Docride's Hermes vintage bag nightmares & Hermes leather care

[ashlie]

Hi ladies. I'm wondering about a bag I've been eyeing. If I got it spa'd would it improve the scuffing? And it this just aged box calf or cracking? Please let me know if I'm posting in the wrong thread. Thank you!!

 

[QuelleFromage]

Hi ladies. I'm wondering about a bag I've been eyeing. If I got it spa'd would it improve the scuffing? And it this just aged box calf or cracking? Please let me know if I'm posting in the wrong thread. Thank you!!View attachment 3478692View attachment 3478693View attachment 3478694

Hey Ashlie, I'm certainly no Doc, but I have this same bag (mine is 1980) and I don't see dryness per se in the bag. There may be some light cracking in the finish where the flap opens (not unusual) which is different to actual leather cracks, and the scuff looks like just a scuff. Are there threads missing at that corner? Hard to see.
Scuffs and scratches will blend in pretty well when you condition the bag and those small areas of color loss can be covered with a color cream (by you, or by H spa). I have a little concern that the resin may be splitting at those corners, which would require H treatment, however if you're planning on spa-ing it then that's ok. It is a gorgeous bag - mine is my favorite of all my bags - and there is something to be said for a less than perfect bag as it's easier to carry often.

I am sure Doc will weigh in with real expertise but that is my small two cents

 

[ashlie]

Hey Ashlie, I'm certainly no Doc, but I have this same bag (mine is 1980) and I don't see dryness per se in the bag. There may be some light cracking in the finish where the flap opens (not unusual) which is different to actual leather cracks, and the scuff looks like just a scuff. Are there threads missing at that corner? Hard to see.
Scuffs and scratches will blend in pretty well when you condition the bag and those small areas of color loss can be covered with a color cream (by you, or by H spa). I have a little concern that the resin may be splitting at those corners, which would require H treatment, however if you're planning on spa-ing it then that's ok. It is a gorgeous bag - mine is my favorite of all my bags - and there is something to be said for a less than perfect bag as it's easier to carry often.

I am sure Doc will weigh in with real expertise but that is my small two cents

Thank you so much for your reply!! The stitching seems to be quite tight. So luckily no breaking or loosening at the corners, just scuffing. I've been doing a lot of research on box and have seen some bad cracking that's why I wanted to make sure it wasn't the start of something really horrible. I will probably be getting it spa'd. I can't wait to hear doc's opinion but definitely already a lot more confident.

 

[kathydep]

Hi Doc! Not sure if you have discussed this already but how do you lessen the visibility of scratches in sombrero leather? Thanks!

 

[bagloverss]

Hello there, Its a lovely box calf leather in Rouge H color. Rouge H can vary quite a lot even on the same leather type from vat to vat and year to year... Some Rouge H is a lovely purple purple under tone and some has more brown undertone.... and some it somewhere in between and a very pure Oxblood or Burgundy.
Your bags are lovely, congratulations
All the best,doc

Hello, First off what leather is this? Is the top skin worn away? can you post a photo?
Do NOT use blackrock......
Please folks I don't use that product except for on vintage box calf or vache natural ....
I'll check back , All the best,doc

Hi Doc,
I really appreciate this! My bag is Tourillion Leather. Here are pics for your advice. You are so nice to help.

 

[Hermesmaniac]

I really need help to clean the back of my Herbag. I do not know if this is because rubbed to my jeans or just dirty in general. Please help me how to clean this canvas bag? I am so desperate and I am thinking to dye it black.

 

[docride]

Hi ladies. I'm wondering about a bag I've been eyeing. If I got it spa'd would it improve the scuffing? And it this just aged box calf or cracking? Please let me know if I'm posting in the wrong thread. Thank you!!View attachment 3478692View attachment 3478693View attachment 3478694

Hello, what a pretty Rough H Kelly, That's my favorite shade of this color... congratulations on a special find. The scuffs will be looking much better after some color work is done to the corners and buffed... the scuffs wont disappear completely but they'll look loads better and you most likely wont notice them after a good spa/restoration .
Good luck, doc

 

[docride]

Hi Doc,
I really appreciate this! My bag is Tourillion Leather. Here are pics for your advice. You are so nice to help.

