Vintage Hermès Crocodile (Only): Share Experiences

[maryg1]

I see very vintage (from ‘60s or ‘70s) H croc bags for sale, and I find them more appealing than new H croc or alligator.
Some have very evident issues, like wear at the bottom or corners.
How are bags in these condition really wearable? If you have vintage croc, would you mind sharing pics and your experiences regarding wear?

 

[nymeria]

Thanks for starting this, @maryg1!
I've been tempted as well- I'd love some valid, first hand opinions

 

[periogirl28]

I'll go look for pics but I have a 1977 Porosus Kelly in almost perfect condition, FSH only took it in to "spa" the skin and now it glows. The only reason why I don't carry it much is because it's kinda big and not always appropriate in the current economic climate.

 

[880]

I’ve owned non H Vintage croc and alligator and I don’t recommend it unless it’s pristine. It’s not just the aesthetics, but the skins dry out and are delicate. I once owned a vintage lizard trench and attempting to restore the skins with a top fur and exotic leather specialist in NY was an expensive, frustrating, and ultimately futile exercise. As a layperson, I am not expert enough to differentiate among salvageable find and disastrous money pit, especially when many purchases are on line. There is not much opportunity to examine in real life prior to purchase. Insuring, mailing, and maintaining these bags is an additional expense. if one is young and model thin with a shabby chic vintage aesthetic, plenty of cash, and happy to take a gamble. . . .no even then I don’t recommend. If one is fortunate enough to inherit a vintage exotic from a relative, fantastic. Otherwise, pass.

i did buy an H chain d’ancre croc bag from malleries years ago for 1200 USD . It was pristine, clearly unworn, except oddly for the handle jointure. My mom borrowed it for a few weeks and somehow tore it off. so I either style it as a clutch or clip a crossbody evelyn canvas strap to it. Hermes vintage exotics are beautifully made, and mine came with a separate change purse and mirror (that I’ve misplaced). I should add that this was originally shiny croc that I never wore. So, I had it professionally matte finished (each scale was repolished) and the hW brushed by @docride. The pics do not do this Justice. It’s gorgeous, and far more beautiful velvety matte than shiny.

 

[papertiger]

Sorry guys, I had change the title of this thread to separate it clearly from similar others

 

[papertiger]

This is the original version of a P Croc Pullman 32 (there is a later version without the corded frame). It was as good as good can be considering the age. I've worn it quite a few times. In many ways it fits in quite easily to todays Modernist-revival trend. I have had the pleasure of trying on '70s croc that looks pristine but be warned exotics up the lady-like look - personally I cannot go too small.



Pros buying vintage croc/alligator

1. Cost effective way of adding exotics if you don't look at Ks- particularly the many lady-like styles from the '60s
2. Best quality imaginable
3. Larger sizes are possible (even in lizard)
4. Lots of small bags available
5. Usable (rather than 'just' collectable)
6. Usually kitted-out inside better then contemporary bags

Cons
1. Dryness - sometimes irreparable, often expensive to repair - condition is everything.
2. Check handles (these are most susceptible to damage). They cost a lot to replace.
3. Depending on style/model can look very lady-like - so quite a definite look.
4. Just like new exotics, they need looking after and storing correctly
5. Mostly hand-held only

 

[periogirl28]

Here's my Kelly being used as a travel bag in Paris. The colour has been confirmed by SAV as Vison or Mink, and is now rested.

 

[maryg1]

Sorry guys, I had change the title of this thread to separate it clearly from similar others

Thank you! The new title is far better than the original

 

[The.M]

I have a vintage 80s crocodile hermes bag (not a B/K) and the skin is beautiful! You can't tell that it's almost 40 years old.
The only visible wear is on the strap due to the nature of the shape. But the body of the bag is so shiny and pristine.

Side story - I sent it to the spa for a general cleanup when I bought it and I've been told by the store (after i got it back) that the spa was so happy to see that specific bag they decided not to charge me for a few of the services

 

[cecchetti]

I very nearly bought a 1950’s black Porusus shiny crocodile Boutonnière recently, but my exotic love is really for dark navy, although it had belonged a dancer at the Paris Lido, and I was a ballerina originally and used to live in Paris, so the story appealed to me…also I prefer matte.

It was in excellent condition as was in the hands of the dancer’s niece.

I decided to hold out until I find the right indigo or dark navy crocodile H more modern bag..and withdrew from the transaction -although I do carry exotics mostly and have done since I was 16 or 17.

