Question on Repair

[JD Alan]

I"ve been asked if I could repair the lace on a 1920's leather purse, pictured below. A friend who owns a vintage store has it, and says its quite valuable. I see 3 challenges right off the bat: the lace is smaller than anything I can find. It's less than 3/32. As best I can tell it's either 1/16 or 5/64. 2 mm would be close, but this lace appears to be flat, not rounded like the 2mm lace I see for sale.

The second problem is the area needing laced is very brittle. I could try something to soften up the edge, but that brings me to the third problem. She doesn't want any changes to the purse other than repairing the existing lace; no relacing of the whole purse, no cleaning or conditioning. Other than the bottom edge that needs relacing the purse is in excellent condition, so I'm concerned that any product I might apply would change the color. The original lace is black, but time has faded it to brown except for the protected areas.

I'm about ready to tell her it can't be done, but I thought I would check with you guys first. Any help would be appreciated. That's real jade by the way.

[Ned Buckshot]

Well JD, given those conditions I would have to pass on the job. It's just not worth the aggrevation.

Ned

[JD Alan]

That's my inclination Ned, and there's no expectation on her part that I could do it. Under what conditions would you attempt something like this, because you are a heck of a good lacer?

[Ned Buckshot]

I would want to relace the whole thing so it all matched.

[Freedom]

That is really too bad... It is hard when people that don't know how to do something want to tell you how to do the job??

The lace is most likely Kangaroo... real strong and thin...
I would imagine that most of the reason this item is worn out is due to neglect..and could benifit greatly from a little maintaince. A  "Little" skidmores would bring this back to life... And probly add to its value.... if the old lace holes are completely torn out ,a very thin gusset glued in the dammaged area would be invisible and would once again alow the area to hold the lace.

I know that modifications and repairs can damage the value of certain antiques... but to partially relace it would be doing just that.. Not to mention that a nicely done, invisible repair would certainly be better than one that is just scabbed together and obvious. WHat they need is for the piece to be "preserved"...left as it is, it will certainl;y continue to decompose

Lot of times people are just afraid (rightfully so in some cases) to allow someone to have there way with a valuble item... too many hacks out there that could ruin a piece that means a lot to someone.... But done right, I am sure that the piece could be greatly preserved.

[Springfield Slim]

I hate doing repairs. It can be difficult to impossible to match colors and style exactly, and it usually takes WAY more time than most people are willing to pay for. And with older pieces you never know if it is just going to fall apart in your hands.

[JD Alan]

The only reason I'm even considering this it the owner; Janet, along with her husband Scott are elders at our church, and good friends. I talked to her about relacing the whole thing, if possible, and she thought it would devalue it more than having the unrepaired spots. She's been selling antiques, vintage clothing and accessories for a long time so I trust her judgment in this area, plus it's her purse!

I do appreciate all the help.