Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[ledobe]

I inherited a briefcase from my DBF's neice, who was a lawyer. It was missing a strap, which I ordered from Jacksonville about 8 months ago, right after I received the briefcase. They sent the strap within a few weeks and it is a perfect match. She was petite and obviously carried the briefcase by the handles. Although the strap was missing, I have all the paperwork and the tag.

Just to be sure, I posted photos/info to the authentication thread this morning.

Apparently, the leather piece holding the D-ring for the strap had dry rot, and earlier this week the leather piece gave way. The briefcase came to me in fairly abused condition, so I'm not surprised. Fortunately, I found a nice Burgundy Hamptons Business Carryall at a vintage flea in Boston over Labor Day weekend, so I wasn't left without a briefcase for work.

My DBF (who actively fuels my older and vintage Coach collecting) did some research about sending to Jacksonville for repair. He found enough negative comments on the web that he wanted to bring that information to my attention.

After all that ramgling preamble, my question is this. Should I go ahead and arrange to send to Jacksonville or should I try to find a very good local cobbler who may be able to help? My current cobbler is very nice and does a good job on my shoes, but I wouldn't trust him with this item. I don't mean to do him a misjustice, but I think it's beyond his skill level. If I send to Jacksonville, I understand that I need to specify that I want my briefcase back, if they are unable to repair it.

Here is the link to the authentication thread:

http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-763164-152.html

Here are photos of the damage. I'm not a perfectionist, because I love vintage patina. But, she did not care for this briefcase. After I learn how to do some basic rehab on my dark handbags, I'm hoping I can at least do some positive things to prolong the life of this handsome briefcase.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions or feedback you can offer...and for reading this l-o-n-g post.

Does she know what she got on it? It looks like something was splashed on and wiped off? I would guess that won't wash out, because it looks like the leather is damaged, maybe some kind of solvent, but Merm used some cover up stuff that might help. Something like that on the back wouldn't really bother me if I reallly loved it.


I realize you're asking about the torn leather though...if it's torn I think you're going to need to find someone who is comfortable replacing the entire torn piece. I would weigh the cost of that with the cost of finding something similar that's in better shape on eBay...but since I've taken on some that seem like lost causes so I know where you're coming from if you want to fix it.

 

[m3rma1d]

Here's what's left of the blue spot, it really doesn't show up, I had to kind of focus on it:

WOW, wow, wow, wow. I love it. And it would match my new Ugg clogs perfectly. Just sayin'. LOL

 

[Rarity]

I am not really a rehabber but it looks like so much fun I decided to give it a try. Usually I just clean the bag with leather cleaner and that's that. Well, last night I found a purse at Savers for $3.99. Hyacinth authenticated it and called it an Oliver bag from the early 1990s. The color doesn't really show well it the pictures but it is a deep dark hunter green. Anyway, I washed it in the sink, stuffed it with towels, and coated it with 2 coats of leather CPR. It wasn't in drastic need of rehab but I think you can see somewhat of a difference. Well, thanks for letting me share my fist rehab! ( I think I might need to start rehabbing on a regular basis.)

First pic is a before shot. Then several shots of cleaning and drying. The last two are the end result.

Looks like a new bag! What did you use on it?

 

[Rarity]

I actually was going to retake the afters because you can see our ugly old falling down sheds in the background! They were here when we bought the house and my husband had a lot of equipment for his business to store in them. After we sold off some of his equimpment when he got a job we gradually cleared them out just in time for a huge tree limb to fall on one of them, so it's a work in progress. I imagine we can get some $$ for the scrap aluminum when we get around to tearing it down, but it's huge so I don't know how we're going to get it out of there.

Here's what's left of the blue spot, it really doesn't show up, I had to kind of focus on it:

These pix would actually benefit from having a flash (I'm using my camera phone, as usual, my hubby is out of town with the "real" camera) because the lighting makes it look greyish-it was an overcast day when I took the pix and it's overcast now so I can't really improve on them, I don't think.

Amazing! Seriously.....amazing...

 

[gege vintagelvr]

Ledobe, thank you for your feedback on my question about the briefcase. DBF's neice may have known what she got on it, but sadly, she passed away in December...thus the inheritance. So, the piece has sentimenal value.

