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

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

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!
 
First of all, welcome to tPF!

Second - it's not important what a seller calls a bag, many sellers haven't a clue what a style's correct name is, or when it was made, or what the correct measurements are (a lot depends on where on the bag the measurements were taken), or whether or not it was designed by Bonnie Cashin (most of them were NOT.) Assume that at least 25 percent of sellers get it wrong.

What matters is the style NUMBER which is the second half of the serial number in bags made from 1994 to the present with letters as well as numbers in the serial number. Only genuine bags with the same style numbers can have their details compared. Genuine Coaches made before 1994 have unique and individual random serial numbers that don't include style numbers or production codes in their serials. Don't ever depend on names, Coach reuses them often for totally different styles and lines too.

The six Salearea Guides posted here at tPF are a unique primer into a lot of Coach information especially concerning vintage bags and I recommend reading them before you even start to dig deeper. The entire thread, and it's only 4 pages, has infomation and updates that can save you time, frustration, and money. They can be confusing in the beginning but will start to make a lot more sense once you get deeper into Coach:


The first one is called a Legacy Small Zip. The one you're asking about is genuine and this is Coach's catalog page from the year it was made:
View attachment 4878651

Of the other 2 examples you mentioned, the first one is genuine and the second one can't be authenticated without a clear readable photo of the creed stamp and serial number. Don't ever think something's fake or questionable because the measurements aren't the same. If other bags have feet, theyre either 'not the same style number, or they may be fake.

On the tan briefcase - many Coaches have had the hangtags replaced. Some of the tags might be fake or just heavily used, usually as keyfobs. Creeds and serial numbers are explained in the Salearea guides. I don't know why you believe this one to have been made in 1996? It's genuine but from between 1990 and 1994. The seller didn't get the date right either, see my previous comments, but it doesn't seem to say anywhere in the listing that it's from 1996.
First, welcome! I'm glad you found us.

NEVER, EVER be ashamed or apologetic for verifying authenticity of items you purchased. These are strangers and while some sellers make honest mistakes, other sellers know EXACTLY what they're selling and don't care about ripping off a buyer.

And because there are so many fakes, some of which are very close, even if buying from an experienced seller with a good reputation, it never hurts to have an item looked at.

Second, and this is important! because you are going to want to open a dispute!

I have a comment about the second item, the tan briefcase
.

The listing you posted from seller silvoy is a current and still active listing.

Since you said you said you already dunked the bag and expressed concerns (in addition to the hangtag) about the bag, it was clear it was a completed/sold listing. You also mentioned "a 1996 bag" so that's clearly not the listing you posted which is from 1990 to 1994.

As Hyacinth told you, the current listing for the bag you posted is authentic but the bag you received is this one and is fake. (Copy of same/similar style.)
This is the bag you bought on October 4:

Let silvoy know she sold a fake and tell her you want a refund. You are NOT responsible for return shipping if she wants the fake back. She must pay shipping.

And this is the creed of the fake.
View attachment 4878668


That explains the discrepancy, at least.
 
Thank you, @Hyacinth and @BeenBurned for all the information and warm welcome. I have combed through the Salearea guides and other information you all have provided throughout this thread and even compiled a spreadsheet. These two particular purchases had me stumped though. I realize I added confusion by posting the wrong link for you all for the 5180 item. Yes, @BeenBurned is correct! I purchased the item in the picture she provided and there is a new listing for the same item that is authentic. My completed sale is the one in the attached picture, which is where I was getting the 1996 date from. Was I correct in that there are creed issues that indicate the 5180 bag I purchased is a fake? I want to provide an explanation for my return. Thank you all so much for the work that you do!
 
  • Like
Reactions: LadaZuri
Good morning dear authenticators! Request to authenticate please. Thank you! And another thank you for the help you gave the previous posting #54466.

Item: Sheridan Mayfield
Where purchased or how obtained: thrift store
Comments: Dimensions are 6" height, 9" width, 3" depth
10132020 Sheridan Mayfiled Blue l.jpg10132020 Sheridan Mayfiled Blue ll.jpg10132020 Sheridan Mayfiled Blue lll.jpg10132020 Sheridan Mayfiled Blue lV.jpg10132020 Sheridan Mayfiled Blue V.jpg10132020 Sheridan Mayfiled Blue Vl.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: LadaZuri
Thank you, @Hyacinth and @BeenBurned for all the information and warm welcome. I have combed through the Salearea guides and other information you all have provided throughout this thread and even compiled a spreadsheet. These two particular purchases had me stumped though. I realize I added confusion by posting the wrong link for you all for the 5180 item. Yes, @BeenBurned is correct! I purchased the item in the picture she provided and there is a new listing for the same item that is authentic. My completed sale is the one in the attached picture, which is where I was getting the 1996 date from. Was I correct in that there are creed issues that indicate the 5180 bag I purchased is a fake? I want to provide an explanation for my return. Thank you all so much for the work that you do!


Yes, serious creed issues. The serial number font is wrong, the "H" should be noticeably bigger than the other letters. The wording of the creed is wrong, it should have the "new" wording with the name of the country of origin in the body of the creed itself, NOT below it. Here's an example that, if yours was genuine, would have been made the month before yours, January 1996 compared to your fake February 1996 bag. It also shows the correct size of the H plant code. The briefcase you bought also has the wrong turnlock - Coach changed from the old oval turnlock to a squared oval with a flat top and bottom on all their briefcases at the beginning of 1996:

Genuine creed and serial, January 1996, H plant

1996_H-plant-A6H-4133-1.jpg

ADDING - here's the genuine version of the briefcase you bought from the 1996 Preview catalog that went out in early January 1996, note the differences in the turnlocks and the leather around them. Click on the thumbnail to enlarge:

5180_Metropolitan Brief_Spring1996-b.jpg
 
Last edited:
Dear authenticators, request to authenticate please. Thank you!

