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

[Vlad]

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!

 

[BeenBurned]

Please also help authenticate this...Basic bag? Currently in my possession.
Height: almost 7"
Width: 11"
View attachment 2847375View attachment 2847376View attachment 2847377

Looks fine too.

 

[markiezoo]

Thank you Been Burned....what a relief!!!!!
Can you please tell me what year this Willis was made? Why does the underscore not matter in this case? Does it have something to do with the year or plant code?

The year of the Basic bag would also be appreciated.
Thank you again for your expertise!

 

[Hyacinth]

Thank you Been Burned....what a relief!!!!!
Can you please tell me what year this Willis was made? Why does the underscore not matter in this case? Does it have something to do with the year or plant code?

The year of the Basic bag would also be appreciated.
Thank you again for your expertise!

The long discussion we had on the underscore a few pages back was aimed specifically at bags with D plant codes, and even then only at the ones made in certain years. This is an example of why not just reading this thread daily but also keeping notes and photos is so important. No one could ever be expected to remember everything and every detail we've talked about.

Some serials including the D plant with date codes from 2000 and newer WILL have long underscores, including almost all the Chinese plants and also the Costa Rica plant in the Willis you asked about. The six Salearea Coach Guides explain how to read Coach date codes:
http://search.reviews.ebay.com/members/salearea

Remember, there are almost NO "Rules" that apply to every Coach bag ever made. A detail that's a huge red flag in one style or with one year or plant code can be perfectly OK in a different one. That's just one of the many reasons why most "Authenticity Guides" are useless, and why ANY guide that claims that such-and-such a detail always proves a Coach is genuine is full of horse poop. Even the Guides I've written or posted only accept a few hard and fast rules like the Made In Korea rule (which covers handbags ONLY, BTW) and the Patchwork Has To Be On Both Sides rule. Even the C pattern rules about how the pattern on the outside has to be a mirror image, and how bags with Cs or logos outside shouldn't have Cs or logos inside have exceptions.


The Basic Bag can't be dated with any precision because it's pre-code, meaning before production codes were used in serial numbers. But based on the Sacsmagnifiques Guide to Creeds and Hangtags
http://www.ebay.com/gds/Guide-to-Vintage-Coach-Hang-tags-and-Creeds-/10000000177697673/g.html
I'd say middle-ish 1970s.

 

[Hibbingchick]

Did coach ever use different turn locks in the 'made in New York' days? How about serial numbers in the 3000's?

 

[Hyacinth]

Did coach ever use different turn locks in the 'made in New York' days? How about serial numbers in the 3000's?

Can you post photos of the different turnlocks? Coach DID use a different style turnlock for some Sheridans from the early '90s but those weren't Made in NYC creeds. I don't remember any other turnlock styles but I haven't seen every early Coach ever made or even close to it and I'm sure they did a lot of experimenting and tweaking in the early days. There may have been minor differences over the years in small details like the exact shape of the little "valleys" where the lock rested when the the turnlock was in the closed position like the Swag Bags in the picture below, but the same basic turnlock design goes back to Bonnie Cashin who introduced it in 1962 and it's stayed pretty much the same ever since, at least until the last few years.

Same thing with serial numbers - the numbers ONLY have a coded meaning if the bag is from 1994 to the present. Blanket questions like that are almost impossible to answer without actually seeing photos of the detail you're asking about. Again, I'll recommend reading the Salearea Coach Guides for some basic information about creeds and numbers:
http://search.reviews.ebay.com/members/salearea

 

[Hibbingchick]

Can you post photos of the different turnlocks? Coach DID use a different style turnlock for some Sheridans from the early '90s but those weren't Made in NYC creeds. I don't remember any other turnlock styles but I haven't seen every early Coach ever made or even close to it and I'm sure they did a lot of experimenting and tweaking in the early days. There may have been minor differences over the years in small details like the exact shape of the little "valleys" where the lock rested when the the turnlock was in the closed position like the Swag Bags in the picture below, but the same basic turnlock design goes back to Bonnie Cashin who introduced it in 1962 and it's stayed pretty much the same ever since, at least until the last few years.