Until Monday evening, I've been using the briefcase with the leather damage on the back since I received the briefcase and the strap from Coach. So, I guess it doesn't bother me.

Since I already have a very nice Coach woman's briefcase, I don't even need to look for another one. Just want to make the inherited one look as good and be as healthy as s/he can be.

From my reading in the rehab thread, I know you will take on a challenge, so you've definitely confirmed that I have a challenge here! Thanks again.

Does she know what she got on it? It looks like something was splashed on and wiped off? I would guess that won't wash out, because it looks like the leather is damaged, maybe some kind of solvent, but Merm used some cover up stuff that might help. Something like that on the back wouldn't really bother me if I reallly loved it.


I realize you're asking about the torn leather though...if it's torn I think you're going to need to find someone who is comfortable replacing the entire torn piece. I would weigh the cost of that with the cost of finding something similar that's in better shape on eBay...but since I've taken on some that seem like lost causes so I know where you're coming from if you want to fix it.

 

[gege vintagelvr]

Thanks for sharing. Beautiful result!

I am not really a rehabber but it looks like so much fun I decided to give it a try. Usually I just clean the bag with leather cleaner and that's that. Well, last night I found a purse at Savers for $3.99. Hyacinth authenticated it and called it an Oliver bag from the early 1990s. The color doesn't really show well it the pictures but it is a deep dark hunter green. Anyway, I washed it in the sink, stuffed it with towels, and coated it with 2 coats of leather CPR. It wasn't in drastic need of rehab but I think you can see somewhat of a difference. Well, thanks for letting me share my fist rehab! ( I think I might need to start rehabbing on a regular basis.)

First pic is a before shot. Then several shots of cleaning and drying. The last two are the end result.

 

[gege vintagelvr]

Angelaira, I hope you are still around on the forum and doing well. I'm sorry to hear you have had such a difficult journey in your life and glad to know that many good people have come your way since then.

I was in the Army, too. And your post was the catalyst for me remembering my first Coach bag, which sadly, I no longer have. I purchased mine at the PX at Ft. Bragg, I think back in the 80's. I didn't like the issued bag that I received as an enlisted personnel. I saved up my money to purchase a real Coach bag that I could use in military and civilian life.

I used it forever and finally the turnkey broke and I gave it to Goodwill. About six year ago, a knowledgeable friend told me that I could have sent it in for repair. I've been kicking myself ever since and would love to replace it. I think the one I purchased was a convertible clutch, because clutches were really in at the time.

Thanks for evoking that memory for me. I'll keep looking for a replacement convertible clutch to add to my collection.

And one more thing...Thank you for your service.

The Court bag is what started this whole journey for me in the first place!! I bought my first one while active duty in the US Army... matched my uniform and was the only brand endorsed by the US Army for carrying with a uniform... they used to sell them in the PX on some bases...
I paid $150 for mine at the outlet store in Carmel, CA in 1997 and thought I was getting a deal. $3 makes me want to cry... lol!!
And then, after all that... it was lost during my divorce when my ex husband sent me to jail for something I did not do, cleaned out the house, and put all of my belongings out on the driveway... he let his employees (he owns a restaurant) come by and take whatever they wanted.

I have been slowly replacing the things I lost ever since... and mostly have everything back again except heirlooms that were not replaceable...

Your Court bag is beautiful, and my favorite color for any bag... black!!

 

[whateve]

I inherited a briefcase from my DBF's neice, who was a lawyer. It was missing a strap, which I ordered from Jacksonville about 8 months ago, right after I received the briefcase. They sent the strap within a few weeks and it is a perfect match. She was petite and obviously carried the briefcase by the handles. Although the strap was missing, I have all the paperwork and the tag.

Just to be sure, I posted photos/info to the authentication thread this morning.

Apparently, the leather piece holding the D-ring for the strap had dry rot, and earlier this week the leather piece gave way. The briefcase came to me in fairly abused condition, so I'm not surprised. Fortunately, I found a nice Burgundy Hamptons Business Carryall at a vintage flea in Boston over Labor Day weekend, so I wasn't left without a briefcase for work.

My DBF (who actively fuels my older and vintage Coach collecting) did some research about sending to Jacksonville for repair. He found enough negative comments on the web that he wanted to bring that information to my attention.

