Authenticate This BOTTEGA VENETA

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[Oops, post somehow posted prematurely...]

Hi everyone,

I'm a first time user here; read through the instructions/ rules but am still uncertain if this is the appropriate thread for my post. Please excuse me if it's not (happy to be redirected elsewhere! I'm currently unable to start a new thread), but would really appreciate some guidance.

Item Name: Unknown
Listing number: Unknown
Seller name or ID: Withheld (in dispute with seller)
Working Link: Unknown

I just bought what I assumed to be an authentic BV bag at a local consignment shop in Washington, D.C. They seemed reputable enough, so when I saw a photo of the bag posted on their instagram account, I called in and placed a phone order (my first mistake). The sales associate on the other end promised that they did all the proper authentication checks.

I go to the store to pick it up, where they again promised that they were diligent in checking its authenticity. I was in a rush due to another engagement, so did a quick look-over of the item and left happy with my purchase (my second mistake). Afterward, upon closer examination and with the assistance of the Real Real's authentication guide, I found numerous warning signs. The biggest being that the designer cardboard label included with the purse had a typo saying that, given the quality of the leather, to avoid contact with "grewasy" (instead of "greasy" materials).

I rushed back to the store to argue for a refund (I stupidly forgot to take photos before going back... ). The manager informed me that the item was vintage from the 1970s, and hence did not have the BV white label with the ID number (this seems to be validated from a quick search of this thread!). I pointed out the issue with the typo, which she responded with, "they translated it from Italian, so the typo is understandable." I was less convinced here, given that quality control standards should have been up to par even then and that I've seen these sort of typos in Asian-counterfeits. The manager was annoyed with me, but said that they'll get it checked out with a third-party authenticator and will grant me a refund if it does indeed prove to be fake. I'm a bit jaded at this point, confused as to why they didn't have it checked before selling it and concerned that they won't actually have it looked over (they also didn't remove the other two BV bags that came from the same seller)

A few other of the glaring warning signs I stupidly overlooked: the consignment boutique got five or six "vintage" but "like-new" BV styles from the same seller, who claimed that they were all from the 1970's. However, mine came in a dust bag that says "Bottega Veneta: Where Your Own Initials Are Enough"--phrasing that, according to Google, was not widely used until the 2010s. The zippers were plain, with no words on them. The price should have also been a red flag; it was $100, too good to be true, but I somehow convinced myself that it was because it's a vintage item and because "steals" and "good finds" are possible at consignment stores...

Again, I apologize if this is not the correct place for this post, but would sincerely appreciate if anyone has any thoughts on the authenticity of this piece. Not really sure how to proceed from here, especially since the consignment store doesn't seem too vested in doing their due diligence. And if it does turn out to be a counterfeit, would appreciate any thoughts on what to do (or be directed to a more appropriate thread for this questions!)
 

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[Oops, post somehow posted prematurely...]

Hi everyone,

I'm a first time user here; read through the instructions/ rules but am still uncertain if this is the appropriate thread for my post. Please excuse me if it's not (happy to be redirected elsewhere! I'm currently unable to start a new thread), but would really appreciate some guidance.

Item Name: Unknown
Listing number: Unknown
Seller name or ID: Withheld (in dispute with seller)
Working Link: Unknown

I just bought what I assumed to be an authentic BV bag at a local consignment shop in Washington, D.C. They seemed reputable enough, so when I saw a photo of the bag posted on their instagram account, I called in and placed a phone order (my first mistake). The sales associate on the other end promised that they did all the proper authentication checks.

I go to the store to pick it up, where they again promised that they were diligent in checking its authenticity. I was in a rush due to another engagement, so did a quick look-over of the item and left happy with my purchase (my second mistake). Afterward, upon closer examination and with the assistance of the Real Real's authentication guide, I found numerous warning signs. The biggest being that the designer cardboard label included with the purse had a typo saying that, given the quality of the leather, to avoid contact with "grewasy" (instead of "greasy" materials).

