AUTHENTICATE this COACH!

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#4,816
Hyacinth said:
It could be a made-in-China bag from 2004 but I'd need to see the creed to verify it. Zero was a valid code for one of the China plants and I have two genuine Willises from 2004 and 2005 with that plant code. One photo isn't enough to authenticate, and we always need to see creed photos.

I'd want to see more photos if I was thinking of buying it, that bag has more wear and tear than I'd expect from a 10 year old purse. I hope the inside is better than the outside.

And there's a BIG problem with the shoulder strap, it's been chopped to less than half its original size and would probably be really uncomfortable to carry with the buckle right at the top of the strap, not to mention reducing the value of the purse. If you want to carry it crossbody you'd better figure on buying a new strap which is another 20 to 40 dollars depending on quality and how well it matches the original.
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Figured out the mystery. It's an Outlet Factory bag- seller didn't mention that in the ad.After closer inspection, the wear and tear is actually very minimal- and the creed is in fact F040-9927. A little disappointed that the strap is so short- but could that be because it is a factory bag?

PS: I'm still new to the world of Coach and actually prefer the older style, leather bags to the new cloth/patterned ones. All of your help here has been very appreciated!
 
#4,818
NatHennessey said:
Hey Ya'll…I found this Willis bag online for a great price…almost too good. Just wondering if it's authentic? Seller claims it is.

The creed number is F040-9927…she can't get a picture of the creed number but recited it by email.
$_20.JPG
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Hyacinth said:
It could be a made-in-China bag from 2004 but I'd need to see the creed to verify it. Zero was a valid code for one of the China plants and I have two genuine Willises from 2004 and 2005 with that plant code. One photo isn't enough to authenticate, and we always need to see creed photos.

I'd want to see more photos if I was thinking of buying it, that bag has more wear and tear than I'd expect from a 10 year old purse. I hope the inside is better than the outside.

And there's a BIG problem with the shoulder strap, it's been chopped to less than half its original size and would probably be really uncomfortable to carry with the buckle right at the top of the strap, not to mention reducing the value of the purse. If you want to carry it crossbody you'd better figure on buying a new strap which is another 20 to 40 dollars depending on quality and how well it matches the original.
Click to expand...

NatHennessey said:
Figured out the mystery. It's an Outlet Factory bag- seller didn't mention that in the ad.After closer inspection, the wear and tear is actually very minimal- and the creed is in fact F040-9927. A little disappointed that the strap is so short- but could that be because it is a factory bag?

PS: I'm still new to the world of Coach and actually prefer the older style, leather bags to the new cloth/patterned ones. All of your help here has been very appreciated!
Click to expand...
However you think you figured out the mystery, you got bad information.

The bag is not a MFF style although there's a possibility that it may have been purchased at an outlet store. I doubt that the altered strap has anything to do with the outlet.

If you look at post #1 of this thread, you'll see the information and pictures we need for authenticating items.

Links to listings, seller IDs and multiple pictures of the bag/item are important for several reasons, among them to see the source, see the seller's history, avoid duplication of authentication requests for the same item and to verify that the seller uses her own pictures.

Please post a link to the online site where you found the bag listed. It will help our ability to answer your questions.
 
#4,819
BeenBurned said:
However you think you figured out the mystery, you got bad information.

The bag is not a MFF style although there's a possibility that it may have been purchased at an outlet store. I doubt that the altered strap has anything to do with the outlet.

If you look at post #1 of this thread, you'll see the information and pictures we need for authenticating items.

Links to listings, seller IDs and multiple pictures of the bag/item are important for several reasons, among them to see the source, see the seller's history, avoid duplication of authentication requests for the same item and to verify that the seller uses her own pictures.

Please post a link to the online site where you found the bag listed. It will help our ability to answer your questions.
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I'm terribly sorry for the lack of photos- I didn't post a link to the item as it was listed on Kijiji (where items are listed based on location) and I didn't want to put my location on the forum! I ended up purchasing the bag and I've attached some of the photos I've taken. Again, sorry for the lack of pictures previously, I guess I'm still new at this!

photo+1.JPG


photo+2.JPG


photo+3.JPG


Are there any other pictures that would help in this quest for authenticity?
 
