Hermes Vintage Kelly - would you buy it?

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xsweetdreamx

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Nov 24, 2021
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Hi everyone,
I am hoping to get your opinion on finding my first Kelly bag. I found a Vintage one size 28, full set (no box), good condition with color retouch on the corners, courchevel leather, Rough H, year 2000 for about 8K before tax. Is this a fair price for a Vintage Kelly? Would you buy it? What are some pros and cons to consider? Thank you so much for your time and your help.

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The color retouch would concern me as you will likely not be able to take it to H for a spa treatment.
What does the inside look like? Is there a strap? Would you use the bag with a strap?
If so replacing that could be costly
Have you had the bag authenticated & what are the return terms from the reseller?
Thank you so much for responding so quickly. It does come with a strap, dust bags, rain jacket, key, lock, and cadena. I post more pictures below. I am also concerned about the color retouch as I know that will void Hermes spa care, but was thinking I can go with leather surgeon route if i really need it and if the price is fair for the condition. I was also planning to have it authenticated by bababebi and in the process of clarifying return policy with the seller from Japan, the listing is on eBay shows no return with eBay money back guaranteed but on the description itself says 30 days return accepted.

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I wouldn't buy a vintage bag in Courchevel, even though I like Courchevel a bit better than Epsom, because I do not love how it refurbishes; and personally I'd never buy a bag that's had third-party work unless it was an absolute steal. YMMV.
Thank you :) would you mind explain more about the refurbished part? Does it change the leather in a certain way? And what would consider a steal? Sorry I am fairly new to this vintage hunt ;( thank you for your guidance.
 
Thank you so much for responding so quickly. It does come with a strap, dust bags, rain jacket, key, lock, and cadena. I post more pictures below. I am also concerned about the color retouch as I know that will void Hermes spa care, but was thinking I can go with leather surgeon route if i really need it and if the price is fair for the condition. I was also planning to have it authenticated by bababebi and in the process of clarifying return policy with the seller from Japan, the listing is on eBay shows no return with eBay money back guaranteed but on the description itself says 30 days return accepted.

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I personally wouldn’t pay this much* for any Hermès bag that had aftermarket work done (unless it was exotic maybe), as this could prevent it from being accepted for Spa. I have seen un-retouched bags with similar specs on the market for the same price or even cheaper in some cases. I would opt for one of those.

*If this bag were perhaps $3k less, only then would I consider purchasing it. Just my two cents. ;)
 
Than
I personally wouldn’t pay this much* for any Hermès bag that had aftermarket work done (unless it was exotic maybe), as this could prevent it from being accepted for Spa. I have seen un-retouched bags with similar specs on the market for the same price or even cheaper in some cases. I would opt for one of those.

*If this bag were perhaps $3k less, only then would I consider purchasing it. Just my two cents. ;)
thank you :) and thanks to everyone for your feedback also. I know I’ll get some good advice here from the experts :) will keep looking for the right one, but for my own knowledge, how much should a vintage kelly retourne 28 cost? I saw a few box but was more worried about the scratches. I was thinking courchevel is a better leather to keep the shape as togo seems to slouch overtime?
 
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Than

thank you :smile: and thanks to everyone for your feedback also. I know I’ll get some good advice here from the experts :smile: will keep looking for the right one, but for my own knowledge, how much should a vintage kelly retourne 28 cost? I saw a few box but was more worried about the scratches. I was thinking courchevel is a better leather to keep the shape as togo seems to slouch overtime?
There is no specific price for a Kelly 28 as it depends on numerous factors. Condition, color, leather
Personally, prefer a bag not to have been repainted & I'm a fan of box leather as I love the
patina it develops over time. So it comes down to personal preference with leathers
Keep looking..
 
I agree with @QuelleFromage although I prefer Courchevel to Epsom I would never buy a vintage bag in this leather unless it was a 40cm Birkin going for an amazing price (then I would buy it due to the lightweight properties of Courcheval).
Also I would never buy a bag that had work done outside of Hermes.
I would personally rather buy a Vintage box leather Kelly because I dont mind scratches and patina.
 
If 8K is your budget I think you will definitely be able to find a better example than this. As for others, the corner damage and touch-ups would be a deal breaker for me on this bag, and although the pics aren’t very clear it looks like there is a lot of wear along the bottom edge as well. Spend some time on the larger vintage reseller sites becoming familiar with the various leathers and colours that have been available over the years and you’ll soon develop a feel for pricing (remembering that if it looks too good to be true, it probably is). There’s no better window shopping IMO! :flowers:
 
Thank you so much for responding so quickly. It does come with a strap, dust bags, rain jacket, key, lock, and cadena. I post more pictures below. I am also concerned about the color retouch as I know that will void Hermes spa care, but was thinking I can go with leather surgeon route if i really need it and if the price is fair for the condition. I was also planning to have it authenticated by bababebi and in the process of clarifying return policy with the seller from Japan, the listing is on eBay shows no return with eBay money back guaranteed but on the description itself says 30 days return accepted.

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No I would not buy a repainted bag like this for that price. This looks like the repaint stained the stitching? For a vintage bag, I recommend box leather so long as it’s not dried out. Simply bc it can be refurbished by Hermes to a gorgeous patina.
 
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