 

[absolutanne]

Wow thank you ladies for sharing your experiences!!

One question- not to hijack the thread too much-

Is H shiny poro croc or shiny croc in general repairable if it has water damage? Will H spa do anything to croc with water damage?

Thanks!!

 

[tmk_fr]

Hi everyone,
I recently purchased a vintage 70s-80s Ex Libris bag in black porosus croc at an auction. To me, it looked to be in very good condition but to be safe, I dropped it off at FSH for revision. They came back and recommended a general cleaning and also replacing the strap (as a preventative measure because it seems dry, not because it's already broken).
I am hesitating to accept because the total cost would be nearly as much as I paid for the bag.
My questions to experienced vintage crocodile owners are 1) is it worth it to get vintage croc spa'd and 2) should I replace the strap even if it's not broken (yet)?
I haven't really worn the bag yet and am not sure if I would keep it in the long run. If I parted with it I am fairly certain I could get back at least what I paid for it, but idk if I could recoup all the service cost as well.
Thank you for reading this far and I would appreciate any advice ❤️

 

[880]

Hi everyone,
I recently purchased a vintage 70s-80s Ex Libris bag in black porosus croc at an auction. To me, it looked to be in very good condition but to be safe, I dropped it off at FSH for revision. They came back and recommended a general cleaning and also replacing the strap (as a preventative measure because it seems dry, not because it's already broken).
I am hesitating to accept because the total cost would be nearly as much as I paid for the bag.
My questions to experienced vintage crocodile owners are 1) is it worth it to get vintage croc spa'd and 2) should I replace the strap even if it's not broken (yet)?
I haven't really worn the bag yet and am not sure if I would keep it in the long run. If I parted with it I am fairly certain I could get back at least what I paid for it, but idk if I could recoup all the service cost as well.
Thank you for reading this far and I would appreciate any advice ❤️

View attachment 5758583

Thats an individual judgment call. It is expensive to maintain these bags, and maintenance can cost more than the purchase price. If the strap is integral to the design and you would not wear the bag without the strap, then I would replace. If I loved something enough to purchase, i would spa it. If I did not love a bag, then I wouldn’t have bought in the first place. Based on your description, which doesn’t sound like you adore the bag, I would have passed. JMO though

ETA: I refuse to buy anything at auction, bc I tend to get carried away and buy things for my imaginary life.
distressed straps are a pet peeve of mine, even more than distressed panels on the bags body.

 

[doloresmia]

Thats an individual judgment call. It is expensive to maintain these bags, and maintenance can cost more than the purchase price. If the strap is integral to the design and you would not wear the bag without the strap, then I would replace. If I loved something enough to purchase, i would spa it. If I did not love a bag, then I wouldn’t have bought in the first place. Based on your description, which doesn’t sound like you adore the bag, I would have passed. JMO though

ETA: I refuse to buy anything at auction, bc I tend to get carried away and buy things for my imaginary life.
distressed straps are a pet peeve of mine, even more than distressed panels on the bags body.

@880 your real life looks so beautiful in pictures! let's start seeing your imaginary life please!

And to keep on topic, i am stalking vintage exotics and have been persuaded by some of my collector friends to be careful as maintenance is high even when love is blind.

 

[Love Of My Life]

Hi everyone,
I recently purchased a vintage 70s-80s Ex Libris bag in black porosus croc at an auction. To me, it looked to be in very good condition but to be safe, I dropped it off at FSH for revision. They came back and recommended a general cleaning and also replacing the strap (as a preventative measure because it seems dry, not because it's already broken).
I am hesitating to accept because the total cost would be nearly as much as I paid for the bag.
My questions to experienced vintage crocodile owners are 1) is it worth it to get vintage croc spa'd and 2) should I replace the strap even if it's not broken (yet)?
I haven't really worn the bag yet and am not sure if I would keep it in the long run. If I parted with it I am fairly certain I could get back at least what I paid for it, but idk if I could recoup all the service cost as well.
Thank you for reading this far and I would appreciate any advice ❤️

View attachment 5758583

Well, to be candid if you are not loving this bag & don't want to make the investment of a spa
treatment as well as replacing the strap & are not sure you want to keep it but think you could
recoup your initial investment, I'd explore that first & see where it takes you, then you will
have a clearer picture as to whether you should spa etc.
Owning a vintage exotic skin bag from H is special but only if you will wear it & enjoy it,
as maintenance can be very pricey. Vintage skins are very beautiful & exceptional quality, JMO