Vintage Hermès Crocodile (Only): Share Experiences

[tmk_fr]

I appreciate the feedback! I do love the bag and it feels quite special to have a unique and quality piece like this, but as I haven't really gotten to use it yet I don't know if it truly fits my lifestyle.
Also, I think I experienced a bit of sticker shock as I don't have prior experience owning a vintage croc bag and wasn't aware of the required level of maintenance involved. Lots to think about, but I think I am leaning towards going ahead with the suggested work. Thank you!

 

[papertiger]

I appreciate the feedback! I do love the bag and it feels quite special to have a unique and quality piece like this, but as I haven't really gotten to use it yet I don't know if it truly fits my lifestyle.
Also, I think I experienced a bit of sticker shock as I don't have prior experience owning a vintage croc bag and wasn't aware of the required level of maintenance involved. Lots to think about, but I think I am leaning towards going ahead with the suggested work. Thank you!

It's such a beautiful bag, think what the price would be if bought new. Even if you add the price of the new strap to the initial outlay, it should still be a great investment from a style POV.

It sounds like you need to make an emotional investment before you lavish more money on a bag you don't know if you can live up to. Make it part of your life. There is no lifestyle equivalent to these bags anymore, you have to make it work for you just as you are.

I don't know what the size is, but perhaps use it as an evening bag, visiting friends (or occasion bag in winter). It will totally elevate any outfit, and because it's vintage can lean 'ladylike' and polished or 'edgy-cool'. It's laid-back (no comparisons) and statement (incredibly stylish) - better than a well-known H bag of any variation.

Carry in-hand as a clutch, or use the strap (who cares if it breaks?). The only think that will break the strap is too much weight, but this is not a work bag anyway. Don't be scared of it, just get to know it, then spa it as though a gift to a friend.

 

[periogirl28]

I agree with the above. Use it and enjoy it, spa it later if you think it's necessary. It looks alright to me from over here. Congrats!

 

[Bdbunny]

I just cross posted about this vintage B30 in matte miel croc I won at an online Sotheby's auction a few months ago. Unfortunately for me (because I did not pay close enough attention to the Conditions Report), there was third party work done to the bag and some stitches missing at the top edge. Fortunately because of this forum, I knew about @docride and she was able to hand stitch the area that needed work with matching linen thread and restored the bag beautifully! The leather is otherwise in excellent condition, and even though I felt like an idiot for winning this item at first, I am very happy with it now.

 

[QuelleFromage]

I hope alligator qualifies! It is a crocodilian after all....
I was happy to find this bag because it wasn't brand-new perfect - it has no real signs of wear except on the handles, which are a bit darkened (looks worse in photos), so I can carry it without freaking out about hurting the handles, and can replace them someday if I really want to. I was after the Barenia version of this bag, which is very very hard to find, but could not pass this up. (Two of my senior SAs thought it was the Barenia, and nearly fainted dead away when they saw it, so apparently it can masquerade as such LOL.) It also happens to be a really, really nice skin and scale pattern, to my taste anyway.

 

[calicocat]

I hope alligator qualifies! It is a crocodilian after all....
I was happy to find this bag because it wasn't brand-new perfect - it has no real signs of wear except on the handles, which are a bit darkened (looks worse in photos), so I can carry it without freaking out about hurting the handles, and can replace them someday if I really want to. I was after the Barenia version of this bag, which is very very hard to find, but could not pass this up. (Two of my senior SAs thought it was the Barenia, and nearly fainted dead away when they saw it, so apparently it can masquerade as such LOL.) It also happens to be a really, really nice skin and scale pattern, to my taste anyway.

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@QuelleFromage - I died twice, first the bag and second, the chair

 

[addiCCted]

I just cross posted about this vintage B30 in matte miel croc I won at an online Sotheby's auction a few months ago. Unfortunately for me (because I did not pay close enough attention to the Conditions Report), there was third party work done to the bag and some stitches missing at the top edge. Fortunately because of this forum, I knew about @docride and she was able to hand stitch the area that needed work with matching linen thread and restored the bag beautifully! The leather is otherwise in excellent condition, and even though I felt like an idiot for winning this item at first, I am very happy with it now.