Same thing with serial numbers - the numbers ONLY have a coded meaning if the bag is from 1994 to the present. Blanket questions like that are almost impossible to answer without actually seeing photos of the detail you're asking about. Again, I'll recommend reading the Salearea Coach Guides for some basic information about creeds and numbers:
http://search.reviews.ebay.com/members/salearea

So I'm thinking this bag's a fake. I didn't pay much for it, thankfully. Here's the turn lock and the creed: (having trouble figuring out how to add photos on a mac&#8230

 

[Hibbingchick]

Can you post photos of the different turnlocks? Coach DID use a different style turnlock for some Sheridans from the early '90s but those weren't Made in NYC creeds. I don't remember any other turnlock styles but I haven't seen every early Coach ever made or even close to it and I'm sure they did a lot of experimenting and tweaking in the early days. There may have been minor differences over the years in small details like the exact shape of the little "valleys" where the lock rested when the the turnlock was in the closed position like the Swag Bags in the picture below, but the same basic turnlock design goes back to Bonnie Cashin who introduced it in 1962 and it's stayed pretty much the same ever since, at least until the last few years.

Same thing with serial numbers - the numbers ONLY have a coded meaning if the bag is from 1994 to the present. Blanket questions like that are almost impossible to answer without actually seeing photos of the detail you're asking about. Again, I'll recommend reading the Salearea Coach Guides for some basic information about creeds and numbers:
http://search.reviews.ebay.com/members/salearea

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/hdswrzKO4nPtqWIMwCI6kluWbYYZwgsEJPRBjAsWhFY=s208-p-no
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/BDPOOIh2zEpjhm6fOxxPP7B8_Xpt0HBbvJHyi0vapFU=s208-p-no
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/X4zjWsWv-9HVcz5AVYdStVIZuAipT-7R58M4AoALXM8=w209-h208-p-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/DOMeZpAVaz9bNMS-R5f-CHBP0v0NCVYap_dD6fLA2mY=w209-h208-p-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ntzUZfIpAxlyOueweOTnySeJxDy12lH1Dmg1Bcamszc=s208-p-no

Here (hopefully) are the photos. (pardon my dobie's ears in the one photo!)

 

[whateve]

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/hdswrzKO4nPtqWIMwCI6kluWbYYZwgsEJPRBjAsWhFY=s208-p-no
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/BDPOOIh2zEpjhm6fOxxPP7B8_Xpt0HBbvJHyi0vapFU=s208-p-no
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/X4zjWsWv-9HVcz5AVYdStVIZuAipT-7R58M4AoALXM8=w209-h208-p-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/DOMeZpAVaz9bNMS-R5f-CHBP0v0NCVYap_dD6fLA2mY=w209-h208-p-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ntzUZfIpAxlyOueweOTnySeJxDy12lH1Dmg1Bcamszc=s208-p-no

Here (hopefully) are the photos. (pardon my dobie's ears in the one photo!)

The bag is authentic but it has been altered. Someone decided they didn't like an open flap and added that weird thing. If it were mine, I would probably try to switch it out for a Coach-style turnlock, since you can't repair the holes easily.

ETA: I don't know if I would have figured out those were dog ears!

 

[Hibbingchick]

The bag is authentic but it has been altered. Someone decided they didn't like an open flap and added that weird thing. If it were mine, I would probably try to switch it out for a Coach-style turnlock, since you can't repair the holes easily.

ETA: I don't know if I would have figured out those were dog ears!

She snuck in just as I was taking the last picture. She has to be involved in everything I do!

Thanks so much for the tip! Now I've got to figure out where to find a coach turn lock! Another quest begins. Glad to know the bag's authentic. I've been on a vintage coach power hunt for the past week (online and in thrift/vintage stores), and I think I've done pretty well.

 

[whateve]

She snuck in just as I was taking the last picture. She has to be involved in everything I do!

Thanks so much for the tip! Now I've got to figure out where to find a coach turn lock! Another quest begins. Glad to know the bag's authentic. I've been on a vintage coach power hunt for the past week (online and in thrift/vintage stores), and I think I've done pretty well.

You're welcome! Coach used to give away turnlocks if they were broken but since this bag wasn't supposed to have a turnlock, I don't know if I would ask. You should be able to find them on ebay.

 

[BeenBurned]

She snuck in just as I was taking the last picture. She has to be involved in everything I do!

Thanks so much for the tip! Now I've got to figure out where to find a coach turn lock! Another quest begins. Glad to know the bag's authentic. I've been on a vintage coach power hunt for the past week (online and in thrift/vintage stores), and I think I've done pretty well.

