Authenticate This COACH - **see first post for format**

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#47,869
IMPORTANT READ-ME

Please post authenticity questions related to COACH in this thread. No PMs please.
For further information, please refer to the first post on page 1 of this thread.

Please follow the following requests:
  • Before you submit a request for authentication, please search this thread to make sure that the item has not previously been authenticated by searching the seller ID and/or item number. This is not a thread to ask general questions about COACH, please refer to our main Coach forum for such information.
  • Note that authenticators have the right to refuse any requests. This is a free service, but it is imperative that you help our authenticators by using the following format:
  • FOR ITEMS LISTED ONLINE:
    Item:
    Listing number:
    Seller and site where listed
    Link:
    Comments:

  • FOR ITEMS NOT LISTED ONLINE:
    Item:
    Where purchased or how obtained
    Comments:
BASIC PICTURES REQUIRED (but more may be requested): If necessary pictures are in the listing, it's not necessary to upload and duplicate them.
  • Front of item
  • Back of item
  • Full clear and legible creed text and serial number
  • Made in tags (when available)
  • Measurements
  • For bags with turnlock closures, show pictures of back of female side of turnlock
  • For bags with magnetic snaps, show pictures of the male part of the snap so that the numbers and letters on it can be read
  • If applicable, search interior of bag and/or pockets for small white tag with production information and include a picture of that.
Thank you and be safe!
 
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#23,431
junoandcinnamon said:
Hi fellow Coach lovers,

I'm new to vintage Coaches (received my first one last year and immediately fell in love). I recently purchased an envelope portfolio bag, but I'm worried that it might be fake because the leather is really stiff and some dry spots show bubbling or cracking (see photos). Not sure if real leather should do this--or if it's just really old or the way the previous owner treated it. I've included more info and photos below.

Many thanks in advance!

Item Name (if you know it): Coach Envelope Portfolio Bag #5109
Link (if available): https://poshmark.com/listing/Authentic-Classic-Coach-Envelope-Portfolio-594c0f7f2599fe24b0010274
Photos: sorry about blurriness of creed, it was hard to photograph. It says "This is a Coach bag. It is made out of a completely natural glove tanned cowhide. The scars, scratches, veins and wrinkles are natural markings characteristic of full-grain leathers. Made in New York City, U.S.A. (in all caps) No 660-9621 (I think, stamp is super light, not deeply engrained)

Measurements: 16 1/2 in. x 11 in

View attachment 3746189 View attachment 3746190 View attachment 3746191 View attachment 3746192 View attachment 3746193 View attachment 3746194 View attachment 3746195
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It looks genuine to me, but the leather has been neglected and maybe abused. The bag was made before 1988 so after 30 years any leather that hasn't been taken care of at at least moisturized occasionally is going to show problems. The Rehab and Rescue thread in the main Coach forum can supply some suggestions, but some of the damage may not be fixable.

The seller claims in the listing "This Envelope Portfolio is in excellent restored condition" which you don't agree with. I don't know if Poshmark offers refunds for items that are Not As Described, but you might want to look into it. You may also want to post your photos at the Rehab and Rescue thread and ask the advice of the experienced rehabbers if they think the damage can be fixed. If you paid the price shown in the PM listing you should have received a bag in excellent condition as the seller claims.
 
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#23,433
junoandcinnamon said:
Hi fellow Coach lovers,

I'm new to vintage Coaches (received my first one last year and immediately fell in love). I recently purchased an envelope portfolio bag, but I'm worried that it might be fake because the leather is really stiff and some dry spots show bubbling or cracking (see photos). Not sure if real leather should do this--or if it's just really old or the way the previous owner treated it. I've included more info and photos below.

Many thanks in advance!

Item Name (if you know it): Coach Envelope Portfolio Bag #5109
Link (if available): https://poshmark.com/listing/Authentic-Classic-Coach-Envelope-Portfolio-594c0f7f2599fe24b0010274
Photos: sorry about blurriness of creed, it was hard to photograph. It says "This is a Coach bag. It is made out of a completely natural glove tanned cowhide. The scars, scratches, veins and wrinkles are natural markings characteristic of full-grain leathers. Made in New York City, U.S.A. (in all caps) No 660-9621 (I think, stamp is super light, not deeply engrained)

