Vintage Chanel - how do you tell if the leather has been retouched / redyed?

[Jaded81]

I use #170 Delicate - https://www.ebay.com/itm/DELICATE-C...975240?hash=item21825bcd88:g:8zoAAOSwmFJf472A

Meltonian's been discontinued (I got my jar 3 years ago) but don't pay that price for it!

Ah the Meltonian Delicate. I can’t find it anywhere except e ebay and all the prices are so high!!

Dont know what to do. Might have to find an alternative - So what does the delicate actually do? Been reading different descriptions for it...

 

[Jaded81]

I don’t think this bag has been redyed because the thread/stitches are still clean, and stitch holes are not covered with dye residue.
Also, the fine grains on the leather can still be seen.

This bag still has a sheen on it too. Very pretty.

I usually use French made mink oil base Saphir Renovateur cream on all my vintage Chanel bags.
Apply, let dry and puffer. It has given my bags a layer of protection and long lasting shine. Hope this help.

View attachment 4840896

Does it condition only or also clean?

There seems to be another one. Have you used this one before? Wonder what the difference is

 

[Han_B]

Can anyone help figure out if this has been retouched?

 

[Mimi-2020]

Can you see the stitch piercings (holes)?
If the leather has been repainted, usually the paint covers over the tiny stitch holes too.

 

[Mimi-2020]

If the leather has never been retouched, each original stitch piercing/ tiny hole can be seen.

The size of each one is the same, not like one is smaller than another; or some piercings can be seen, others can’t.

 

[Han_B]

I am not able to see the holes clearly. In some places it does show stitch holes, but the other places not really. She is a reputed seller and she did tell me she is not sure but there is no patchiness or usual signs of retouching/redying like dryness etc. it’s my first vintage bag and I don’t want it to be a redyed one.

 

[Mimi-2020]

The flap looks good to me. I can’t tell the bottom layer, since it’s not in focus.

 

[Mimi-2020]

Ah, this is a caviar, not a lambskin, so maybe that why the stitch holes are not clear.
See, this is my vintage caviar Chanel. The stitchings are very fine, you can hardly see the holes.

Lambskin shows tiny holes more visibly.

 

[Mimi-2020]

I usually check the tiny stitch holes for spray paint traces on lambskin.

-This leather on your bag has a beautiful sheen.

-Also, Caviar leather usually holds original dye much better than lambskin.

-It is probably a newer Chanel bag (?)

Uhm, I can only guess it has not been redyed.

How about inside flap of the bag, any traces of color dyes? Take a close look of the edge all around the flap on the inside.

 

[Mimi-2020]

Also, paint usually can deposit on the thread crossing area (see the pointed area on the attached photo).

I don’t see any paint deposits nor residues. You can check with a magnifying glass if you have the bag in your possession.

 

[Han_B]

I usually check the tiny stitch holes for spray paint traces on lambskin.

-This leather on your bag has a beautiful sheen.

-Also, Caviar leather usually holds original dye much better than lambskin.

-It is probably a newer Chanel bag (?)

Uhm, I can only guess it has not been redyed.

How about inside flap of the bag, any traces of color dyes? Take a close look of the edge all around the flap on the inside.

Thank you. This is indeed helpful. ✨
Its a vintage bag, adding a few more Pics. Don’t have the bag yet, deciding on purchasing, once I get some clarity on retouch. Looks like it isn’t

 

[Mimi-2020]

As for being ‘retouched’, that means ‘a bit on the corners or where it’s needed’, right?

I mean ‘redye’ as the whole bag being painted again.

From the photos, I don’t see any paint residue/deposit on the thread.

Usually, if a whole bag has been repainted, traces of evidence can be found.

Also, the thread and leather will become the same in color.

 

[Mimi-2020]

The last photo shows the threads are clear without residue. The color of the thread is a shade lighter than the color of the leather.

what do you think?

 

[Mimi-2020]

As if this bag has been ‘retouched’, you can check on the corners and the surface where usually two different shade of red will show.

when the leather is retouched, as retouched on some spots not the whole bag, it’s is very hard to get exactly the same color to match the original color. Therefore, you will see unevenness of the different shades of red.
Do you understand what I am trying to say?

 

[Han_B]

As if this bag has been ‘retouched’, you can check on the corners and the surface where usually two different shade of red will show.

when the leather is retouched, as retouched on some spots not the whole bag, it’s is very hard to get exactly the same color to match the original color. Therefore, you will see unevenness of the different shades of red.
Do you understand what I am trying to say?

Absolutely, that makes so much sense. Thank you. Guess this will be my first Chanel bag. ✨✨ thank you so much for patiently helping me out