Authenticate this COACH

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Hello All!
I just wanted to see if you guys could help me authenticate this. She did not have any other pictures other than this, so any help would be appreciated! Thanks!
 

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Hello All!
I just wanted to see if you guys could help me authenticate this. She did not have any other pictures other than this, so any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

If the second photo is of the back of the bag, it's fake. Patchwork items should have the same patches on both sides. I hope you haven't bid on it or paid for it.

"And she also said that she got it from a boutique and they said it was authentic... Thanks a lot for your help!"

She's a liar and a crook.
 
Your wish is my command - the listing is:

Item: LOOK COACH PURSE NO RESERVE
Number: 170570218026 (see, I used the right one this time!)
Link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...witem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_720wt_1139

Comments - this seller did have 8 pictures showing a massive need for cleaning - and stated in the description "IT IS A USED PURSE AND AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE PICTURES IT DOES HAVE SOME NORMAL WARE MARKS ON IT, IT DOES NOT HAVE ANY HOLES OR RIP'S ON IT JUST A COUPLE BLACK MARKS WHICH COULD BE CLEANED IF TAKEN TO A DRY CLEANERS. "

The pictures were clearly photoshopped to massively lighten them, because the "normal ware marks" looked like it had been laid in an oil slick - both sides! None of my regular tricks worked and my dry cleaner (recommended by a Coachaholic I know) laughed his head off when I took it to be cleaned! And the leather is gouged, not little scuffs. Oddly, the *inside* is pristine!

I got this *before* I found heaven here at tPF (to get it authenticated), but when I e mailed the seller, he said he would not only take it back, but would pay for shipping *both* ways.

But the quality of the bag was so high, I wondered why they bothered to fake it at all. It FEELS like I'd expect a real Coach to feel and has lots of authentic points to it - ykk zipper, coach stamped on all the hardware, continuous rings, perfect stitching, good quality leather, etc. Oh, and the serial number is M04-1851, which I *didn't* see in any of the "these are always fake serials" postings.

If you tell me this *is* an authentic coach even though the C's aren't centered on the seam, I may keep it and keep working on getting it clean enough to carry. It's a big bag and I did get it for $15..............I hate to ask, but if a quick decision can be reached, I'd really appreciate it - I'm scheduled to ship this back tomorrow (OMG! It's 12:30 am now!), er, later today.

This is the kind of problem that happens when you read those Authenticity Guides.

First of all, that fabric is an Optic pattern which is one of the exceptions to the "Cs must match in the center or along the seams" rule. There are exceptions to almost every rule, even the valid ones, and the Optic pattern is one of them.

Second - sorry about the caps but this is the biggest lie that has ever appeared in those "Guides" = HAVING A YKK ZIPPER DOES NOT PROVE THAT A COACH IS GENUINE. ZIPPERS DON'T PROVE A DARNED THING.

Third - plenty of fakes use good quality leather and even stitching. The idea of making a fake is to convince buyers that it's either real or could pass for real. Some fakes I've seen are on the surface at least made better than the genuine bag.

Fourth - the more times Coach is stamped on the hardware, the more likely it is that the bag is fake. Look at a REAL Coach - how many pieces of hardware are actually stamped?

Fifth - M04 isn't a valid serial number prefix for a Coach bag with Optic fabric, but M04Q is, although that doesn't prove a bag is genuine. And NOT ALL FAKE NUMBERS ARE LISTED IN THE FAKES LIST. It's just a tool, not a comprehensive list. And plenty of fakes have valid serial numbers that are correct for the style.

When you have some spare time, sit down and read the Answers to Authenticity Questions thread, all those points are covered somewhere in that thread. Yes, all of it, although some of the early posts have become outdated already.

And last but not least, the bag you're asking about is genuine. It's still SNAD but it's real and after looking at the condition that seller should be ashamed of themselves for even thinking of trying to dump that filthy wreck on someone else. SEND IT BACK - you'll never get that fabric or that leather clean, you're just wasting your time and your money.
 
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Item: COACH MADISON OP ART SMALL WALLET Style 43211
Listing number: 120655155319
Seller: bilbobaggens16 ( Feedback Score Of 1413)
Link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120655155319&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
Comments: Would love to know if this seller and this Madison black Coach wallet is legit or not. He/she has several in the black for sale and I would love to get one for myself.:)
TIA for your expertise.:)

I've never known that seller to sell fakes. All their listings are genuine Coach.
 