After all that ramgling preamble, my question is this. Should I go ahead and arrange to send to Jacksonville or should I try to find a very good local cobbler who may be able to help? My current cobbler is very nice and does a good job on my shoes, but I wouldn't trust him with this item. I don't mean to do him a misjustice, but I think it's beyond his skill level. If I send to Jacksonville, I understand that I need to specify that I want my briefcase back, if they are unable to repair it.

Here is the link to the authentication thread:

http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-763164-152.html

Here are photos of the damage. I'm not a perfectionist, because I love vintage patina. But, she did not care for this briefcase. After I learn how to do some basic rehab on my dark handbags, I'm hoping I can at least do some positive things to prolong the life of this handsome briefcase.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions or feedback you can offer...and for reading this l-o-n-g post.

I think I would wash it first to see if any of that stain will come out. It is worth a shot to send it to Coach to repair the torn piece, although it will probably be considered normal wear and tear. At least they would have the proper leather for the repair. The edges you would probably have to fix yourself with edgekote or acrylic paint. Leather refinisher could be used to hide the stain if it doesn't wash out.

 

[Jessi319]

purple cosmetic bag: badly stained and had a bottle of some kind of patchouli type scent (oil?) dumped in it. The oil must have leached a bit of purple dye into the lining which wouldn't go away, but I'd say its better

BEFORE:

By jessi319 at 2012-09-15

By jessi319 at 2012-09-15

By jessi319 at 2012-09-15

AFTER:

By jessi319 at 2012-09-15

By jessi319 at 2012-09-15

 

[ledobe]

Wow, she looks brand new!

Thanks! I really didn't do anything but wash her. I ended up running her through the machine several times because she smelled so strongly of perfume. I wonder if that obvious "water" stain in the bottom corner is from having a whole bottle of perfume spilled inside?

I love that shearling bag!!! It looks amazing now!. I remember loving that blue suede too.
Mine is a nice sized duffle with a convertible strap. It's about 13L x 12H x 3D. It retailed "wayback" at $258!! It's in the washing machine NOW, fingers are crossed! If your shearling looks that good, I have hopes that the darkened dirty edges on mine might look better. I am using Leather Therapy wash and some of Leather Infusion rinse which I hope will keep it soft. I'll post some afters unless she falls apart in the machine LOL.

p.s. I tossed a little natural leather hobo, and a sonoma pebbled tan bag in with her so it's purse soup right now!!

I"d bet she comes out fine-no falling apart. I pretreated mine with lots of shout-practically soaked her in it! and washed her with tide with bleach, plus a soak with vinegar to try to get the perfume out, then a couple more machine washes-I'd bet she's been through at least 5 times!

She looks amazing! Did you have to do anything to fluff up the shearling?

The shearling was just nice and fluffy after the washing, it was the easiest part. it is soooo soft.

WOW, wow, wow, wow. I love it. And it would match my new Ugg clogs perfectly. Just sayin'. LOL

LOL! I have a couple of things this bag will match well with too! I haven't taken her out yet (waiting for a cooold day) but she's very comfortable to carry. The only weird thing about her is she's wide East/West that the magnetic snap closure doesn't feel secure enough.

Amazing! Seriously.....amazing...

I didn't really do anything except wash, rinse, repeat!

 

[ledobe]

purple cosmetic bag: badly stained and had a bottle of some kind of patchouli type scent (oil?) dumped in it. The oil must have leached a bit of purple dye into the lining which wouldn't go away, but I'd say its better

BEFORE:

By jessi319 at 2012-09-15

By jessi319 at 2012-09-15

By jessi319 at 2012-09-15

AFTER:

By jessi319 at 2012-09-15

By jessi319 at 2012-09-15

Wow-it came out nice. I have that eggplant Tribecca tote that this would match well with...I just never carry it! I don't know why, I love it and it's comfortable, I just tend to grab other bags first for some reason.

 

[ledobe]

I don't know. I would be afraid to dip. It would probably be fine since the lining is the same color as the bag but I don't have any experience with this kind of embossed leather. If it isn't very misshapen and you think this will fix itself with time, I would skip the dipping.