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Love miel. Enjoy!

 

[addiCCted]

I hope alligator qualifies! It is a crocodilian after all....
I was happy to find this bag because it wasn't brand-new perfect - it has no real signs of wear except on the handles, which are a bit darkened (looks worse in photos), so I can carry it without freaking out about hurting the handles, and can replace them someday if I really want to. I was after the Barenia version of this bag, which is very very hard to find, but could not pass this up. (Two of my senior SAs thought it was the Barenia, and nearly fainted dead away when they saw it, so apparently it can masquerade as such LOL.) It also happens to be a really, really nice skin and scale pattern, to my taste anyway.

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gorgeous!!! Is it much heavier than regular?

 

[Bdbunny]

I hope alligator qualifies! It is a crocodilian after all....
I was happy to find this bag because it wasn't brand-new perfect - it has no real signs of wear except on the handles, which are a bit darkened (looks worse in photos), so I can carry it without freaking out about hurting the handles, and can replace them someday if I really want to. I was after the Barenia version of this bag, which is very very hard to find, but could not pass this up. (Two of my senior SAs thought it was the Barenia, and nearly fainted dead away when they saw it, so apparently it can masquerade as such LOL.) It also happens to be a really, really nice skin and scale pattern, to my taste anyway.

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Ahhh beautiful!!! congratulations!!!
yes, I feel like our bags are cousins!
ETA: I just noticed the contrast stitching. TDF!!!!!!!

 

[QuelleFromage]

@QuelleFromage - I died twice, first the bag and second, the chair

Haha yes the chair was almost as expensive as the bag!!

gorgeous!!! Is it much heavier than regular?

It weighs about the same as a regular Barenia, I'd say, maybe even less. The lining is still chèvre.

Ahhh beautiful!!! congratulations!!!
yes, I feel like our bags are cousins!
ETA: I just noticed the contrast stitching. TDF!!!!!!!

Miel is SO gorgeous! But I do like the contrast stitch on Fauve.

 

[J'adoreHermes]

I hope alligator qualifies! It is a crocodilian after all....
I was happy to find this bag because it wasn't brand-new perfect - it has no real signs of wear except on the handles, which are a bit darkened (looks worse in photos), so I can carry it without freaking out about hurting the handles, and can replace them someday if I really want to. I was after the Barenia version of this bag, which is very very hard to find, but could not pass this up. (Two of my senior SAs thought it was the Barenia, and nearly fainted dead away when they saw it, so apparently it can masquerade as such LOL.) It also happens to be a really, really nice skin and scale pattern, to my taste anyway.

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Between the chair and the bag, this has to be my favorite and the dreamiest picture I have ever seen on the forum! Absolutely stunning!

 

[QuelleFromage]

Between the chair and the bag, this has to be my favorite and the dreamiest picture I have ever seen on the forum! Absolutely stunning!

Wow, that is a HUGE compliment! Thank you!! It is a really nice old Jeanneret chair. I have a mid-century furniture "problem"

 

[J'adoreHermes]

Wow, that is a HUGE compliment! Thank you!! It is a really nice old Jeanneret chair. I have a mid-century furniture "problem"

I think it is a good problem! I think chairs are like Hermes bags (especially vintage crocodile); one can never have to many. I’ll always find space for just one more.

 

[jenayb]

I hope alligator qualifies! It is a crocodilian after all....
I was happy to find this bag because it wasn't brand-new perfect - it has no real signs of wear except on the handles, which are a bit darkened (looks worse in photos), so I can carry it without freaking out about hurting the handles, and can replace them someday if I really want to. I was after the Barenia version of this bag, which is very very hard to find, but could not pass this up. (Two of my senior SAs thought it was the Barenia, and nearly fainted dead away when they saw it, so apparently it can masquerade as such LOL.) It also happens to be a really, really nice skin and scale pattern, to my taste anyway.

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No words, gf!

 

[Paridae]

I’m glad I’ve stumbled on this thread. I recently had a look at a beautiful crocodile Constance from the 70s. Gorgeous color, but the strap was not looking great. Still, I kept thinking of it but now that I know how expensive that can be to fix, I’m gonna hold out for another one. Thanks once again tpf!