I rushed back to the store to argue for a refund (I stupidly forgot to take photos before going back... ). The manager informed me that the item was vintage from the 1970s, and hence did not have the BV white label with the ID number (this seems to be validated from a quick search of this thread!). I pointed out the issue with the typo, which she responded with, "they translated it from Italian, so the typo is understandable." I was less convinced here, given that quality control standards should have been up to par even then and that I've seen these sort of typos in Asian-counterfeits. The manager was annoyed with me, but said that they'll get it checked out with a third-party authenticator and will grant me a refund if it does indeed prove to be fake. I'm a bit jaded at this point, confused as to why they didn't have it checked before selling it and concerned that they won't actually have it looked over (they also didn't remove the other two BV bags that came from the same seller)

A few other of the glaring warning signs I stupidly overlooked: the consignment boutique got five or six "vintage" but "like-new" BV styles from the same seller, who claimed that they were all from the 1970's. However, mine came in a dust bag that says "Bottega Veneta: Where Your Own Initials Are Enough"--phrasing that, according to Google, was not widely used until the 2010s. The zippers were plain, with no words on them. The price should have also been a red flag; it was $100, too good to be true, but I somehow convinced myself that it was because it's a vintage item and because "steals" and "good finds" are possible at consignment stores...

Again, I apologize if this is not the correct place for this post, but would sincerely appreciate if anyone has any thoughts on the authenticity of this piece. Not really sure how to proceed from here, especially since the consignment store doesn't seem too vested in doing their due diligence. And if it does turn out to be a counterfeit, would appreciate any thoughts on what to do (or be directed to a more appropriate thread for this questions!)
I'm so sorry you're having trouble with your purchase. I'm going to jump in here to direct you to the very first post of this thread. You are missing several close up pictures that our wonderful authenticators need in order to give you an opinion on whether or not a bag is authentic or not.
 
I'm so sorry you're having trouble with your purchase. I'm going to jump in here to direct you to the very first post of this thread. You are missing several close up pictures that our wonderful authenticators need in order to give you an opinion on whether or not a bag is authentic or not.

Thank you so much for your kind words! Unfortunately, I forgot to take detailed photos in my frustration with myself when rushing back to the consignment store. The bag in question is currently back at the store where it will (hopefully?) be shipped to an authenticator. Was hoping the description of the item and its features would be sufficient. Apologies for disregarding the rules! :sad:
 
Thank you so much for your kind words! Unfortunately, I forgot to take detailed photos in my frustration with myself when rushing back to the consignment store. The bag in question is currently back at the store where it will (hopefully?) be shipped to an authenticator. Was hoping the description of the item and its features would be sufficient. Apologies for disregarding the rules! :sad:

Welcome to the Bottega Veneta forum. Thank you for your efforts in following the rules, I appreciate that very much. We do give opinions on non-eBay items, so you are in the right place. We all have been in your place and are glad you are here. The authentications here can only give opinions that are not legally binding. If the store is sending your bag to a third party authenticator, are they asking you to pay for this...weigh the cost against what you spent if so.

There are a few people here who specialize in vintage BV. Honestly, I have never seen a typo on a tag, and that seems suspicious. I hope everything works out for you. Please visit our introduce yourself thread, or chat thread so get to know us, and we you. We are a friendly, welcoming and helpful group....jburgh
 
[Oops, post somehow posted prematurely...]

Hi everyone,

I'm a first time user here; read through the instructions/ rules but am still uncertain if this is the appropriate thread for my post. Please excuse me if it's not (happy to be redirected elsewhere! I'm currently unable to start a new thread), but would really appreciate some guidance.

Item Name: Unknown
Listing number: Unknown
Seller name or ID: Withheld (in dispute with seller)
Working Link: Unknown

I just bought what I assumed to be an authentic BV bag at a local consignment shop in Washington, D.C. They seemed reputable enough, so when I saw a photo of the bag posted on their instagram account, I called in and placed a phone order (my first mistake). The sales associate on the other end promised that they did all the proper authentication checks.

I go to the store to pick it up, where they again promised that they were diligent in checking its authenticity. I was in a rush due to another engagement, so did a quick look-over of the item and left happy with my purchase (my second mistake). Afterward, upon closer examination and with the assistance of the Real Real's authentication guide, I found numerous warning signs. The biggest being that the designer cardboard label included with the purse had a typo saying that, given the quality of the leather, to avoid contact with "grewasy" (instead of "greasy" materials).

