Docride's Hermes vintage bag nightmares & Hermes leather care

[docride]

Thanks docride!
So the rippled effect (that I interpreted as dryness as strain) is because the leather has shrunk below the finish right? So even if the leather was conditioned the finish will still look rippled (I think I read it in one of your posts but can't find the post)
The handle looks alright but the D ring part on both sides has a little white tear (middle left and bottom left):

and the price is about 5k USD, do you think it's OK for the price point or should I keep hunting? TIA!

Hi again, Pretty decent price for an over all nicely presenting Kelly
The tears aren't a great thing make sure you apply some crack stabilizer or leather mender and condition the bag well
Also don't carry gold bars inside as it will put too much stress on it
Additionally the cut way that some wear the Kelly with it opened up the flap and straps swinging
Would not be kind fir this bag as that places additional stress on the handle bases
Ok?
Good luck [emoji106][emoji304]
Doc

 

[redbellybutton]

Hello there!
I am interested in this Trim II - the color in the togo leather is my dream! http://www.ebay.com/itm/100-Authent...lue-Togo-France-Vintage-V07925-/332221091443?
But, as you see it's condition is of concern to me. It seems to be very dirty - is there a way to clean this? Also, there seems to be some significant color loss on the corners and around the edges. I'd love your expert thoughts on this bag! My instincts say pass but my heart says invest I really appreciate your time. Thanks!!

 

[docride]

Hello there!
I am interested in this Trim II - the color in the togo leather is my dream! http://www.ebay.com/itm/100-Authent...lue-Togo-France-Vintage-V07925-/332221091443?
But, as you see it's condition is of concern to me. It seems to be very dirty - is there a way to clean this? Also, there seems to be some significant color loss on the corners and around the edges. I'd love your expert thoughts on this bag! My instincts say pass but my heart says invest I really appreciate your time. Thanks!!

Hey there!
Well it is fabulous and the price is very reasonable
I don't think it's going to simply clean off and look perfect. It will need color restoration to look the most improved
A trusted professional restorer should be able to handle taking care of this bags restoration
The question being do you want to invest 350 to 450 in restoring this bag?

All the best doc

 

[redbellybutton]

Hey there!
Well it is fabulous and the price is very reasonable
I don't think it's going to simply clean off and look perfect. It will need color restoration to look the most improved
A trusted professional restorer should be able to handle taking care of this bags restoration
The question being do you want to invest 350 to 450 in restoring this bag?

All the best doc

Thank you so much for providing your expert advice! I can't tell you how much I appreciate your time and knowledge. Your analysis is exactly what the logical side of my brain has been saying. I think I'm going to skip this for now. There are a few other Trim II's in this color out there (in guilliver and Couchevel) both in much better shape. The guilliver bag has some odor issues so I'm off to find just the right product on ebay to help with that. Again, thanks so much for your help!

 

[Angelalaaa]

Hi again, Pretty decent price for an over all nicely presenting Kelly
The tears aren't a great thing make sure you apply some crack stabilizer or leather mender and condition the bag well
Also don't carry gold bars inside as it will put too much stress on it
Additionally the cut way that some wear the Kelly with it opened up the flap and straps swinging
Would not be kind fir this bag as that places additional stress on the handle bases
Ok?
Good luck [emoji106][emoji304]
Doc

Thank you so much doc! Last questions, despite the rippled effect, the leather will still develop a nice patina with use right? Would the patina look different because of the ripples?

 

[docride]

Thank you so much for providing your expert advice! I can't tell you how much I appreciate your time and knowledge. Your analysis is exactly what the logical side of my brain has been saying. I think I'm going to skip this for now. There are a few other Trim II's in this color out there (in guilliver and Couchevel) both in much better shape. The guilliver bag has some odor issues so I'm off to find just the right product on ebay to help with that. Again, thanks so much for your help!

Hi again
Glad to be of some help [emoji106][emoji3] we'll all be rooting for you to find your happy place bag [emoji322][emoji304]
Hugs doc

 

[docride]

Thank you so much doc! Last questions, despite the rippled effect, the leather will still develop a nice patina with use right? Would the patina look different because of the ripples?

The fine surface effect is really pretty common on vintage box calf . You can bring up a lovely shine and build upon its patina . It's a beautiful bag , I was scrutinizing because you asked me to, enjoy !
Best regards, doc

 

[Angelalaaa]

The fine surface effect is really pretty common on vintage box calf . You can bring up a lovely shine and build upon its patina . It's a beautiful bag , I was scrutinizing because you asked me to, enjoy !
Best regards, doc

Thank you so much doc! I am so grateful that there is someone like you who is so knowledgeable and generous to share that knowledge with others! I am going to get it authenticated and then purchase it!

 

[SeeingRed]

Doc, thank you for the advice on restoring the Plume that I was looking at, I passed on that bag.
I have purchased a vintage Balle de Golf in natural Ardeenes leather and I am awaiting it's arrival. From the photos it is in good condition with some rubbing at the edges and some darkness (dirt?) on the wear areas, especially the closure keeper. The bag is cute, and is in a size that I will use often, but it was the leather that caught my eye, such a beautiful and rich leather! I have read through this thread many times to determine the how and what to clean with, but my conclusion is that you are always finding better/safer products for us amateurs to use. When I was showing my horse (over 10 years ago), the trend was light leather show saddles, and if you oiled them they would darken, (I opted for a dark saddle). I understand that the lighter leathers will patina, but I do not want to unnecessarily darken the leather of the bag with product. My end goal is to have the bag spa'd, but until then what product can I use to clean/condition this bag? I do not want to do anything that would have it rejected by the Spa in the future. Any advice you can give would be appreciated! Please feel free to message me if needed. Thank you again for all you do for us DIY people!