Measurements: 16 1/2 in. x 11 in

View attachment 3746189 View attachment 3746190 View attachment 3746191 View attachment 3746192 View attachment 3746193 View attachment 3746194 View attachment 3746195
Click to expand...
I'll defer authentication to one of the resident experts (though I'm quite confident that you NYC-made #5190 Envelope Portfolio is indeed the real deal) and instead offer to address the condition of the leather as reported and shown. What you've shared, along with the photos you've provided, suggests that at some point in its life, the leather of this bag was allowed to dry well beyond recommended thresholds. The ridges and surface striations you see and feel provide ample evidence of that condition and are typical of tanned leathers that have not been maintained and moisturized adequately. Whether or not it has passed the point-of-no-return and become potato chip-like in terms of pliability can only be determined by actual tactile inspection of the hand of the material. From what you've volunteered though, that does not appear to be the case, but the leather certainly has suffered some irreparable harm. That said, I'd still suggest that some restoration may be possible by giving it a good cleaning followed by repeated applications of a high-quality leather moisturizer. tPF's COACH Rehab & Rescue thread would be a good start for further suggestions on how best to proceed. ( https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/coach-rehab-and-rescue-club.833400/ )

Best of luck with reviving this item that's certainly deserving of attention.

ETA: I just saw Hyacinth's response. I can't believe that I must be the slowest keyboarder ever.
 
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#23,434
Couturexec said:
Wow. That's harsh.
Click to expand...

Some of the posters in the other forums asking for, or in some cases demanding, immediate answers can be jerks. It's not always the authenticators who sound harsh. And authenticators in each forum make the rules for their own brand specialty, so they know best what's needed so that their time isn't wasted.

We've had a jerk or two here too but anyone who acts like an entitled a***ole or starts demanding or beetching or swearing usually ends up with bite marks on their arses. We may be sweet and patient ladies :graucho: but we have a very low tolerance for BS in our little corner of the world. :biggrin:.
 
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#23,436
RL Bernstein said:
I'll defer authentication to one of the resident experts (though I'm quite confident that you NYC-made #5190 Envelope Portfolio is indeed the real deal) and instead offer to address the condition of the leather as reported and shown. What you've shared, along with the photos you've provided, suggests that at some point in its life, the leather of this bag was allowed to dry well beyond recommended thresholds. The ridges and surface striations you see and feel provide ample evidence of that condition and are typical of tanned leathers that have not been maintained and moisturized adequately. Whether or not it has passed the point-of-no-return and become potato chip-like in terms of pliability can only be determined by actual tactile inspection of the hand of the material. From what you've volunteered though, that does not appear to be the case, but the leather certainly has suffered some irreparable harm. That said, I'd still suggest that some restoration may be possible by giving it a good cleaning followed by repeated applications of a high-quality leather moisturizer. tPF's COACH Rehab & Rescue thread would be a good start for further suggestions on how best to proceed. ( https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/coach-rehab-and-rescue-club.833400/ )

Best of luck with reviving this item that's certainly deserving of attention.

ETA: I just saw Hyacinth's response. I can't believe that I must be the slowest keyboarder ever.
Click to expand...

Nope, that honor usually belongs to me. But thank you very much for your advice!
 
#23,437
Hyacinth said:
Some of the posters in the other forums asking for, or in some cases demanding, immediate answers can be jerks. It's not always the authenticators who sound harsh. And authenticators in each forum make the rules for their own brand specialty, so they know best what's needed so that their time isn't wasted.

We've had a jerk or two here too but anyone who acts like an entitled a***ole or starts demanding or beetching or swearing usually ends up with bite marks on their arses. We may be sweet and patient ladies :graucho: but we have a very low tolerance for BS in our little corner of the world. :biggrin:.
Click to expand...

I totally get that. It's the Internet after all and lines need to drawn.
I thought it was harsh referring to the observation they may not respond to "newbies" or if you don't chat on other threads on the forum? That seems a little "catty".
 
#23,438
Hyacinth said:
It looks genuine to me, but the leather has been neglected and maybe abused. The bag was made before 1988 so after 30 years any leather that hasn't been taken care of at at least moisturized occasionally is going to show problems. The Rehab and Rescue thread in the main Coach forum can supply some suggestions, but some of the damage may not be fixable.

The seller claims in the listing "This Envelope Portfolio is in excellent restored condition" which you don't agree with. I don't know if Poshmark offers refunds for items that are Not As Described, but you might want to look into it. You may also want to post your photos at the Rehab and Rescue thread and ask the advice of the experienced rehabbers if they think the damage can be fixed. If you paid the price shown in the PM listing you should have received a bag in excellent condition as the seller claims.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much, Hyacinth! I'm glad to hear that the bag is at least genuine. Totally agree that it is not in excellent restored condition--my other vintage bag is so smooth and soft in comparison. I do really love the bag, and so I'll try my luck in the Rehab thread to see if I might be able to save it. Lesson learned next time to not pay so much for a bag online!

Oh, and for other online shoppers on this thread, I would not recommend purchasing expensive bags on Poshmark. This was a mistake on my part. The sellers seem kinda shady and there's no guarantee for a refund like Ebay if you receive an item not matching the description.
 
