Herbag dilemma

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

B

bbluegardenia89

Member
Dec 4, 2024
5
0
#1
I recently was given a herbag by my mother. The bag came in pretty terrible condition but I was able to breathe new life to it by using some Saphir crème universelle on the vache leather and dry cleaning the fabric portion.

It’s actually a herbag before they added the zip to the pocket so we’re talking early 2000s most likely. I was considering sending it to H spa to get the leather parts replaced but I really love the patina it’s developed over the years. I don’t love all the water (or is it oil?) spots on the top flap but I’ve learned to live with it. What concerns me the most though is the cracking which you can see on some of the closeup photos. Not sure if this is past the point of no return. What would you do? Keep it as is or pay to get the leather replaced? There’s something about brand new vache that I despise lol It feels so ick to me haha. Anyway, any thoughts appreciated!
 

Attachments

  • IMG_5749.jpeg
    IMG_5749.jpeg
    197 KB · Views: 99
  • IMG_5748.jpeg
    IMG_5748.jpeg
    183 KB · Views: 97
  • IMG_5751.jpeg
    IMG_5751.jpeg
    143 KB · Views: 96
#2
Just my opinion, but if you like the patina and can live with the spots I'd keep using it as is, maybe treat the leather a few more times to moisturise it every so often and see how it goes?
I'm guessing that top flap is pretty thick and is unlikely to break apart anytime soon. If it does start to break, then you could take it to Hermes and look at replacing it. I'm no expert though!
Oh edited to add the Herbag is Vache Hunter isn't it? I don't know if that has a light finish on it in which case it could be just the finish that is cracking. It doesn't look like the cracks are very deep, in which case if the leather gets a bit of moisture it may be ok for years! Hopefully someone who knows a little more may chime in!
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: maxroxxherhandbags
#3
Tonimichelle said:
Just my opinion, but if you like the patina and can live with the spots I'd keep using it as is, maybe treat the leather a few more times to moisturise it every so often and see how it goes?
I'm guessing that top flap is pretty thick and is unlikely to break apart anytime soon. If it does start to break, then you could take it to Hermes and look at replacing it. I'm no expert though!
Oh edited to add the Herbag is Vache Hunter isn't it? I don't know if that has a light finish on it in which case it could be just the finish that is cracking. It doesn't look like the cracks are very deep, in which case if the leather gets a bit of moisture it may be ok for years! Hopefully someone who knows a little more may chime in!
Click to expand...

I agree with you! I think the patina and marks have a certain character. It even reminds me of burl wood somehow. I know that H makes their own saddle soap but does anyone know if this is just good for cleaning or if it deep moisturizes the leather?
 
#4
If you search for it, there is a old thread from docride about how to treat different types of leather. I am so bad at linking stuff, maybe someone else remembers the thread and is able to link it?

Personally, I bought a very (rain) spotty vache naturel bag with quite dry leather (no cracks yet) and cleaned it very thoroughly with saddle soap ( a few rather wet washes followed by a dry rub) and conditioned it with a mix of moisturiser (forgot the brand) and a wax afterwards. Process took a few days with drying, washing, moisturising… This got the spots blended into the leather, darkened all of the leather a bit and made the leather supple again. Of course it does not look like new but has a nice glow and patina now. Saddle soap alone does not do a full moisturising job on a dry leather but helps prepare the leather and gives a first hint of moisture.

I do not know if this works for vache hunter though.
 
  • Insightful
Reactions: tinkerbell68
#5
I had a black leather herbag awhile back that had the same “cracks” - they were only on the surface from bending the leather up and down when opening the bag and the integrity of the leather wasn’t damaged. You have a beautiful bag!
 
#7
Thank you so much everyone for your opinions and insights. I’ve been hunting through the forum for details on how to remoisturize hunter vache. I saw in a post by docride that she recommends Meltonian all purpose cleaner and conditioner but some people mentioned a layer of wax and washing well… I’m totally lost. Does anyone have any info on how best to get her insight and if she still posts on the forum? Sorry if this is a total noob question.
 
#8
She still reads and post on this forum… I contacted her not so long ago and she very kindly responded. So post on the page and she will come to your rescue. Bare in mind it may take some time for her to respond. That is totally normal!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Goldenbelle
#9
steve.b said:
She still reads and post on this forum… I contacted her not so long ago and she very kindly responded. So post on the page and she will come to your rescue. Bare in mind it may take some time for her to respond. That is totally normal!
Click to expand...

Oh that's good to know! When you say to post on the page, do you mean a specific page? Trying to figure out how to ping her or if there's a thread that is her dedicated thread.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top
Back