LOL-you know me, I have no willpower! By the time you responded I'd already dunked her! You all can't leave me unattended for so long!

She looks pretty much the same or I'd post pix. I think some of the creases came out but they are in the areas where they'll return with use because of the way satchels are constructed so I'm not sure if it was worth doing. The C's are fine though, and now I know she's nice and clean so I guess no harm done.

The weird thing is that she dried almost immediately! You know how sometimes you dunk a leather bag and some parts don't absorb the water well and don't "darken"? She had a couple spots like that, but the rest of the leather seemed to soak up the water just fine. I scrubbed out the lining and stuffed her with towels and hung her out on the back patio. It was about 9 PM and it's been rainy here and it was chilly out and as damp as it ever gets. I went to check on her after about an hour and she was half dry! Never seen that and I've washed some newer bags in the past, as you know. I rubbed some emu oil in-I was actually worried she'd end up with water lines because she was drying too fast.

I watched a movie and before I went to bed I checked again and she was pretty much dry except for where the pockets were and where there are double layers on the bottom. I figured I'd rub in some Black Rocks before I went to bed, I buffed her out in the morning. I think she's completely dry but I'll give it one more day...oh heck since I'm talking about her, here's another pic of little Miss Daphne Satchel:

 

[gege vintagelvr]

I think you did a wonderful job with this cosmetic bag. It looks great.

purple cosmetic bag: badly stained and had a bottle of some kind of patchouli type scent (oil?) dumped in it. The oil must have leached a bit of purple dye into the lining which wouldn't go away, but I'd say its better.

 

[gege vintagelvr]

Beautiful! What a lovely color.

LOL-you know me, I have no willpower! By the time you responded I'd already dunked her! You all can't leave me unattended for so long!

She looks pretty much the same or I'd post pix. I think some of the creases came out but they are in the areas where they'll return with use because of the way satchels are constructed so I'm not sure if it was worth doing. The C's are fine though, and now I know she's nice and clean so I guess no harm done.

The weird thing is that she dried almost immediately! You know how sometimes you dunk a leather bag and some parts don't absorb the water well and don't "darken"? She had a couple spots like that, but the rest of the leather seemed to soak up the water just fine. I scrubbed out the lining and stuffed her with towels and hung her out on the back patio. It was about 9 PM and it's been rainy here and it was chilly out and as damp as it ever gets. I went to check on her after about an hour and she was half dry! Never seen that and I've washed some newer bags in the past, as you know. I rubbed some emu oil in-I was actually worried she'd end up with water lines because she was drying too fast.

I watched a movie and before I went to bed I checked again and she was pretty much dry except for where the pockets were and where there are double layers on the bottom. I figured I'd rub in some Black Rocks before I went to bed, I buffed her out in the morning. I think she's completely dry but I'll give it one more day...oh heck since I'm talking about her, here's another pic of little Miss Daphne Satchel:

 

[whateve]

LOL-you know me, I have no willpower! By the time you responded I'd already dunked her! You all can't leave me unattended for so long!

She looks pretty much the same or I'd post pix. I think some of the creases came out but they are in the areas where they'll return with use because of the way satchels are constructed so I'm not sure if it was worth doing. The C's are fine though, and now I know she's nice and clean so I guess no harm done.

The weird thing is that she dried almost immediately! You know how sometimes you dunk a leather bag and some parts don't absorb the water well and don't "darken"? She had a couple spots like that, but the rest of the leather seemed to soak up the water just fine. I scrubbed out the lining and stuffed her with towels and hung her out on the back patio. It was about 9 PM and it's been rainy here and it was chilly out and as damp as it ever gets. I went to check on her after about an hour and she was half dry! Never seen that and I've washed some newer bags in the past, as you know. I rubbed some emu oil in-I was actually worried she'd end up with water lines because she was drying too fast.

I watched a movie and before I went to bed I checked again and she was pretty much dry except for where the pockets were and where there are double layers on the bottom. I figured I'd rub in some Black Rocks before I went to bed, I buffed her out in the morning. I think she's completely dry but I'll give it one more day...oh heck since I'm talking about her, here's another pic of little Miss Daphne Satchel:

Ha! I understand completely! I am never cautious and very impatient! I'm glad it worked out! She looks beautiful!