Thank you so much for taking the time to help me! NEW NOTE TO SELF - Don't post after midnight! A couple of items I didn't actually post what I was thinking..................

This is the kind of problem that happens when you read those Authenticity Guides.

First of all, that fabric is an Optic pattern which is one of the exceptions to the "Cs must match in the center or along the seams" rule. There are exceptions to almost every rule, even the valid ones, and the Optic pattern is one of them.

So my fundamental problem was that I didn't recognize this as the optic pattern, which I know to be an exception to the rule.

Second - sorry about the caps but this is the biggest lie that has ever appeared in those "Guides" = HAVING A YKK ZIPPER DOES NOT PROVE THAT A COACH IS GENUINE. ZIPPERS DON'T PROVE A DARNED THING.

I do understand about zippers not really meaning anything on their own. Does this mean zippers should not be given *any* consideration at all when evaluating a bag? (Except perhaps the *quality* of the zipper itself? I mean, cheap nylon (fake) vs substantial metal (possibly real).)

Third - plenty of fakes use good quality leather and even stitching. The idea of making a fake is to convince buyers that it's either real or could pass for real. Some fakes I've seen are on the surface at least made better than the genuine bag.

That's what I was thinking about this bag! The quality is excellent - better than a couple I have purchased myself!

Fourth - the more times Coach is stamped on the hardware, the more likely it is that the bag is fake. Look at a REAL Coach - how many pieces of hardware are actually stamped?

This is where the "never post after midnight" starts, what was in my mind (and I MEANT to type) was that I compared this bag to my own that I know to be real and the new bag was stamped everywhere the real one is stamped and not stamped anywhere the real one wasn't stamped.

Fifth - M04 isn't a valid serial number prefix for a Coach bag with Optic fabric, but M04Q is, although that doesn't prove a bag is genuine. And NOT ALL FAKE NUMBERS ARE LISTED IN THE FAKES LIST. It's just a tool, not a comprehensive list. And plenty of fakes have valid serial numbers that are correct for the style.

:shame:Again with the "after midnight" posting :shame: the number actually IS M04Q (I was reading it with a flashlight and missed typing the Q) Again, I understand that the fakes list isn't all encompassing, but a very helpful guide.

When you have some spare time, sit down and read the Answers to Authenticity Questions thread, all those points are covered somewhere in that thread. Yes, all of it, although some of the early posts have become outdated already.

So I discovered (about the early posts being outdated) - I have already read (and bookmarked!) this thread. It took me over 25 pages to realize the "drill-down" page had been disabled!:laugh: It seems that the only rule that I haven't read an exception to is the "NO SIGNATURE "C's" ON BOTH OUTSIDE AND INSIDE - ONE OR THE OTHER" rule. Is this correct?

And last but not least, the bag you're asking about is genuine. It's still SNAD but it's real and after looking at the condition that seller should be ashamed of themselves for even thinking of trying to dump that filthy wreck on someone else. SEND IT BACK - you'll never get that fabric or that leather clean, you're just wasting your time and your money.

Well, that's what I told the seller when I e mailed him I thought the bag was fake - "the next time you find a bag in this condition, drop it in the nearest garbage can, where it belongs."

BUT, I had already done some cleaning work on it, (that's when I noticed about the C's not lining up) pulled it out today to return it - and now am not sure I want to return it. As I mentioned before, the *inside* is pristine (:shocked:including NO SMELLS AT ALL:shocked:) and, after thoroughly drying, there are only a handful of dark spots (some on each side) that *could* be helped by dry cleaning (or at least lightened anyway). I wouldn't expect it to look like new - after all, it is going on 7 years old. Most "off the shelf" bags don't last me a year - that's what got me hooked on Coach in the first place - the quality.

So, again, a BIG THANK YOU for all your tutoring. I really appreciate it. I value your time and effort, as well as your expert opinions. In this isolated case, I think I am going to see if I can rescue this baby - she's already had a hard life! :laugh: I think I can find suitable task for the end of her days, even if she doesn't come clean enough to actually carry as an everyday bag. Not to mention that God only knows how long it would take to get my $20 refund or how much brain damage I would get following it up.

Sorry about the length of this, but now I have another question. (And please feel free to direct this question to another thread if it doesn't belong here) How should I handle feedback to the seller - don't leave any? Or rate honestly - they posted good pics of the bag, shipped very promptly and offered to take it back AND pay for shipping both ways (clearly, they didn't realize it was real, either). The description wasn't honest, it was clearly SNAD, but I'm keeping by my choice.....................any advice?
 