 

[docride]

Doc, thank you for the advice on restoring the Plume that I was looking at, I passed on that bag.
I have purchased a vintage Balle de Golf in natural Ardeenes leather and I am awaiting it's arrival. From the photos it is in good condition with some rubbing at the edges and some darkness (dirt?) on the wear areas, especially the closure keeper. The bag is cute, and is in a size that I will use often, but it was the leather that caught my eye, such a beautiful and rich leather! I have read through this thread many times to determine the how and what to clean with, but my conclusion is that you are always finding better/safer products for us amateurs to use. When I was showing my horse (over 10 years ago), the trend was light leather show saddles, and if you oiled them they would darken, (I opted for a dark saddle). I understand that the lighter leathers will patina, but I do not want to unnecessarily darken the leather of the bag with product. My end goal is to have the bag spa'd, but until then what product can I use to clean/condition this bag? I do not want to do anything that would have it rejected by the Spa in the future. Any advice you can give would be appreciated! Please feel free to message me if needed. Thank you again for all you do for us DIY people!

Hello there
What color is your bag?
Can you show me a photo?
Thanks I'll check back
All the best doc

 

[docride]

Thank you so much doc! I am so grateful that there is someone like you who is so knowledgeable and generous to share that knowledge with others! I am going to get it authenticated and then purchase it!

[emoji4][emoji256]thank you & good luck
Doc

 

[SeeingRed]

Hello there
What color is your bag?
Can you show me a photo?
Thanks I'll check back
All the best doc

I have never poster photos before... Hope this works! Apologies for any errors in advance!

 

[Angelalaaa]

[emoji4][emoji256]thank you & good luck
Doc

Dear Doc
Unfortunately it didn't work out with the seller with shipping and when I asked if I could go buy the item when I visited Japan they didn't even want me to come go to their office to see the item first before I bought it because no one at the office could speak English, although I really just wanted to see the item in person beforehand since I was going to be in Japan anyways.
I have moved on with my hunt. Could I please have your opinion on this item please. To me the two straps looked a bit worn out, perhaps I could put some leather stabiliser on there, and touch up the colour then condition? What also concerned me was the little white dots all over the leather, especially the white looking smudge (http://brandvalue.jp/ebay/pimg/e23098/3.jpg) , do you think they could be mildew? Lastly, do you think the creases in the handle of the leather are serious and will need repair in the near future? Thank you again!
EDIT: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Auth-HERM...469932?hash=item2126e51c2c:g:mdAAAOSw8w1X8d0U Forgot the link!

 

[docride]

I have never poster photos before... Hope this works! Apologies for any errors in advance!

Oh that's lovely !what a nice bag ! I think it's veau gulliver from the photos but I'm not 100% on that
Definitely not Ardennes
That veau gulliver could be treated like a semifinished leather even though it's finished leather and you could well to stay with a light cleaner conditioner type product I would not use waxy or oily type products that could be a disaster
Google cleaner conditioner or spa kit for unfinished leather ok? Also good brands are meltonian (they're out of business though) saphir wooly Kelly and another which I'm not allowed to mention because it's my brand

All the best doc

 

[docride]

Dear Doc
Unfortunately it didn't work out with the seller with shipping and when I asked if I could go buy the item when I visited Japan they didn't even want me to come go to their office to see the item first before I bought it because no one at the office could speak English, although I really just wanted to see the item in person beforehand since I was going to be in Japan anyways.
I have moved on with my hunt. Could I please have your opinion on this item please. To me the two straps looked a bit worn out, perhaps I could put some leather stabiliser on there, and touch up the colour then condition? What also concerned me was the little white dots all over the leather, especially the white looking smudge (http://brandvalue.jp/ebay/pimg/e23098/3.jpg) , do you think they could be mildew? Lastly, do you think the creases in the handle of the leather are serious and will need repair in the near future? Thank you again!
EDIT: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Auth-HERM...469932?hash=item2126e51c2c:g:mdAAAOSw8w1X8d0U Forgot the link!

I think at that price you're getting a very nice looking Kelly
The handle looks like it has some cracks ? I did not see the white spots

Does the seller have a return policy?

Then you can see the bag in person

Maybe buy on eBay from a seller with a return policy to make sure you're going to love your bag

Just saying

I don't see anything from those photos that makes me really worried

Looks like small stuff and some light cracks are par for the course in a bag in this price range

You can go up on price you should get a bag without some cracks

If this is you price point go for it and use it

You can always sell it in the future and use the money to fund another Kelly right?

In the mean time you'll have a nice bag to use and enjoy

Seems like we can often times get so fixated on the idea of a hermes bag being our forever bag that we check them over like our new born baby counting fingers and toes so to speak

Like a boyfriend couldn't he be mr right now even if he's not mr right ? Eventually you'll find your prince

Same goes for a hermes bag
You can buy at a good price and the bag tends to hold its value pretty well so you can use it fir a year or two and sell it and what ever the price difference after sale you call cost of use
Then you can get another bag with what ever you saved up over that two years plus the same amount until you arrive at your forever bag
Right?

Hugs doc