Reasonable price for a Box Leather 32

[Veritybelle]

Of all my vintage bags Box from the 70s and 90s are the best for Sellier and structured bags, but I don't know whether it's widely known enough to affect the price. However, I'd say it may be preferable to have a more suppleness for a Retourne.

It’s so fascinating to see how the leather varies. My K28 retourné in box is from 1999, it’s supple with structure. I have a Piano in black box from the late 60s (probably), and the leather is just luscious, so tactile. It’s part of the joy of collecting older bags, isn’t it!

 

[papertiger]

I would love to add box leather to my collection. I’ve recently found one from what I believe to a reputable reseller.
It is from the 90’s and appears to be in excellent condition.

I don’t know if this is something that can be answered on here, but is £9000 a reasonable amount to pay for a vintage box leather Kelly 32 with gold hardware? Strap included.

To calculate your answer do what resellers do to workout their prices:

What most want is the best for the least which will always be a balancing act:
Do a checklist for yourself about your needs/wants. E.g. If you need/want a strap, if it has to be less than 40 y o etc. Also write down what you wouldn't consider even if all other specs were met e.g. deep scratch, missing cadena and/or cloche etc

The market is what it is now:
Do a global comparison table with other bags for sale and sold (less than a year ago) with the same specs that align to your checklist.

Trace back to the original agent/seller:
Follow images to the original listings so you're not paying commission to extra middle-sellers (like FF or 1st Dibbs)

Add extras:
+ Calculate variables like import duties, other taxes etc, 3rd-party authentication services, spa/repair if need be etc

 

[Veritybelle]

To calculate your answer do what resellers do to workout their prices:

What most want is the best for the least which will always be a balancing act:
Do a checklist for yourself about your needs/wants. E.g. If you need/want a strap, if it has to be less than 40 y o etc. Also write down what you wouldn't consider even if all other specs were met e.g. deep scratch, missing cadena and/or cloche etc

The market is what it is now:
Do a global comparison table with other bags for sale and sold (less than a year ago) with the same specs that align to your checklist.

Trace back to the original agent/seller:
Follow images to the original listings so you're not paying commission to extra middle-sellers (like FF or 1st Dibbs)

Add extras:
+ Calculate variables like import duties, other taxes etc, 3rd-party authentication services, spa/repair if need be etc

yes, such good advice; especially trace back for 1stdibs listings. The markup can be really significant!

 

[makeitorange]

Is there a difference between how well a bag withstands normal wear and tear between retourne and sellier in box?

 

[makeitorange]

To calculate your answer do what resellers do to workout their prices:

What most want is the best for the least which will always be a balancing act:
Do a checklist for yourself about your needs/wants. E.g. If you need/want a strap, if it has to be less than 40 y o etc. Also write down what you wouldn't consider even if all other specs were met e.g. deep scratch, missing cadena and/or cloche etc

The market is what it is now:
Do a global comparison table with other bags for sale and sold (less than a year ago) with the same specs that align to your checklist.

Trace back to the original agent/seller:
Follow images to the original listings so you're not paying commission to extra middle-sellers (like FF or 1st Dibbs)

Add extras:
+ Calculate variables like import duties, other taxes etc, 3rd-party authentication services, spa/repair if need be etc

This is brilliant advice. Thank you.

 

[papertiger]

Is there a difference between how well a bag withstands normal wear and tear between retourne and sellier in box?

They are two very 'beasts', when you're buying vintage of the same leather, it's more about how well the individual bag was stored, how much it was used and how it was cared for.

If someone has been carrying any Kelly heavily loaded, overloaded, not cinching, and never spa-ing, it really won't matter which leather or style.

Selliers are around 10-20% more, perhaps reflecting their original price tag which is also proportionally higher, also they are rarer even pre-loved.

You need to decide what will suit you.

 

[makeitorange]

It’s so fascinating to see how the leather varies. My K28 retourné in box is from 1999, it’s supple with structure. I have a Piano in black box from the late 60s (probably), and the leather is just luscious, so tactile. It’s part of the joy of collecting older bags, isn’t it!

Your collection sounds beautiful 😍

 

[Goldenbelle]

As with all thing


This does suggest that you still need to do your own research to get a feel for what the going rate might be. In the end an item is worth what someone is prepared to pay for it.
If you find a bag that matches the specifications you have in mind; that is excellent condition; that cannot foresee will need further expediture, you might be prepared to pay considerably over the 'market price'.
Similarly if you find what seems to be a bargain, yet will need a handle replacement costing 1000+,
you will negotiate accordingly.
But whether either are a 'good price' will depend on what you think, informed by your knowledge of the market.
Getting reassurance from a site like this will be helpful, but it should not be your primary decision tool.

To share my story of my Box Rouge Vif GHW Sellier 32: Got it from a very reputable reseller, leather gleaming, a very few tiny scratches, maybe worn 10 times if I had to guess - perfect structure, full package with strap, clochette, keys, lock. It came with a return policy, so I knew I could check the leather quality and touch.

Plus, I wanted a Rouge Vif, not rouge H which does not go with my wardrobe. I still paid just under current box price in the boutique but got exactly what I wanted to have in all specs and the bag is in perfect shape. It is still so perfect that I am very careful and slightly paranoid using it and baby-ing it which I usually never do…

Long story short: if it clicks all all your boxes 😉 and is roughly in the market range, I would go for it, even it is a bit higher than a real „deal“ money-wise. It pays of, if you really really love it. And with vintage, it comes down to each bag, as they feel much more „individual“ to me at least… which is the beauty of vintage bags in my opinion.

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[Veritybelle]

Your collection sounds beautiful 😍

Thank you, but my collection is very modest compared to some of the other lovely members of this forum

 

[makeitorange]

I finally got my vintage Kelly. I decided to go straight for my dream colour in my preferred size. Here she is, my Kelly 28 in rouge H from 1994 (I’m still offends that she is considered vintage!)

 

[Goldenbelle]

I finally got my vintage Kelly. I decided to go straight for my dream colour in my preferred size. Here she is, my Kelly 28 in rouge H from 1994 (I’m still offends that she is considered vintage!)

So happy for you! Looks stunning!

 

[ladymaigrey]

I finally got my vintage Kelly. I decided to go straight for my dream colour in my preferred size. Here she is, my Kelly 28 in rouge H from 1994 (I’m still offends that she is considered vintage!)

I’m looking at vintage box kellys right now so this thread is interesting. What a happy ending to the story. Your bag is gorgeous!

 

[880]

I finally got my vintage Kelly. I decided to go straight for my dream colour in my preferred size. Here she is, my Kelly 28 in rouge H from 1994 (I’m still offends that she is considered vintage!)

Happy for you! This is such a beautiful bag 🥂 🍾