I do understand about zippers not really meaning anything on their own. Does this mean zippers should not be given *any* consideration at all when evaluating a bag? (Except perhaps the *quality* of the zipper itself? I mean, cheap nylon (fake) vs substantial metal (possibly real).)
I look at zippers like this: For each bag style or bag year there may have been a variance in zippers used, this includes zippers in accessories. The authenticators have even pointed out where sometimes it looked like Coach got lazy and used hardware from one "series" of bags for another even though that other style never really had those hardware pieces before!
 
I've got a few more, sorry gals!


Item: Large Patent Sabrina - Graphite 14179
Seller: babyblingcouture
Link:http://cgi.ebay.com/Coach-Large-Pat...593?pt=US_CSA_WH_Handbags&hash=item35ae6dede1

Item: Large Patent Leather Ashley - Colbalt 15454
Seller: yiyi1145
Link:http://cgi.ebay.com/NWT-COACH-ASHLE...758?pt=US_CSA_WH_Handbags&hash=item27b70c5306

Item: Ashley Leather Satchel - Orchid 15445
Seller: kearbear81
Link:http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190476772279&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Again, thanks so much in advance!


Thanks in advance :D
 
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Thank you so much for taking the time to help me! NEW NOTE TO SELF - Don't post after midnight! A couple of items I didn't actually post what I was thinking..................



So my fundamental problem was that I didn't recognize this as the optic pattern, which I know to be an exception to the rule.



I do understand about zippers not really meaning anything on their own. Does this mean zippers should not be given *any* consideration at all when evaluating a bag? (Except perhaps the *quality* of the zipper itself? I mean, cheap nylon (fake) vs substantial metal (possibly real).)



That's what I was thinking about this bag! The quality is excellent - better than a couple I have purchased myself!



This is where the "never post after midnight" starts, what was in my mind (and I MEANT to type) was that I compared this bag to my own that I know to be real and the new bag was stamped everywhere the real one is stamped and not stamped anywhere the real one wasn't stamped.



:shame:Again with the "after midnight" posting :shame: the number actually IS M04Q (I was reading it with a flashlight and missed typing the Q) Again, I understand that the fakes list isn't all encompassing, but a very helpful guide.



So I discovered (about the early posts being outdated) - I have already read (and bookmarked!) this thread. It took me over 25 pages to realize the "drill-down" page had been disabled!:laugh: It seems that the only rule that I haven't read an exception to is the "NO SIGNATURE "C's" ON BOTH OUTSIDE AND INSIDE - ONE OR THE OTHER" rule. Is this correct?



Well, that's what I told the seller when I e mailed him I thought the bag was fake - "the next time you find a bag in this condition, drop it in the nearest garbage can, where it belongs."

BUT, I had already done some cleaning work on it, (that's when I noticed about the C's not lining up) pulled it out today to return it - and now am not sure I want to return it. As I mentioned before, the *inside* is pristine (:shocked:including NO SMELLS AT ALL:shocked:) and, after thoroughly drying, there are only a handful of dark spots (some on each side) that *could* be helped by dry cleaning (or at least lightened anyway). I wouldn't expect it to look like new - after all, it is going on 7 years old. Most "off the shelf" bags don't last me a year - that's what got me hooked on Coach in the first place - the quality.

So, again, a BIG THANK YOU for all your tutoring. I really appreciate it. I value your time and effort, as well as your expert opinions. In this isolated case, I think I am going to see if I can rescue this baby - she's already had a hard life! :laugh: I think I can find suitable task for the end of her days, even if she doesn't come clean enough to actually carry as an everyday bag. Not to mention that God only knows how long it would take to get my $20 refund or how much brain damage I would get following it up.

Sorry about the length of this, but now I have another question. (And please feel free to direct this question to another thread if it doesn't belong here) How should I handle feedback to the seller - don't leave any? Or rate honestly - they posted good pics of the bag, shipped very promptly and offered to take it back AND pay for shipping both ways (clearly, they didn't realize it was real, either). The description wasn't honest, it was clearly SNAD, but I'm keeping by my choice.....................any advice?

"Don't post after midnight" is one of those chiseled-in-stone rules like "never bid when drinking" and should never be broken. Some of us, especially me, also need to add "never post until you've had at least 2 cups of coffee or strong caffeinated tea". :graucho:

As for zippers, obviously cheap zippers are a red flag. Coach has used zippers from at least 5 different manufacturers over the years so it's more important to know what kind of zipper a specific style is supposed to have. Coach has also used nylon zippers on some of their bags.