Try this seller:
http://stores.ebay.com/SCECKERT-SIL...=turnlock&submit=Search&_fsub=8&_sid=14491045

And the same seller on bonanza: -- ETA: The full link doesn't click. You need to highlight the full link to filter "turnlock" -
http://www.bonanza.com/booths/SCECKERT?utf8=%E2%9C%93&item_sort_options[filter_string]=turnlock&item_sort_options[filter_category_id]=&item_sort_options[custom_category_id]=&x=0&y=0

 

[Hyacinth]

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/hdswrzKO4nPtqWIMwCI6kluWbYYZwgsEJPRBjAsWhFY=s208-p-no
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/BDPOOIh2zEpjhm6fOxxPP7B8_Xpt0HBbvJHyi0vapFU=s208-p-no
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/X4zjWsWv-9HVcz5AVYdStVIZuAipT-7R58M4AoALXM8=w209-h208-p-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/DOMeZpAVaz9bNMS-R5f-CHBP0v0NCVYap_dD6fLA2mY=w209-h208-p-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ntzUZfIpAxlyOueweOTnySeJxDy12lH1Dmg1Bcamszc=s208-p-no

Here (hopefully) are the photos. (pardon my dobie's ears in the one photo!)

If you read the Salearea Guides as suggested in my earlier post, you'll have your answer about the number.

In this case, the "serial number" doesn't start with a 3, it starts with a 1. And all-number serial number digits have NO significance when it comes to authenticity since they're all unique - again, read the Salearea Guides.

I agree with Whateve, the turnlock has been removed and replaced with some kind of non-Coach hardware. The bag is genuine but not "original".

 

[Fashionstar101]

A few listings to authenticate! All bags are in my possession, but I am using the listings to authenticate

1 coach red leather bag (a plaza bag)

https://www.etsy.com/transaction/255186196

Seller sent me a pic of the creed! It is attached below! My concerns are it looks wider than the brown one below! Plmk!

2. Brown coach plaza bag

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Coach-Vinta...YwycwzBQIBOui4EZ%2FjA%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

3. Coach red coin purse

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151512743399?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2648&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

You can't see it, but it has the word "ideal" written circle hardware on the side. Leather puffy compared to other one. Could be because it looks new? Or is it fake?

Thank you ladies! If you need anything else from me, just let me know!! Thank you

 

[Hyacinth]

A few listings to authenticate! All bags are in my possession, but I am using the listings to authenticate

1 coach red leather bag (a plaza bag)

https://www.etsy.com/transaction/255186196

Seller sent me a pic of the creed! It is attached below! My concerns are it looks wider than the brown one below! Plmk!

2. Brown coach plaza bag

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Coach-Vinta...YwycwzBQIBOui4EZ%2FjA%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

3. Coach red coin purse

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151512743399?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2648&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

You can't see it, but it has the word "ideal" written circle hardware on the side. Leather puffy compared to other one. Could be because it looks new? Or is it fake?

Thank you ladies! If you need anything else from me, just let me know!! Thank you

I don't see any size differences in the purses in the listings. One is stuffed and shaped and one isn't, and the measurements sound almost identical. The tan or brown one doesn't have a creed photo so I'm not going to comment on authenticity.

Coach is STILL using Ideal hardware, especially zippers, on some bags. I don't know why that would be a cause for concern. Neither would "puffy" leather. I don't see any problems with either the red purse or coin purse.

 

[whateve]

A few listings to authenticate! All bags are in my possession, but I am using the listings to authenticate

1 coach red leather bag (a plaza bag)

https://www.etsy.com/transaction/255186196

Seller sent me a pic of the creed! It is attached below! My concerns are it looks wider than the brown one below! Plmk!

2. Brown coach plaza bag

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Coach-Vintage-Large-Plaza-Bag-/261692378367?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=G8iKEqRMYwycwzBQIBOui4EZ%252FjA%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

3. Coach red coin purse

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151512743399?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2648&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

You can't see it, but it has the word "ideal" written circle hardware on the side. Leather puffy compared to other one. Could be because it looks new? Or is it fake?

Thank you ladies! If you need anything else from me, just let me know!! Thank you

So jealous of the red Plaza Court bag! One of my favorite styles!