35cm Hermes Birkin - Black Box Calf or Chocolate Brown Ebene EverCalf?

[Phoenix]

They're both 35cm, and are priced fairly similarly (differ by about $600).

The chocolate brown one looks like it's in better condition than the black one, but they both look/ are described as being in very good condition. Also, the brown one has gold hardware wherewas the black has palladium hardware.

So, which one woud you choose, Hermes experts?

(Oh, if it helps, I wear a lot of black clothes and some brown clothes. I've wanted a red engine Birkin but haven't been able to get it - am still on a the waiting list. I guess a lot of Hermes lovers have more than one Birkins and/ or Kellys, so this could be my first *ever* Birkin. The red Birkin could be my next one!

).

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/19/2009 5:53:43 AM
Author:Phoenix
They're both 35cm, and are priced fairly similarly (differ by about $600).

The chocolate brown one looks like it's in better condition than the black one, but they both look/ are described as being in very good condition. Also, the brown one has gold hardware wherewas the black has palladium hardware.

So, which one woud you choose, Hermes experts?

(Oh, if it helps, I wear a lot of black clothes and some brown clothes. I've wanted a red engine Birkin but haven't been able to get it - am still on a the waiting list. I guess a lot of Hermes lovers have more than one Birkins and/ or Kellys, so this could be my first *ever* Birkin. The red Birkin could be my next one!

).

Undoubtedly black box calf Phoenix, it is the quintessential Hermes leather and can be refurbished easily. The box calf will also develop a patina over the years with use which is so beautiful, the only thing is that this leather marks easily which all goes toward developing the patina and scratches and marks are difficult for some to accept even though in time these all blend to make the leather more beautiful. But if you want THE classic Hermes leather and don't mind the odd mark and you enjoy the fact that your bag's beauty will grow over the years, thats the one to get.

And BTW, you won't stop at one bag....

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 12/19/2009 6:05:13 AM
Author: Lorelei




Undoubtedly black box calf Phoenix, it is the quintessential Hermes leather and can be refurbished easily. The box calf will also develop a patina over the years with use which is so beautiful, the only thing is that this leather marks easily which all goes toward developing the patina and scratches and marks are difficult for some to accept even though in time these all blend to make the leather more beautiful. But if you want THE classic Hermes leather and don't mind the odd mark and you enjoy the fact that your bag's beauty will grow over the years, thats the one to get.

And BTW, you won't stop at one bag....

Thanks very much, Lorelei. I emailed the vendor and they came back and said that the black box calf has several marks on it and there's another person interested in it (though they didn't say that the bag was on hold for this other buyer). Apparently, the brown bag is much newer in condition and is described as "virtually perfect" and "gorgeous"! I'm not sure if it's very very dark chocolate brown (which I'd LOVE ) or just brown (which I wouldn't be too keen on).

They have a Togo Blue Jean Birkin of the same size. I've always loved this version, but the bag that's on sale is not in excellent condition. It's described as "used, but still has lots of life". Its condition, on their website, doesn't look as mint as the Evercalf.

I've asked the vendor for more photos but apparently it's not possible for the time being since their photographer is on leave.

What do you think, Lorelei? What should I do? What would you do?

(PS. You're absolutely right, of course! I'm still wanting a red enginer Birkin and there's a Potirin Orange Crocodile Beam wallet on their website that I'm also currently coveting!

)

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/20/2009 11:56:00 PM
Author: Phoenix

Date: 12/19/2009 6:05:13 AM
Author: Lorelei










Undoubtedly black box calf Phoenix, it is the quintessential Hermes leather and can be refurbished easily. The box calf will also develop a patina over the years with use which is so beautiful, the only thing is that this leather marks easily which all goes toward developing the patina and scratches and marks are difficult for some to accept even though in time these all blend to make the leather more beautiful. But if you want THE classic Hermes leather and don't mind the odd mark and you enjoy the fact that your bag's beauty will grow over the years, thats the one to get.

And BTW, you won't stop at one bag....

Thanks very much, Lorelei. I emailed the vendor and they came back and said that the black box calf has several marks on it and there's another person interested in it (though they didn't say that the bag was on hold for this other buyer). Apparently, the brown bag is much newer in condition and is described as 'virtually perfect' and 'gorgeous'! I'm not sure if it's very very dark chocolate brown (which I'd LOVE ) or just brown (which I wouldn't be too keen on).

They have a Togo Blue Jean Birkin of the same size. I've always loved this version, but the bag that's on sale is not in excellent condition. It's described as 'used, but still has lots of life'. Its condition, on their website, doesn't look as mint as the Evercalf.

I've asked the vendor for more photos but apparently it's not possible for the time being since their photographer is on leave.

What do you think, Lorelei? What should I do? What would you do?

(PS. You're absolutely right, of course! I'm still wanting a red enginer Birkin and there's a Potirin Orange Crocodile Beam wallet on their website that I'm also currently coveting!

)

I am not surprised if the box is marked as this is the nature of the leather, but it depends on how it is marked and if it bothers you....Could the seller send you some detailed photos of the marks? Some will blend over time to help form the patina but very deep scratches are undesirable, if that is the case, I would want a lot more info on the bag - but if they won't provide additional info then I would pass. Just to check, you are sure the vendor is reputable? The Ebene Birkin could definitely be a possibility, do they have photos of that one?

What I would do is not settle but wait for the bag you truly want. If the Ebene Birkin is it then great, or if the box Birkin only has superficial marks consistent with box leather then fine but without images we have no way of knowing what type of marks the bag has....What does your gut tell you?

Here is a photo I found of a beautiful Ebene Birkin in togo which might help.

 

[Phoenix]

Thank you so much, Lorelei. I've asked the vendor for extra pics.

I don't really know what my gut tells me, to be honest. I guess it tells me that I should wait for the fire engine red, but then black or chocolate brown is basic staple, is it not? AND I could always get the brown one now and the red one later!!

Thanks so much for the pic. So sweet of you. It does look very yummy!

Anyway, I just got some slightly bad news this evening about my pap smear, so I'm not really thinking about shopping at the moment!

I am still hoping it's not really that bad, fingers crossed!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/21/2009 11:17:07 AM
Author: Phoenix
Thank you so much, Lorelei. I've asked the vendor for extra pics.

I don't really know what my gut tells me, to be honest. I guess it tells me that I should wait for the fire engine red, but then black or chocolate brown is basic staple, is it not? AND I could always get the brown one now and the red one later!!

Thanks so much for the pic. So sweet of you. It does look very yummy!

Anyway, I just got some slightly bad news this evening about my pap smear, so I'm not really thinking about shopping at the moment!

I am still hoping it's not really that bad, fingers crossed!

You are welcome! And yes, black or brown IS a staple so you could always get one and then wait for the red Birkin from the boutique.

I am sending out prayers for your pap smear result, I know some tests can come back as inconclusive or with less desirable results but hang in there P as it is my understanding that some abnormalities are readily treatable if needed.

Have you had a good chat with your gynacologist?