all your advice on box leather and have watched your videos, I am so thankful your content is out there helping us vintage lovers. I have just received my Kelly 32 sellier in box, but there were a few things the seller failed to put up in the description. My main concerns are below:

1) I have this tear on the side/back panel where the stitching is - do you think this can be fixed?
2) The handle has a lot of tears where the strap is joined to the leather.

I have 14 days to decide whether to return it if it will be too costly to repair. I already know that handle replacement can be quite expensive, but would love to know if you would return or keep?

 

[docride]

Hi @docride, I've been reading through all your advice on box leather and have watched your videos, I am so thankful your content is out there helping us vintage lovers. I have just received my Kelly 32 sellier in box, but there were a few things the seller failed to put up in the description. My main concerns are below:

1) I have this tear on the side/back panel where the stitching is - do you think this can be fixed?

2) The handle has a lot of tears where the strap is joined to the leather.

I have 14 days to decide whether to return it if it will be too costly to repair. I already know that handle replacement can be quite expensive, but would love to know if you would return or keep?

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Hi there ,
Thank you for stopping and visiting .
The tear out on the side panel to join with rear panel shows the leather has become brittle due to extreme dryness this area does not appear to be able to hold repair stitching.
The underside of the handle in this photo does not appear to be a tear but rather the skived edge of the leather lifting a bit . Shown with a single arrow in the photo.
The last photo of the underside of the handle where I added several arrows to show the damage …those look like what can happen when using a shoulder strap on a vintage and dry single D handle attachment system . Are the cuts/tears deep ?
I am concerned with the side tear out more than the handle in this case. If the leather has become too dry to hold stitches then repairs might not be possible.
It my opinion this bag has become too dry and is now tearing like cardboard. No amount of additional conditioning will heal this torn away leather ,or allow it to be stitched. I would return it and find a bag that either can be fixed / restored or a bag which doesn’t need to be repaired.
I hope this helps. Hugs for disappointment … never fear ,this means your special bag is still out there waiting for you to find .
Doc

 

[matchagrl]

Hi there ,
Thank you for stopping and visiting .
The tear out on the side panel to join with rear panel shows the leather has become brittle due to extreme dryness this area does not appear to be able to hold repair stitching.
The underside of the handle in this photo does not appear to be a tear but rather the skived edge of the leather lifting a bit . Shown with a single arrow in the photo.
The last photo of the underside of the handle where I added several arrows to show the damage …those look like what can happen when using a shoulder strap on a vintage and dry single D handle attachment system . Are the cuts/tears deep ?
I am concerned with the side tear out more than the handle in this case. If the leather has become too dry to hold stitches then repairs might not be possible.
It my opinion this bag has become too dry and is now tearing like cardboard. No amount of additional conditioning will heal this torn away leather ,or allow it to be stitched. I would return it and find a bag that either can be fixed / restored or a bag which doesn’t need to be repaired.
I hope this helps. Hugs for disappointment … never fear ,this means your special bag is still out there waiting for you to find .
Doc

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Hi Doc,

Thank you so much for your response, it has really reassured me of my decision to sadly return the item.

The handles are not cut too deep, and I do think it's more of a long term problem but nevertheless I know there are better items out in the marketplace for a price not too much higher than what I paid. FYI this cost me around $7.3K USD.

The seller was also saying that the tear was clearly in the listing on their site and IG but it obviously was not, otherwise I would not have purchased it.

Anyway, as my DH says, I have learnt a lot more about Hermes, and what I want for my forever piece. I really appreciate you Doc, I am so grateful for your advice and your help. Thank you!!!

 

[docride]

Hi Doc,

Thank you so much for your response, it has really reassured me of my decision to sadly return the item.

The handles are not cut too deep, and I do think it's more of a long term problem but nevertheless I know there are better items out in the marketplace for a price not too much higher than what I paid. FYI this cost me around $7.3K USD.

The seller was also saying that the tear was clearly in the listing on their site and IG but it obviously was not, otherwise I would not have purchased it.

Anyway, as my DH says, I have learnt a lot more about Hermes, and what I want for my forever piece. I really appreciate you Doc, I am so grateful for your advice and your help. Thank you!!!

Hugs
And happy hunting. You are welcome to come back with links of your next prospective Kelly before you buy and I’ll have a look for you . doc