#4,820
NatHennessey said:
I'm terribly sorry for the lack of photos- I didn't post a link to the item as it was listed on Kijiji (where items are listed based on location) and I didn't want to put my location on the forum! I ended up purchasing the bag and I've attached some of the photos I've taken. Again, sorry for the lack of pictures previously, I guess I'm still new at this!

photo+1.JPG


photo+2.JPG


photo+3.JPG


Are there any other pictures that would help in this quest for authenticity?
Click to expand...

Thanks for posting the pictures. The bag is authentic and although it did come from the outlet, it's not an "outlet bag."

Please wait for Hyacinth's comments on the strap.
 
#4,821
NatHennessey said:
I'm terribly sorry for the lack of photos- I didn't post a link to the item as it was listed on Kijiji (where items are listed based on location) and I didn't want to put my location on the forum! I ended up purchasing the bag and I've attached some of the photos I've taken. Again, sorry for the lack of pictures previously, I guess I'm still new at this!

photo+1.JPG


photo+2.JPG


photo+3.JPG


Are there any other pictures that would help in this quest for authenticity?
Click to expand...

BeenBurned said:
Thanks for posting the pictures. The bag is authentic and although it did come from the outlet, it's not an "outlet bag."

Please wait for Hyacinth's comments on the strap.
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It's authentic. I had plenty to say about the strap in my original post. The lengthy of the strap has absolutely NOTHING to do with it being an outlet item. The seller or previous owner butchered the strap and apparently the seller chose NOT to disclose that in her listing figuring she could always claim the pictures showed the actual strap length. Its what I consider dishonest and lying by omission but I guess the seller doesn't care. You should have told her you wanted at least 20 or 30 dollars deducted from the price to cover the cost of a strap.

And NO, Coach doesn't make straps like that, outlet bag or not, especially with the buckle right where it sits on your shoulder. If you take a good look at the holes and the strap end you'll see where it's been chopped off and resewn and new holes punched in. Willises came with a 48-inch strap with at least 5 buckle holes and I already told you what it would probably cost you to replace it.
 
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#4,822
knitintensity said:
I have come begging for more authentication please and thank you:

#1
Item: City Bag Dark Purple
Item No: 321433969526
Link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/321433969526?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Seller: vaylett
Comments: I realize this was made as a "factory" bag--is the quality different?

#2
Item: Tribeca Crossbody
Item No: 331231659542
Link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/331231659542?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Seller: sraider1002

#3
Item: Companion Bag Burgundy
Item No: 261503912104
Link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/261503912104?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Seller: azuremerekat
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1- Genuine, and it's close to the same quality as older Coaches but the leathers don't seem to soften as much as they age. I don't know why she's calling it a Lexington.

2- genuine but I can't recommend that seller. Their Toolhaus record shows a lot of unhappy buyers because of Not As Described issues. Toolhaus no longer shows the seller's entire record but their Neutrals and Negatives go back at least 10 years and for the same kind of issues.
http://toolhaus.org/cgi-bin/negs?User=sraider1002&Dirn=Received+by&ref=home

3- genuine but a Companion Flap, not Companion Bag.
 
#4,825
Hyacinth said:
1- Genuine, and it's close to the same quality as older Coaches but the leathers don't seem to soften as much as they age. I don't know why she's calling it a Lexington.

2- genuine but I can't recommend that seller. Their Toolhaus record shows a lot of unhappy buyers because of Not As Described issues. Toolhaus no longer shows the seller's entire record but their Neutrals and Negatives go back at least 10 years and for the same kind of issues.
http://toolhaus.org/cgi-bin/negs?User=sraider1002&Dirn=Received+by&ref=home

3- genuine but a Companion Flap, not Companion Bag.
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Much appreciated Hyacinth, especially the caution regarding the seller.
 