I rushed back to the store to argue for a refund (I stupidly forgot to take photos before going back... ). The manager informed me that the item was vintage from the 1970s, and hence did not have the BV white label with the ID number (this seems to be validated from a quick search of this thread!). I pointed out the issue with the typo, which she responded with, "they translated it from Italian, so the typo is understandable." I was less convinced here, given that quality control standards should have been up to par even then and that I've seen these sort of typos in Asian-counterfeits. The manager was annoyed with me, but said that they'll get it checked out with a third-party authenticator and will grant me a refund if it does indeed prove to be fake. I'm a bit jaded at this point, confused as to why they didn't have it checked before selling it and concerned that they won't actually have it looked over (they also didn't remove the other two BV bags that came from the same seller)

A few other of the glaring warning signs I stupidly overlooked: the consignment boutique got five or six "vintage" but "like-new" BV styles from the same seller, who claimed that they were all from the 1970's. However, mine came in a dust bag that says "Bottega Veneta: Where Your Own Initials Are Enough"--phrasing that, according to Google, was not widely used until the 2010s. The zippers were plain, with no words on them. The price should have also been a red flag; it was $100, too good to be true, but I somehow convinced myself that it was because it's a vintage item and because "steals" and "good finds" are possible at consignment stores...

Again, I apologize if this is not the correct place for this post, but would sincerely appreciate if anyone has any thoughts on the authenticity of this piece. Not really sure how to proceed from here, especially since the consignment store doesn't seem too vested in doing their due diligence. And if it does turn out to be a counterfeit, would appreciate any thoughts on what to do (or be directed to a more appropriate thread for this questions!)

I am sorry you are having these problems
Buying a BV bag should be a wonderful thing not a stressful occasion

The motto "when your own initials are enough" did come into play with Tomas Maier.

I have seen many typos on BV literature
It is translated from Italian. I used to laugh at the typos. Merchandising manuals that SAs use in stores are rife with typos.

I don't think it is unusual to find in a consignment store or thrift store a few BV bags in good condition. Sometimes people die and the relatives just get rid of everything.
If they were all the same bag in the same condition that would raise my eyebrow.

As a thrift/consignment store they would not pay a service to authenticate.
You said the store was diligent in checking authenticity. Did you ask to see how they verified this? Also how is the person you are dealing with know it is real? Is that person an expert?

I would look at like this:
You might have a fake and it might be real. I would chalk this up to experience
Next time ask if you could put a deposit on the bag
Take the required pictures
Post them here
We try to answer all posts in a timely manner.
With a small deposit if the bag turns out to be fake you haven't lost a great deal and they would probably give you the deposit back or let you purchase something else.
Sorry for your troubles
 

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Hello, this is my first time posting so please forgive me if I have done so in the wrong place. I just purchased a "vintage" Bottega Veneta clutch off eBay and was hoping to find out if it is the real thing. It has no paper tag inside, just the gold plate. Thank you.

Item Name: Vintage Black BV Intrecciato clutch
Link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/282292281602?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Seller: sugarbabe15

So far I don't see anything alarming
Does it have a zipper if so can you post a pic of the back side of the zipper
Is there a white and brown tag anywhere
If there is we need to see both sides
And I am having trouble discerning what material the bag is lined in
 
So far I don't see anything alarming
Does it have a zipper if so can you post a pic of the back side of the zipper
Is there a white and brown tag anywhere
If there is we need to see both sides
And I am having trouble discerning what material the bag is lined in
Thank you for your reply. It does not have a zipper, but has a hinge at either end. The lining is slightly odd as it is dark blue, not sure of the material. There are no tags whatsoever inside the bag.
 
Thank you for your reply. It does not have a zipper, but has a hinge at either end. The lining is slightly odd as it is dark blue, not sure of the material. There are no tags whatsoever inside the bag.

BV bags were not always lined in suede
At one point I think in the 80's they were lined in silk especially a clutch
I am not an expert in vintage but I don't see anything that would send off any alarms
 
Hello, this is my first time posting so please forgive me if I have done so in the wrong place. I just purchased a "vintage" Bottega Veneta clutch off eBay and was hoping to find out if it is the real thing. It has no paper tag inside, just the gold plate. Thank you.

Item Name: Vintage Black BV Intrecciato clutch
Link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/282292281602?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Seller: sugarbabe15
This is a lovely 'hinged' clutch, love these as they are easy to open and shut. The lining would be leather. If you have any leather conditioner (Wilson's TLC?) I would recommend a wipe out on this. It's authentic.
 
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