Item: City bag (I think but I am not sure)
Where purchased or how obtained: thrift store
Comments: Dimensions are 7 1/2" height, 11" width, 4" depth. Sorry for the photos. I really lack talent lol. Underside plate of turnlock may look like indentations but it is because I have not polished / cleaned yet. The plate is flat, no indentations. Thank you!

10132020 Black City l.jpg10132020 Black City ll.jpg10132020 Black City lll.jpg10132020 Black City lV.jpg10132020 Black City V.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: LadaZuri
Thank you again @Hyacinth. Very helpful...seller wanted to know what was wrong with the creed. I forgot to even mention that the strap buckle says "solid brass", which I learned can be a sign of fake for newer vintage bags.

Out of curiosity, what year did Coach stop putting "Made in the United States" under the creed message? I did a search and found a bag that was genuine (authenticated here) that had 1995 as the year but still with "Made in the United States" underneath. I had previously assumed it stopped in 1994.
 
  • Like
Reactions: LadaZuri
Thank you, @Hyacinth and @BeenBurned for all the information and warm welcome. I have combed through the Salearea guides and other information you all have provided throughout this thread and even compiled a spreadsheet. These two particular purchases had me stumped though. I realize I added confusion by posting the wrong link for you all for the 5180 item. Yes, @BeenBurned is correct! I purchased the item in the picture she provided and there is a new listing for the same item that is authentic. My completed sale is the one in the attached picture, which is where I was getting the 1996 date from. Was I correct in that there are creed issues that indicate the 5180 bag I purchased is a fake? I want to provide an explanation for my return. Thank you all so much for the work that you do!
Yes, serious creed issues. The serial number font is wrong, the "H" should be noticeably bigger than the other letters. The wording of the creed is wrong, it should have the "new" wording with the name of the country of origin in the body of the creed itself, NOT below it. Here's an example that, if yours was genuine, would have been made the month before yours, January 1996 compared to your fake February 1996 bag. It also shows the correct size of the H plant code. The briefcase you bought also has the wrong turnlock - Coach changed from the old oval turnlock to a squared oval with a flat top and bottom on all their briefcases at the beginning of 1996:

Genuine creed and serial, January 1996, H plant

View attachment 4879009

ADDING - here's the genuine version of the briefcase you bought from the 1996 Preview catalog that went out in early January 1996, note the differences in the turnlocks and the leather around them. Click on the thumbnail to enlarge:

View attachment 4879038
Thank you again @Hyacinth. Very helpful...seller wanted to know what was wrong with the creed. I forgot to even mention that the strap buckle says "solid brass", which I learned can be a sign of fake for newer vintage bags.

Out of curiosity, what year did Coach stop putting "Made in the United States" under the creed message? I did a search and found a bag that was genuine (authenticated here) that had 1995 as the year but still with "Made in the United States" underneath. I had previously assumed it stopped in 1994.
You really don't need an explanation to offer the seller if you just opened a SNAD (significantly not as described) dispute through ebay and chose "doesn't seem authentic" (ebay's words for counterfeit item), the seller would be required to accept the return and pay return shipping or if she preferred, she could simply issue a full refund and let you keep and destroy the bag that she can't resell anyway. In cases where a listing was removed by ebay, you can also open a paypal dispute for the same reason. But in PP disputes, the seller isn't required to cover return shipping though an honorable seller should do it.

Since the seller seems willing to learn, you could always refer her here.

In the future, don't leave feedback until you've verified your item as genuine.
 
Dear authenticators, request to authenticate please. Thank you!

Item: City bag (I think but I am not sure)
Where purchased or how obtained: thrift store
Comments: Dimensions are 7 1/2" height, 11" width, 4" depth. Sorry for the photos. I really lack talent lol. Underside plate of turnlock may look like indentations but it is because I have not polished / cleaned yet. The plate is flat, no indentations. Thank you!

View attachment 4879091View attachment 4879092View attachment 4879093View attachment 4879094View attachment 4879095
It's fine.
 
Dear authenticators, request to authenticate please. Thank you! Also, if I am posting too many, please let me know before I become annoying to you. Thanks!

Item: Side pack
Where purchased or how obtained: thrift store
Comments: Dimensions are 7" height, 6" width, 2 1/2" depth. I thought it may be fake because of the M plant but since Hyacinth's information in post 54,355, I have some hope it may be a real one!
Edit; the files were not attaching but I think I've figured it out! Hopefully the creed photos are clear enough.
10132020 Brown Sidepack l.jpg10132020 Brown Sidepack ll.jpg10132020 Brown Sidepack lll.jpg10132020 Brown Sidepack lV.jpg10132020 Brown Sidepack lX.jpg10132020 Brown Sidepack V.jpg10132020 Brown Sidepack Vl.jpg10132020 Brown Sidepack Vll.jpg10132020 Brown Sidepack Vlll.jpg10132020 Brown Sidepack X.jpg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: LadaZuri
Top