AUTHENTICATE this COACH

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#2,536
Good afternoon all! Here's a few bags that I need help authenticating.

I just won this one.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Authentic-C...fGo00S9Ue8si5AZuAUOq0%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

And two more I'm watching.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251302071659?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
http://www.ebay.com/itm/321159395605?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I think I get that the first letter is the month of mfg (A-M less I), and the last numbers are the model (Beeker = 5266). What else do I need to know to authenticate?
 
#2,537
Hyacinth said:
Counterfeiters CONSTANTLY use legitimate serial numbers on fakes. That's why just posting what the number is, is useless unless we can actually see photos of the bag AND the creed stamp and serial number. We're looking at a lot more than just the number. If you read some of the analyses we've posted here of questionable creeds and numbers you'll get a rough idea of just how many red flags there can be in just a few square inches of stamped leather. That's why inexperienced buyers need to have an expert look at clear photos of the bags.

Never ever think that just because the number seems valid, that means the item is real - like one of the Salearea Guides points out, it would be a pretty stupid counterfeiter who made fake 100-dollar bills and then put a picture of Bozo The Clown on them. And most professional criminals aren't quite that stupid.

I recommend that you read and Save these Guides and refer to them often:
http://search.reviews.ebay.com/memb...&pr=salearea&uaid=41262657&uan=salearea&uqt=g
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Thank you Hyacinth. I will refer to the posts you linked (bookmarked). I also read up on the articles on the Coach basics thread. I really do appreciate all the information. As I already own the camel 9060, I may post better pics later in the next couple of days to see if you can tell me anything. The bag seems to be good quality but the creed has me suspicious.
 
#2,538
roseefrugal said:
Thank you Hyacinth. I will refer to the posts you linked (bookmarked). I also read up on the articles on the Coach basics thread. I really do appreciate all the information. As I already own the camel 9060, I may post better pics later in the next couple of days to see if you can tell me anything. The bag seems to be good quality but the creed has me suspicious.
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I don't see any problems with the creed or I would have already said so. More opinions are always welcome.
 
#2,539
LifeIsShort said:
Good afternoon all! Here's a few bags that I need help authenticating.

I just won this one.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Authentic-Coach-Black-Leather-Briefcase-5266-/271234874408?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&nma=true&si=U85QrpfGo00S9Ue8si5AZuAUOq0%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

And two more I'm watching.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251302071659?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
http://www.ebay.com/itm/321159395605?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I think I get that the first letter is the month of mfg (A-M less I), and the last numbers are the model (Beeker = 5266). What else do I need to know to authenticate?
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There's a whole bunch you need to know to authenticate. The second digit is the year of manufacture. You need to know if that style was actually made that year. The last digit before the dash is the plant code. You need to know if the plant code matches the description of where the bag was made, and whether that plant was operational at the time the bag was made. You need to know if the wording for the creed is correct that time period and if the font of both the creed and serial number are correct for that particular plant at that time. You need to know if the overstamping marks, if there are any, are authentic.

If you will notice, even though all three bags are the same style number, there are differences between them, such as the shape of the turnlock. You need to know if and when the style details changed to know whether those are indications of a bag being counterfeited or simply that the style changed.

ETA: more info
 
#2,540
LifeIsShort said:
Good afternoon all! Here's a few bags that I need help authenticating.

I just won this one.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Authentic-C...fGo00S9Ue8si5AZuAUOq0%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

And two more I'm watching.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251302071659?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
http://www.ebay.com/itm/321159395605?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I think I get that the first letter is the month of mfg (A-M less I), and the last numbers are the model (Beeker = 5266). What else do I need to know to authenticate?
Click to expand...

First of all, NEVER try to authenticate Coach items yourself! As I just said in the posts above and below yours, there's more to figuring out if a bag is genuine than just having the "right" serial number.

1st - seems ok but it's a Beekman, not a Lexington as the seller states.

2nd and 3rd look ok, newer Beekmans

The Salearea Guides on Creeds and Serial Numbers posted at Ebay can explain some of the codes:
http://search.reviews.ebay.com/memb...&pr=salearea&uaid=41262657&uan=salearea&uqt=g
 
#2,548
xunmiaopangda said:
Thanks! I'm totally a green hand here. May I ask how old a coach bag must be to be considered as vintage? I've purchased quite a few 90's bags recently...

And does "vintage" bag have better quality?
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20 years. In fact, they aren't supposed to list on etsy unless it is at least 20 years old, but I notice that most sellers get around that by not mentioning the age of the bag in the listing.

Some vintage bags have better quality. There is also an inherent value in being vintage. I have some bags made in Costa Rica in 2000 like this bag and the leather is really nice, IMO. The hardware is brushed nickel.

ETA: Basically if a bag has the modern creed format with the date code and style number in the creed, it isn't vintage.
 
#2,549
whateve said:
I've never seen an original ad for the Copley so I don't know how much it sold for originally but a similar bag, the Drake, sold for $398, so I imagine it was similarly priced. A vintage bag is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. The Copley is relatively popular for collectors of the Italian Coach bags because of its size. Here are some recently completed ebay auctions for this style.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/Clothing-Sh...tml?_from=R40&LH_Complete=1&_nkw=coach+copley
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Thanks so much :D, good to see I did not do too bad with value :D, going to get a lot of use out of this piece!!!
 
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