Though not quite the success I had hoped for, my rehab skills were indeed put to the test on this one! Authenticated as a 1997 Multi-Compartment Brief #542 by Hyacinth (and whateve) this was a tough rehab. Check out the "befores"
http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-763164-627.html#post24463785. I had never seen a squared off turnlock like this and honestly the leather seemed odd for
Coach. The creed calls it "lightweight and durable weather resistant glove-tanned cowhide." I hadn't seen this language before and was quite happy it was authentic.
But for $9.00 plus tax I jumped on it. It was badly scuffed both front and back, but the inside was very clean and looked barely used, compared to the outside! I gave her a much warmer than usual soak, scrub with Dawn to try to eliminate the bulge on the front pocket. After a long (also warmer than usual) rinse I stuffed her tightly with 2 (yes 2) oversized bath towels and an assortment of washcloths in all the pockets. While still damp, I loaded her up with Leather CPR - 3 times over 3 days.
Then on to fixing some bare spots on the piping and strap edges. I used a blend of 3 acrylic colors and applied it full strength with a sponge-tipped make-up applicator. British Tan is a tough color, but I got pretty close. After letting the acrylic dry for 24 hours or so, I started with Blackrocks. After 2 applications, the scuffs on the front flap and pocket nearly disappeared. On the back...not so much, although less visible than before.
This job probably would have been a candidate for the leather refinishing stuff that's often mentioned here. I'll use this bag for a while as it is and maybe next time I'll refinish her. I really don't mind the patina of well-loved BT leather and she certainly looks better than when I started!