Vintage Kelly bag, single or double rings?

[PJW5813]

The single ring is a cleaner look when you carry the bag without a strap. Theoretically the double ring is better for the bag if you usually use a strap, especially if you carry heavy things.

I wouldn't decide based on rings but on strap - if the less expensive bag doesn't have a strap and you need one, getting an Hermès strap to match will take a long time and cost a fair amount of money.

If you don't intend to use a strap with your Kelly, by all means, get the single-ring bag. Certainly no one will care (or notice) if your bag was made before 2000 or later. A Kelly in good shape can last forever (I have one from 1952).

I agree with the essence of this.
Nonetheless, I think an important consideration should be which bag is in the best condition.
You should also try to work out if you would want to use a shoulder strap frequently.
Kellys were used with a shoulder strap for many years before the introduction of the double ring.
With a single ring there might be wear to one side of the leather where it is attached to the bag.
With the double ring the hook does not touch the leather and the weight of the bag is now better balanced.

 

[candyapple15]

I agree with the essence of this.
Nonetheless, I think an important consideration should be which bag is in the best condition.
You should also try to work out if you would want to use a shoulder strap frequently.
Kellys were used with a shoulder strap for many years before the introduction of the double ring.
With a single ring there might be wear to one side of the leather where it is attached to the bag.
With the double ring the hook does not touch the leather and the weight of the bag is now better balanced.

I’d opt for a double ring, if you dress casual and want to add a canvas strap for a more casual/crossbody look. The double ring will be more sturdy. It all depends on the look you want handheld, shoulder or crossbody.

The single ring is a cleaner look when you carry the bag without a strap. Theoretically the double ring is better for the bag if you usually use a strap, especially if you carry heavy things.

I wouldn't decide based on rings but on strap - if the less expensive bag doesn't have a strap and you need one, getting an Hermès strap to match will take a long time and cost a fair amount of money.

If you don't intend to use a strap with your Kelly, by all means, get the single-ring bag. Certainly no one will care (or notice) if your bag was made before 2000 or later. A Kelly in good shape can last forever (I have one from 1952).

Hi all, thank you so much for your replies. to be honest i've never thought about the function of the double ring which you all pointed out this is important for shoulder carry with a strap, i only thought about this is a sign of production year. i usually hand carry handbag like 70%, 30% shoulder carry. recently i am eyeing on a single ring kelly in barenia leather in gold colour, this is another challenge for me to decide if i should go ahead with this leather because lots of people say barenia is difficult to handle and will age easily. i will need to be careful with this. appreciate you all for your comment.

 

[golconda]

I find no problem carrying an older Kelly with a shoulder strap. Be sure to hook one side on the front and one side on the back of handle, as this keeps center handle from flopping. Make sense?

 

[PJW5813]

I think you have misunderstood about Barenia
It ages very well indeed and develops a very special patina
Start by looking in the Hermes Clubhouse section and read the Ode to Barenia
all the enthusiasts there should reassure you and change your mind
what you are considering could be a 'to die for bag' in some peoples opinion

 

[Tonimichelle]

Hi all, thank you so much for your replies. to be honest i've never thought about the function of the double ring which you all pointed out this is important for shoulder carry with a strap, i only thought about this is a sign of production year. i usually hand carry handbag like 70%, 30% shoulder carry. recently i am eyeing on a single ring kelly in barenia leather in gold colour, this is another challenge for me to decide if i should go ahead with this leather because lots of people say barenia is difficult to handle and will age easily. i will need to be careful with this. appreciate you all for your comment.

I think if you are looking at a single ring barenia K then it is already at least nearly 20 years old so it has done a fair amount of aging already! Barenia is a fantastic leather

 

[lisawhit]

double rings...

 

[ladysarah]

I think if you are looking at a single ring barenia K then it is already at least nearly 20 years old so it has done a fair amount of aging already! Barenia is a fantastic leather

I would probBly kill for abarenia k 25

 

[Tonimichelle]

I would probBly kill for abarenia k 25

Slightly relieved that mine is a 32 then

 

[Shirgrannie]

What about considering to change the single hook to double hooks at Hermes? Does anyone know the cost and process? Thanks in advance

 

[PJW5813]

What about considering to change the single hook to double hooks at Hermes? Does anyone know the cost and process? Thanks in advance

I'm not sure if this is a service that Hermes offers unless the handle need replacing.
As a preventative measure with an already aged bag I doubt whether it would be cost effective, involving major deconstruction of the bag: handle loops; attachment loops; removing the lining to the flap for access to the concealed stitching.


With regard to changing the handle fixing to a double ring you might find this interesting and then pm the poster
Box Calf / Veau Box through the years #boxcalfnerds
Posts 1023 1024

(apologies for the large bold font - it was a simple copy and paste)

 

[Shirgrannie]

I'm not sure if this is a service that Hermes offers unless the handle need replacing.
As a preventative measure with an already aged bag I doubt whether it would be cost effective, involving major deconstruction of the bag: handle loops; attachment loops; removing the lining to the flap for access to the concealed stitching.


With regard to changing the handle fixing to a double ring you might find this interesting and then pm the poster
Box Calf / Veau Box through the years #boxcalfnerds
Posts 1023 1024

(apologies for the large bold font - it was a simple copy and paste)

Hi PJW5813, thanks for the information

 

[periogirl28]

Hi PJW5813, thanks for the information

I doubt Hermes would do it unless they deem the handle really beyond and requires replacing. Please also don't forget that if it's an older bag, it is much more difficult to match the leather even for Black Box.

 

[Shirgrannie]

I doubt Hermes would do it unless they deem the handle really beyond and requires replacing. Pleaae also don't forget that if it's an older bag, it is much more difficult to match the leather even for Black Box.

Hi periogirl28, I see. Thanks for letting me know

 

[QuelleFromage]

What about considering to change the single hook to double hooks at Hermes? Does anyone know the cost and process? Thanks in advance

I would not bother. Although the double rings make attaching/removing strap easier and balance the bag better, people carried Kellys with straps for decades before the double rings.
It's a complicated, expensive process because you're talking about a lot of unstitching and restitching, and H likely won't do it unless there is damage to a ring.

 

[Zeremine]

I would not bother. Although the double rings make attaching/removing strap easier and balance the bag better, people carried Kellys with straps for decades before the double rings.
It's a complicated, expensive process because you're talking about a lot of unstitching and restitching, and H likely won't do it unless there is damage to a ring.

They will also do it if the handle requires replacing. Had the option offered to me when I sent in my 1979 chocolate box k32 in for restoration. Had some other work done on it as well so here’s the quote for those who are curious.