I found this beautiful vintage handbag at my local Goodwill for $5 yesterday and fell in love with its classic style. It's in good condition but feels stiff and dry, particularly the straps and the areas that crease on the inside when opening and closing the purse. You can see in the photos the only damage/wear on that one strap. I tried some Leather CPR just on the inside sides and after 2 conservative applications don't see or feel any difference. There are absolutely no markings on this bag but I know quality when I see it and it's definitely real leather on the inside, and genuine crocodile or alligator on the outside. Any tips on how to bring this grande dame back to life? Even if I never carry her, she will look fabulous sitting on my closet shelf!
Vintage Alligator/Crocodile Bag -- Treating & Conditioning?
- Thread starter Statchmore
- Start date
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I love vintage.
One thread might be an interesting read for you : https://forum.purseblog.com/threads...recommendations-list-no-chatter.972523/page-2
@docride accepts some questions on this thread below, but mainly for Hermes
However a search within that thread re croc or alligator might yield some possibilities
forum.purseblog.com
Another source of information might be found here. It seems OP @ExoticsOnly is very knowledgeable
One thread might be an interesting read for you : https://forum.purseblog.com/threads...recommendations-list-no-chatter.972523/page-2
@docride accepts some questions on this thread below, but mainly for Hermes
However a search within that thread re croc or alligator might yield some possibilities
Docride's Hermes Lazarus Thread (can this Hermes be Saved? )
Hi there, wear with dirt on it can sometimes be lightened , however then you have lightened worn areas , the dark handles can be degreased some but it won’t look like original color again will be lightened but not necessarily uniformly. Stains once set are generally permanent. And that’s the...
forum.purseblog.com
Another source of information might be found here. It seems OP @ExoticsOnly is very knowledgeable
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What a beautiful color and skin! If you can't fix it yourself, perhaps try a leather company that specializes in exotic skins?
I've done a little more digging so I'll sort of answer my own question in case it's helpful to anyone in the future. I found a website that sells re-furbed exotic skin bags (vintageskins.com) and they recommend use of Meltonian products. I messaged Meltonian on their website (meltonian.com) and they confirmed what I should use is their cream polish in 'delicate' which does not add color and is lighter than their other creams. So I'm going to purchase and give it a go!
And I should have known from working with my vintage coach bags that with Leather CPR you apply and then let it rest. The inside leather areas of the bag I treated with Leather CPR feel a lot more moisturized now than they did a couple of days ago. I'm going to let it rest until the weekend and then treat the whole interior with Leather CPR while I'm waiting on the Meltonian to arrive so I can start work on the exterior crocodile parts.
And I should have known from working with my vintage coach bags that with Leather CPR you apply and then let it rest. The inside leather areas of the bag I treated with Leather CPR feel a lot more moisturized now than they did a couple of days ago. I'm going to let it rest until the weekend and then treat the whole interior with Leather CPR while I'm waiting on the Meltonian to arrive so I can start work on the exterior crocodile parts.
Hi, Statchmore.
I recently purchased a vintage alligator bag. How did these products work for you? I was looking at the Meltonian delicate cream and would like to know your thoughts on it.
Hi, moparmom. It worked well. Very gentle and didn't seem to impact the color of the crocodile. I would recommend!