Hello, its lovely, I would just use a light cleaner/conditioner or just a light cleaner... this leather type does not need a heavy waxy or greasey conditioner . You can use a lexol PH leather cleanser or other luxury leather cleansing wipe, and that's probably all I'd recommend .
All the best,doc

 

[docride]

Hi Doc! Not sure if you have discussed this already but how do you lessen the visibility of scratches in sombrero leather? Thanks!

Sombreo leather is going to get scratches like barenia does, you could use a cleanser/conditioner for unfinished leathers and that will help the scratches look a bit better.. always test a small hidden area to make sure you'll be happy with the results before working on whole panels. The very best product for this leather I know of I am not allowed by TPF to mention here...Im sorry...You could try a a lexol PH wipe and see if that helps.
All the best,doc

 

[docride]

I really need help to clean the back of my Herbag. I do not know if this is because rubbed to my jeans or just dirty in general. Please help me how to clean this canvas bag? I am so desperate and I am thinking to dye it black.

Hello, Im not handy with fabrics, you might try taking it to a good dry cleaner?
Good luck,doc

 

[docride]

x

Thanks so much, Doc. You're wonderful. I'll read about Charmonix. Have you ever touched that leather? Would you say it's not as soft as box?

Hello,
The best way that I know to describe charmonix leather is to compare it to box calf which it is like in all respects except for its finish which is matte where as the later (box calf ) is shiny. I hope this helps?
All the best,doc

 

[docride]

Hi doc, just wondering if the leather strap on the herbag can be repaired. Can you please advise on what product to use here?

Also, if there's a stain on the toilet, can that be cleaned? Thanks!!!

Hello,
This is an unfinished or semi finished leather strap, so its going to gain patina/color/marks similar to the leather used on Louis Vuitton handles once stained there isn't the option of doing color work to cover the stain.... so while im not sure if this is a stain or a missing top skin or cut im looking at in the photo...? If its a cut or missing top skin you'll will not be able to fix it to look like the surrounding leather, if its a stain or something sitting on top of the leather you might try cleaning with a Lexol PH wipe or other Leather care cleansing wipe for unfinished leather... or just a water damp wash cloth and go over the whole strap a few times and try to make it look a bit more uniform...
As for the fabric question I don't know fabrics so Id say take it to a good dry cleaner and see if they can help you . All the best,doc

 

[docride]

View attachment 3474562 View attachment 3474563 Hi Doc, I hope you are doing well. Would you take a peak at the two whitish marks on the CDC leather.
Is there something that can be put on them? Do you know why this would happen? Is is dry there???
Do you recommend putting anything on Chevre bags? I have heard they are fairly indestructible. Do you find
that to be true

Thanks so much for your assistance

Hello, I cant tell what im look at there, is that a bit of dirt or color loss? Try wiping it with a damp cloth and see if it changes... Chevre is wonderful I love it, it can get dry and crack is not taken care of I like a light non greasy,non waxy light lotion type conditioners for this leather ....Meltonian leather lotion works nicely on this skin.. Good luck,doc

 

[docride]

i really don't want to a full color restoration. woly cream or tarrago color dye won't cover the color missing on the back? color doesn't have to be a perfect match, since it's on the back and don't think anyone will see the difference in the color. if not, i may have to pass up on this bag… please let me know. thank you doc!

Hello, doing a color restoration with a color dye or colored finish is whats needed to get a good result, if you only want to do a panel that's up to you of course, I would not use colored shoe polish as it can slip off and get on clothes and hands etc... stick with leather dye instead. Good luck,doc

 

[ashlie]

Hello, what a pretty Rough H Kelly, That's my favorite shade of this color... congratulations on a special find. The scuffs will be looking much better after some color work is done to the corners and buffed... the scuffs wont disappear completely but they'll look loads better and you most likely wont notice them after a good spa/restoration .
Good luck, doc

Thank you so much for your reply!! I'm still waiting on the authentication, but I seem to have just been skipped. I'll probably go to a private authenticator because I don't want to lose the bag. Thank you so much again for your input I really appreciate it!!!