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#1,321
My only Kelly (1999 32 Retourne in Rouge H box) does not have D rings. As I do not have a Kelly from this century (yet!), I hadn't even realized that Kellys now have D rings for the shoulder strap. I attach the strap that came with my Kelly as well as a couple of wider straps directly to the handle rings. So I guess I'm saying don't replace the hardware/handle simply for the D rings.
 
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#1,322
kohl_mascara said:
Hi Everyone, I just got this lovely Kelly 28 sellier in graphite box from 1987 :love: (second picture with my gold b35 in gulliver, also vintage from 1997:hbeat:). She was likely improperly stored by one of her previous owners and developed a crease in the front. First few pics were when I just unboxed her. Last pic was after I massaged her to help regain some structure back. My after sales specialist recommended a pillow which I have purchased when she returns from spa.

She’s currently en route to Paris. He is inquiring about making a strap for me and adding the double rings, in addition to cleaning/conditioning and minor glazing repair, etc.

I asked him if the spa can clean and polish the hardware but he suggested replacing completely with new hardware. I don’t mind the scratches/patina (no black/tarnish/chipping other than on the pins), but the lock and key are badly tarnished. He recommended replacing all so they match. I am somewhat torn about replacing the hardware when it’s not in terrible condition. Any thoughts? TIA!

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Congratulations! She's beautiful:loveeyes:. Love the colour :heart:I don't own any Kelly bag, but personally if I purchased a Vintage bag I would leave it as is. Honestly, that is the beauty of your bag.
 
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#1,323
jese1988 said:
Nice bag . In my experience, they will only add the d-rings if you are going to replace the handle- replacing the handle is quit expensive and it will take a lot of time. Once your bag will be inspected at the spa service, the person will make and send you a quotation of what they are recommending to be done to your bag.
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Thanks! Yes, my SA told me that it’ll take about a month or two to get a quote with breakdown of estimate once it arrives in Paris and the craftsman has had time to review the bag. He didn’t mention that the handle needed to be replaced so I guess I’ll see what the estimate is when it comes!
 
#1,324
880 said:
Although I think the hardware looks decent, I would replace if you think you would like to carry this with a wider cross body strap. I have one kelly with single handle rings, and I worry about rubbing against the strap. If you only intend to carry by hand (no shoulder or cross body strap) I might keep as is.

ETA: I do have some damage from strap rubbing which is why i suggest replacement
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I definitely want to wear it with a strap! That is what my SA suggested, because clipping it onto the single ring will cause damage, and I want to take care of her as long as possible. Hopeful they can add the double rings without having to replace the entire handle!
tinkerbell68 said:
My only Kelly (1999 32 Retourne in Rouge H box) does not have D rings. As I do not have a Kelly from this century (yet!), I hadn't even realized that Kellys now have D rings for the shoulder strap. I attach the strap that came with my Kelly as well as a couple of wider straps directly to the handle rings. So I guess I'm saying don't replace the hardware/handle simply for the D rings.
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My SA advised against this as it can cause damage to the bag, so he recommended adding the double rings… so I am torn because I love the vintage hardware but want the modern convenience lol
PrayersandPurses said:
Congratulations! She's beautiful:loveeyes:. Love the colour :heart:I don't own any Kelly bag, but personally if I purchased a Vintage bag I would leave it as is. Honestly, that is the beauty of your bag.
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Thank you so much! And I totally agree! Maybe I can ask him to just replace the key/lock and add the d rings but not do a complete hardware overhaul. I’ll let him know when I get my estimate from Paris!
 
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#1,327
kohl_mascara said:
My SA advised against this as it can cause damage to the bag, so he recommended adding the double rings… so I am torn because I love the vintage hardware but want the modern convenience lol
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I guess I'm puzzled that for over 50 years, Kellys did not have D rings and yet came with a shoulder strap. Perhaps H decided to add D rings because customers were complaining of damaged hardware or maybe shoulder straps did not always come with a Kelly. Whatever you decide, I'd love to see pics when she's back with you. My Kelly is also at the spa...I miss her!

ETA: perhaps the spa will recommend that I replace the hardware too...I have not yet heard from the spa with a recommendation and it's been two months!
 
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#1,328
@kohl_mascara ,
@tinkerbell68 (maybe d ring is the wrong word;
most mean the rabbit ear double HW attached to the handle

here is a thread where the single versus double ring issue is discussed more extensively

Vintage Kelly bag, single or double rings?

The single ring is a cleaner look when you carry the bag without a strap. Theoretically the double ring is better for the bag if you usually use a strap, especially if you carry heavy things. I wouldn't decide based on rings but on strap - if the less expensive bag doesn't have a strap and you...
forum.purseblog.com forum.purseblog.com
 
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#1,329
kohl_mascara said:
Hi Everyone, I just got this lovely Kelly 28 sellier in graphite box from 1987 :love: (second picture with my gold b35 in gulliver, also vintage from 1997:hbeat:). She was likely improperly stored by one of her previous owners and developed a crease in the front. First few pics were when I just unboxed her. Last pic was after I massaged her to help regain some structure back. My after sales specialist recommended a pillow which I have purchased when she returns from spa.

She’s currently en route to Paris. He is inquiring about making a strap for me and adding the double rings, in addition to cleaning/conditioning and minor glazing repair, etc.

I asked him if the spa can clean and polish the hardware but he suggested replacing completely with new hardware. I don’t mind the scratches/patina (no black/tarnish/chipping other than on the pins), but the lock and key are badly tarnished. He recommended replacing all so they match. I am somewhat torn about replacing the hardware when it’s not in terrible condition. Any thoughts? TIA!

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I personally love vintage Kelly bags and purchased many years ago when they replaced the hardware at the Madison Avenue boutique with no question. It is absolutely one of the best things I did and personally would recommend changing that hardware, it is a nominal fee (or at least it was) that will greatly improve the look of your bag. Changing from a single to double ring was not something I ever thought of doing and did not even know it was an option.
 
#1,330
audreylita said:
I personally love vintage Kelly bags and purchased many years ago when they replaced the hardware at the Madison Avenue boutique with no question. It is absolutely one of the best things I did and personally would recommend changing that hardware, it is a nominal fee (or at least it was) that will greatly improve the look of your bag. Changing from a single to double ring was not something I ever thought of doing and did not even know it was an option.
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Thank you so much for this! I do feel like it will extend the life and use of the bag with hardware replacement, and since she’s already in Paris… when in Rome I suppose! I don’t know if whatever the SA recommends the craftsman is actually able to do, so I guess I’ll see when I receive my repair estimate/quote! :biggrin:
 
#1,334
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