#23,439
RL Bernstein said:
I'll defer authentication to one of the resident experts (though I'm quite confident that you NYC-made #5190 Envelope Portfolio is indeed the real deal) and instead offer to address the condition of the leather as reported and shown. What you've shared, along with the photos you've provided, suggests that at some point in its life, the leather of this bag was allowed to dry well beyond recommended thresholds. The ridges and surface striations you see and feel provide ample evidence of that condition and are typical of tanned leathers that have not been maintained and moisturized adequately. Whether or not it has passed the point-of-no-return and become potato chip-like in terms of pliability can only be determined by actual tactile inspection of the hand of the material. From what you've volunteered though, that does not appear to be the case, but the leather certainly has suffered some irreparable harm. That said, I'd still suggest that some restoration may be possible by giving it a good cleaning followed by repeated applications of a high-quality leather moisturizer. tPF's COACH Rehab & Rescue thread would be a good start for further suggestions on how best to proceed. ( https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/coach-rehab-and-rescue-club.833400/ )

Best of luck with reviving this item that's certainly deserving of attention.

ETA: I just saw Hyacinth's response. I can't believe that I must be the slowest keyboarder ever.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much, RL Bernstein. I really appreciate the advice. I'm at least relieved to hear that it's not a fake, but so bummed about the condition not being accurate. Most of the damage is at least on the top flap and only in the two corners. The rest of bag is rigid, but no signs of extreme dryness or cracking! I'll see if the wonderful folks over on the Rehab thread have any ideas. Fingers crossed!
 
#23,440
Couturexec said:
I totally get that. It's the Internet after all and lines need to drawn.
I thought it was harsh referring to the observation they may not respond to "newbies" or if you don't chat on other threads on the forum? That seems a little "catty".
Click to expand...

Sometimes it's because some members who only visit the forum when they want authentications are actually sellers who take advantage of the service the forums offer. Professional written authentications by qualified persons or companies, especially for high-end bags, should be part of the cost of doing business. Some brands only have one or at the most, two authenticators, and they shouldn't be spending all their voluntary time here authenticating just for sellers.

I personally don't agree with ignoring questions by Newbies, but as we said, every forum makes their own rules based on their experiences.
 
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#23,441
junoandcinnamon said:
Thank you so much, Hyacinth! I'm glad to hear that the bag is at least genuine. Totally agree that it is not in excellent restored condition--my other vintage bag is so smooth and soft in comparison. I do really love the bag, and so I'll try my luck in the Rehab thread to see if I might be able to save it. Lesson learned next time to not pay so much for a bag online!

Oh, and for other online shoppers on this thread, I would not recommend purchasing expensive bags on Poshmark. This was a mistake on my part. The sellers seem kinda shady and there's no guarantee for a refund like Ebay if you receive an item not matching the description.
Click to expand...

We've been saying exactly the same thing at tPF and especially at the Coach forums for several years, and posters have reported quite a few problems with getting stuck with fakes and having a lot of trouble getting refunds. PM is also notorious for not removing fakes when reported to them through their apparently non-functioning reporting system. Along with posts here in the Coach forum there are 207 pages of posts in the Ebay thread in the main forum about the kinds of problems members have had with Poshmark.
https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/does-anyone-use-poshmark.780202/
 
#23,442
BeenBurned said:
Oh, dear.

Although that bag was an easy "fake" call and while I hate to be "Debby Downer" when it comes to the Philippines, we recommend extreme caution when purchasing from sellers there.(Personally, I'd recommend buying from outside of your country.)

I know we all like to do commerce in our own countries but especially for newer styles (across brands), the fakes we see are extremely close and some, nearly impossible to authenticate.

Please have any items you're considering buying looked at before purchasing.
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It is quite a challenge to look for reputable sellers here. As much as i want to buy from outside the Philippines, i'm having a hard time with the shipping. Either way, having this kind of community where we have the opportunity to "take advantage" of your expert advise is really a great help. We really appreciate your effort.
 
#23,445
Catbird9 said:
Please take a look at this "no label Coach-like" listing.
Seller: makadoo
Link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-NO-...BAG-COACH-LIKE-DESIGN-2-SECTIONS/172751774274
Comment: I can't decide if the seller knows it's fake and deliberately isn't showing the creed, or if there really is no stamp, which would be odd. Fakes from this era (the ones I've seen anyway) have some kind of creed.
Thank you!
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There's one picture where part of the creed would be visible if the creed were there. I'm guessing that this is a legitimate "designer inspired" bag and the seller is KWS the Coach name. (Key word spamming is reportable but don't report as fake since we can't prove it.)
 
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