#4,829
Good morning! I wanted to post an informative post this am based on a couple of messages that I received on the bay. I've added the messages below, but the question/accusation was that I have erroneous information in my Guide. For all, after 2000, an "F" as the first letter of the serial means that the bag was previously a boutique bag then moved to the factories. If you have a newer legacy bag, bleecker, etc., you will see that in many, the F was added to the prefix. If the bag is a true made for factory MFF bag, the F will be placed as the first letter of the model number. I hope this clears things up for this person and anyone else that may be confused. The bag in my guide was a Tattersall lined bag that was sold in the factories once the design left the boutiques. The person's messages were as follows and hopefully their tone only came across as accusational and condescending and were not actually either of those things IRL :)

Dear sacsmagnifiques1941,

Thank you for posting your Coach creed guide. I enjoy learning about Coach history and vintage bags. I do have one question about your last photo that says the "F" is for factory. I believe that the F at the beginning means that the bag was made in June followed by the year then the plant code. Then the dash and last set of numbers for the style number. If it was a factory bag it would be before the second set of numbers after the dash. Ex. B0962-F15067. Please foegive me if I am incorrect. I still have a lot to learn.

- applephi

Dear sacsmagnifiques1941,

Hi Debi,

I own a factory bag that I purchased from the factory myself last summer. The creed is B1359-F22305 The first letter in the creed is a B showing that it was made in February. The F is after the dash showing that it is a factory bag.

I also double checked on TPF (The Purse Forum) and Katev added this info in 2012:

"The second group of products that Coach makes is called Made For Factory (MFF) and they are sold directly from the outlet stores and during Coach’s Factory Online sales events. These are nice, well-made and attractive bags but they usually not quite as finely-made or detailed as the boutique bags. You can identify an MFF bag because the second set of numbers (the style number) on the creed patch inside the bag always begins with an F. Also, a similar grade of products can sometimes be found at discount stores like Marshalls and they will have an X on the creed patch. "

Please double check with the ladies on TPF (I believe that you are a member). You are a very well respected seller and provide great Coach information. There are many people who are potentially being misguided by the information on your website.

PS. You are so fortunate to be able to visit the Coach Archives in NY. I love all your photos and info!

- applephi
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#4,830
Tetondeb said:
Good morning! I wanted to post an informative post this am based on a couple of messages that I received on the bay. I've added the messages below, but the question/accusation was that I have erroneous information in my Guide. For all, after 2000, an "F" as the first letter of the serial means that the bag was previously a boutique bag then moved to the factories. If you have a newer legacy bag, bleecker, etc., you will see that in many, the F was added to the prefix. If the bag is a true made for factory MFF bag, the F will be placed as the first letter of the model number. I hope this clears things up for this person and anyone else that may be confused. The bag in my guide was a Tattersall lined bag that was sold in the factories once the design left the boutiques. The person's messages were as follows and hopefully their tone only came across as accusational and condescending and were not actually either of those things IRL :)
Dear sacsmagnifiques1941,

Thank you for posting your Coach creed guide. I enjoy learning about Coach history and vintage bags. I do have one question about your last photo that says the "F" is for factory. I believe that the F at the beginning means that the bag was made in June followed by the year then the plant code. Then the dash and last set of numbers for the style number. If it was a factory bag it would be before the second set of numbers after the dash. Ex. B0962-F15067. Please foegive me if I am incorrect. I still have a lot to learn.

- applephi

Dear sacsmagnifiques1941,

Hi Debi,

I own a factory bag that I purchased from the factory myself last summer. The creed is B1359-F22305 The first letter in the creed is a B showing that it was made in February. The F is after the dash showing that it is a factory bag.

I also double checked on TPF (The Purse Forum) and Katev added this info in 2012:

"The second group of products that Coach makes is called Made For Factory (MFF) and they are sold directly from the outlet stores and during Coach’s Factory Online sales events. These are nice, well-made and attractive bags but they usually not quite as finely-made or detailed as the boutique bags. You can identify an MFF bag because the second set of numbers (the style number) on the creed patch inside the bag always begins with an F. Also, a similar grade of products can sometimes be found at discount stores like Marshalls and they will have an X on the creed patch. "

Please double check with the ladies on TPF (I believe that you are a member). You are a very well respected seller and provide great Coach information. There are many people who are potentially being misguided by the information on your website.

PS. You are so fortunate to be able to visit the Coach Archives in NY. I love all your photos and info!

- applephi
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

I'm not reading her messages as condescending. I'm reading them as informative and polite. It sounds like she has respect for you and your knowledge.

She is correct. The F at the beginning (prefix) is indicative of a bag made in June. The prefix has nothing to do with the outlet at all.

ETA: This is the error she's referring to. F=June:
 

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