Vintage Hermes-does year matter?

[papertiger]

The year is usually arbitrary (although it possibly can matter for some leathers or colours which changed slightly in different time periods (e.g. Box leather or Rouge H).

More usually, condition is all but like try to get one with double rings if you can.

If you want a 28 my advice is to get a 28.

 

[NOIRetMoi]

Condition is always paramount.
My instinct is that if you plan to use the shoulder strap a lot, the double ring handle fitments are best because the weight of the bag hangs from the ideal point of the discrete D ring and the handle is not worn by the strap clasp.
I believe they were introduced in 1985 and Ardenne ceased production around 2004.
That is quite a decent window.

p.s. If you found the bag you want in good condition (black ardenne K28) but without a shoulder strap, you could always consider adding one of the new after-market shoulder straps.

Talking about handle wear, are we supposed to clip the shoulder straps with the ‘opening lever’ facing in or facing out? If it faces in, it rubs against the handle; if it faces out, it rubs against the bag when the strap hangs, although with much less pressure (I’m referring to the last clip design, round with flat edges).
Also, you see vintage bags with sangles in poorer condition than the rest of the bag (they look more cracked or have more ‘stretch marks’ than the rest of the bag; especially visible on smooth leathers like box). Is it because the bag was stored strapped on and the pressure damages them over time? Better to store bags closed but with open sangles?
Thank you!

 

[Ollie1123]

The year is usually arbitrary (although it possibly can matter for some leathers or colours which changed slightly in different time periods (e.g. Box leather or Rouge H).

More usually, condition is all but like try to get one with double rings if you can.

If you want a 28 my advice is to get a 28.

Waiting for an ardennes in 28 to pop up has been a loooong wait

 

[QuelleFromage]

Waiting for an ardennes in 28 to pop up has been a loooong wait

Yeah that's a tall order

 

[Bag Madam]

I have 3 Kellys. A 35 from the 1960s, a 28 from sometime between 1951 - 1959 and another 28 from 1960. As soon as I got them, all different times, I sent them directly to the spa. Two of them were in neglected condition and the other was just heavily used and then stored carefully in a closet. They came back beautiful, refreshed and looking just as nice as some of the newer ones out there. I absolutely LOVE the older vintage Hermes bags.

 

[WKN]

I have 3 Kellys. A 35 from the 1960s, a 28 from sometime between 1951 - 1959 and another 28 from 1960. As soon as I got them, all different times, I sent them directly to the spa. Two of them were in neglected condition and the other was just heavily used and then stored carefully in a closet. They came back beautiful, refreshed and looking just as nice as some of the newer ones out there. I absolutely LOVE the older vintage Hermes bags.

Oh! They sound beautiful - can we have their photos, pretty please? As for me, I am looking for a slightly younger bag (1970 - my birth year)!

 

[img]

My best friend recently bought a Kelly 32 in black box leather from a vintage shop in Paris. She took it to her local Hermes and it’s getting an overhaul which will take between 6-8 months, but the bag will look brand new. It’s from the late 60’s.

 

[momoc]

Oh! They sound beautiful - can we have their photos, pretty please? As for me, I am looking for a slightly younger bag (1970 - my birth year)!

Ah I am not the only one who wants to own a bag from their birth year!! I just thought that would be a fun and even romantic idea good luck on your hunt! I’m dreaming of finding mine next year as my birthday present for myself

 

[Bag Madam]

Ah I am not the only one who wants to own a bag from their birth year!! I just thought that would be a fun and even romantic idea good luck on your hunt! I’m dreaming of finding mine next year as my birthday present for myself

YES! I have one from my birth decade but would love the actual year!

 

[SPBiaes]

just don't choose any stinky bags from...I think it was 2014? correct me if i'm wrong here.

 

[HeatherZE]

T

This style of bag was made by Hermes from the 1930s.
1956 is the year when Princess Grace reportedly returned to Hermes and bought half a dozen.
She was photographed using them and the ensuing popularity caused Hermes to give it that name.
So a bag from that date would have a special resonance.
This is slightly different scenario to the Birkin,
where the evolution of that bag we know today was created for Jane Birkin.

That’s my girl!!! PHILLY!!!

 

[papertiger]

just don't choose any stinky bags from...I think it was 2014? correct me if i'm wrong here.

Only some leathers and that's not the only year

 

[momasaurus]

My Kellys are all older (1970, 1988, 1995) because I love smooth leathers, especially box and chamonix. New pebbly Ks just don't make me drool the way the older ones do.

 

[WKN]

My Kellys are all older (1970, 1988, 1995) because I love smooth leathers, especially box and chamonix. New pebbly Ks just don't make me drool the way the older ones do.

Did I read you have a 1970 Kelly? That's my birth year Kelly! Much envy - photos, please if you don't mind! I'm sure she ages better than me!

 

[Suzie]

I have a Kelly from my birth year.