No problem - we all are constantly learning. tPF is the Purse Forum, and the seller is a member who recently posted on this forum. As a matter of course, you should always read as much of the seller's feedback as possible - not just how "great" they are, but what they sold, and for how much, etc. In addition, it is probably important to read the information on the seller's "me" page.
BV is a little (you could read much here until you get the hang of it) more difficult to authenticate, but here is an eBay guide - follow all 4 parts: http://reviews.ebay.com/Bottega-Ven...e-amp-Newer-Bags-1_W0QQugidZ10000000003776131
The labels and fonts of the logos (both impressed in leather and metal) have changed over the years, but as you see many of them (and I encourage you to look at as many as you can find, both in retail stores and on eBay), you will be able to identify which style should have what lining, which label, and what the font of the logo "Bottega Veneta Made in Italy" should look like. I believe that you would describe the current (since June 2001) to be a serif-type font. You will get a feeling for where the impressed logo should be located, what the zipper pulls should look like for that style in a given period (years), who makes the zippers, and even what the dust bag should be. Dust bags are less important, since people often substitute in their closets, especially if you are buying a vintage or used purse.
IMO, BV is subtle (except for the period when Giles Deacon was the designer - I love this period, too!), and that is the beauty and desirability - along with the supurb materials and craftsmanship. The subtleness makes BV a ripe target for counterfeit, but something will usually give it away.
Always pay attention to red flags: If any of these things do not match up, then I usually assume that it is not authentic, and check with the experts here before I bid or purchase if I am unsure.
I did buy a counterfeit bag, so after dealing with all the pain and anguish, not to mention the fear of losing a large amount of money ($ returned by paypal and cc company), I made it my business to learn to identify the real bags. I am by no means an expert, but I have come a long way from where I was in February.
Your bag is darling (and authentic), and if you do have any questions, I would encourage you to write the seller, and explain that you are a member of tPF, and a BV newbie. If she is anything like the tPF-er that sold me my first authentic bag (and I suspect that she is), she will respond positively.
Enjoy your first BV!!! I still pet mine - all of them!
