Friend's mom passed away and left behind a Birkin, what to do?

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otaythx

otaythx

Member
Jan 27, 2019
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#1
My friend's mom passed away, and when clearing out her stuff he found a Birkin that was (very unfortunately) crushed underneath some boxes. He has no idea if this is real or fake, and asked me for advice...however, I've always been mostly a Chanel gal so I am a total newbie to H.

We are based in NYC, so I was wondering if you all had any tips on authenticating, selling, and how much you think a Birkin with structural damage is worth (if it is real). It did not come with any box, dust bag, or receipt. I suggested maybe he should make an appointment at Fashionphile to get it evaluated and maybe get an offer. And if it is real, should he maybe also consider getting the structure repaired (could this be done at an H store? Or leather surgeons?). Hermes experts: let me know what you guys think would be the best course of action. Thanks, just trying to help a friend out!

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#2
Take it or send pics to a paid for authentication service.

Even if a reseller like Fashionphile give you a quote it won't be cast iron proof the bag is authentic.

If you take the bag to H for a spa and it turns out to be fake, they will destroy the bag.
If you take the bag somewhere else for treatment, H could refuse to ever work on the bag again.
 
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#3
If keeping is an option: have it authenticated by Bababebi (she is also a member here). She authenticates for Christie's, but also private individuals. She was always fast, super professional and helpful. Well, your friend can also pay for her service with the intention to sell.

What you mean with structural damage is probably the slouching (more pics would help): that happens at some point with extended use. The (new) owner can simply put a bag insert to make it stand up again. Hermès spa can't make the leather structured again. Once it's soft, it stays that way and only gets softer. And second that with using only Hermes Spa. Using a third party will reduce the resale value.
 
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#4
Or save yourself the authentication fee and use your knowledge of this family to assess the probability of it being real. Does it fit in any way with the family's finances, interest in fashion, lifestyle? If it's a resounding no, you can make the deduction. Only if it's yes or maybe would it be worth getting authentication.

An authentic Birkin doesn't just land in someone's random crush pile. I swear, Antiques Road Show has twisted people permanently to think everyone accidentally has a Faberge egg lying unappreciated in the attic.
 
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#5
CrackBerryCream said:
If keeping is an option: have it authenticated by Bababebi (she is also a member here). She authenticates for Christie's, but also private individuals. She was always fast, super professional and helpful. Well, your friend can also pay for her service with the intention to sell.

What you mean with structural damage is probably the slouching (more pics would help): that happens at some point with extended use. The (new) owner can simply put a bag insert to make it stand up again. Hermès spa can't make the leather structured again. Once it's soft, it stays that way and only gets softer. And second that with using only Hermes Spa. Using a third party will reduce the resale value.
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Thanks, I will suggest Bababebi to him! Yes, my friend said the bag doesn't stand up, but you're probably right that the leather might have just softened. I'll see if I can get him to send me more photos.

jellyv said:
Or save yourself the authentication fee and use your knowledge of this family to assess the probability of it being real. Does it fit in any way with the family's finances, interest in fashion, lifestyle? If it's a resounding no, you can make the deduction. Only if it's yes or maybe would it be worth getting authentication.

An authentic Birkin doesn't just land in someone's random crush pile. I swear, Antiques Road Show has twisted people permanently to think everyone accidentally has a Faberge egg lying unappreciated in the attic.
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While I do have some doubts on how the bag ended up crushed under boxes, I am again not very knowledgeable about H, and just want to help point my friend to the right resources so he can make an informed decision.
 
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#7
Think maybe asking an Hermes boutique if they can pull up their purchase history, I'm sure there's privacy laws, but suppose that there is in fact a death certificate the individual may be able to ask. Just throwing it out there, sorry for their loss.
 
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