There's no valid "rule" that says a Coach has to have even stitching. Some of their website pics have even had uneven or slightly wobbly stitching. People who insist that all Coaches are perfect and all Coach stitching is arrow-straight have NO idea what they're talking about. Any other advice they give will probably be just as useless.

The "no Signature pattern on both inside and outside" rule also has exceptions. Almost all bags including Patchworks follow it, but several styles or style families that have small to medium patches of C fabric on the outside also have C or Logo (lozenge) lining. Two examples are posted below.
 

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Originally Posted by BeenBurned I'm glad the seller fully refunded you (including shipping) because if the bag was fake, you shouldn't be out any money due to a seller who knowingly or not sold a fake.

In the case you refer to, though, for 2 reasons, it would be helpful to see the listing for the item you bought.

Reason 1: There are even exceptions to the centered and matched C pattern

Reason 2: We like to verify whether the seller is dishonest enough to relist the bag, perhaps without "Coach" in the listing or with an authenticity disclaimer.

Your wish is my command - the listing is:

Item: LOOK COACH PURSE NO RESERVE
Number: 170570218026 (see, I used the right one this time!)
Link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...witem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_720wt_1139

Comments - this seller did have 8 pictures showing a massive need for cleaning - and stated in the description "IT IS A USED PURSE AND AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE PICTURES IT DOES HAVE SOME NORMAL WARE MARKS ON IT, IT DOES NOT HAVE ANY HOLES OR RIP'S ON IT JUST A COUPLE BLACK MARKS WHICH COULD BE CLEANED IF TAKEN TO A DRY CLEANERS. "

The pictures were clearly photoshopped to massively lighten them, because the "normal ware marks" looked like it had been laid in an oil slick - both sides! None of my regular tricks worked and my dry cleaner (recommended by a Coachaholic I know) laughed his head off when I took it to be cleaned! And the leather is gouged, not little scuffs. Oddly, the *inside* is pristine!

I got this *before* I found heaven here at tPF (to get it authenticated), but when I e mailed the seller, he said he would not only take it back, but would pay for shipping *both* ways.

But the quality of the bag was so high, I wondered why they bothered to fake it at all. It FEELS like I'd expect a real Coach to feel and has lots of authentic points to it - ykk zipper, coach stamped on all the hardware, continuous rings, perfect stitching, good quality leather, etc. Oh, and the serial number is M04-1851, which I *didn't* see in any of the "these are always fake serials" postings.

If you tell me this *is* an authentic coach even though the C's aren't centered on the seam, I may keep it and keep working on getting it clean enough to carry. It's a big bag and I did get it for $15..............I hate to ask, but if a quick decision can be reached, I'd really appreciate it - I'm scheduled to ship this back tomorrow (OMG! It's 12:30 am now!), er, later today.
This is precisely why we like to see pictures of the actual bag and why it's impossible to authenticate based on your description and/or a serial number.

The bag in the listing looks fine, albeit filthy. The pattern is called "optic" and due to the nature of the pattern, it doesn't have a pattern match or centering. (It's one of the infamous exceptions to the rules.)

If you think you can get it clean and usable, you got a good deal for $15. It might even be worth taking a chance on tossing it in the washing machine on the gentle cycle.

Edited to add: Note to self: Read ahead to see whether Hyacinth already posted the same response before posting.
 
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Hello All!
I just wanted to see if you guys could help me authenticate this. She did not have any other pictures other than this, so any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

And she also said that she got it from a boutique and they said it was authentic... Thanks a lot for your help!

If the second photo is of the back of the bag, it's fake. Patchwork items should have the same patches on both sides. I hope you haven't bid on it or paid for it.

"And she also said that she got it from a boutique and they said it was authentic... Thanks a lot for your help!"

She's a liar and a crook.
Ditto.

Maybe the boutique is in the back room of the hairdresser.:nuts:
 
Item: COACH MADISON OP ART SMALL WALLET Style 43211
Listing number: 120655155319
Seller: bilbobaggens16 ( Feedback Score Of 1413)
Link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120655155319&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
Comments: Would love to know if this seller and this Madison black Coach wallet is legit or not. He/she has several in the black for sale and I would love to get one for myself.:)
TIA for your expertise.:)
It looks fine. As far as I've ever seen, the seller sells the real deal.
 
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