Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[ledobe]

She looks great. What did you use?

Fiebings actually makes a suede dye. It's mostly dry now and still looks pretty good, but I can't imagine it will dry evenly or that I'll feel comfortable that the dye won't rub off on my clothes, but I had to try it.

Oh, of course I didn't follow the application directions. I'll post more info later when I see the end result, . I just couldn't resist sharing my moment of hopeful optimism.

 

[whateve]

The Saga of the Briefcase

My daughter's boyfriend is graduating from law school this month. He likes to buy things made in America. So I came up with the idea that he would love a vintage Coach briefcase that was made in the US, although he isn't into brand names. I won one on ebay but the bag I received was made in Mexico, even though the listing had a picture of a US creed. I had to open a dispute with the seller, and he agreed to exchange the bag and he would pay my return postage. I returned the Mexican briefcase and he sent the US briefcase. (What are the chances that someone would have two identical briefcases?) I am probably going to have to escalate the case because he hasn't refunded my shipping.

I thought the briefcase I received was in excellent shape for a bag that is 14 years old. My daughter is worried that he won't like it if it looks used. I forgot to mention that they live across the country so she has to rely on pictures and my reports to decide if it is in good shape. My hubby says it looks used.

I washed it. I wrapped books in towels which I placed inside to get it to dry in a square shape. I touched up the corners with Lexol conditioner with a little black acrylic paint mixed in. The leather got 3 coats of Leather CPR and 2 of Blackrocks. I cleaned the brass with steel wool. I didn't shine it because I thought he might like it better if it wasn't too bright. I don't think there is anything else I can do. If it were for me, I would be happy with it. To me, the worst thing is the wrinkles in the outside pockets. I also have the new one from the factory store. This one is heavier. The new one also has a little wrinkling in the outside pockets, but not as bad as this.

 

[shun]

The Saga of the Briefcase

My daughter's boyfriend is graduating from law school this month. He likes to buy things made in America. So I came up with the idea that he would love a vintage Coach briefcase that was made in the US, although he isn't into brand names. I won one on ebay but the bag I received was made in Mexico, even though the listing had a picture of a US creed. I had to open a dispute with the seller, and he agreed to exchange the bag and he would pay my return postage. I returned the Mexican briefcase and he sent the US briefcase. (What are the chances that someone would have two identical briefcases?) I am probably going to have to escalate the case because he hasn't refunded my shipping.

I thought the briefcase I received was in excellent shape for a bag that is 14 years old. My daughter is worried that he won't like it if it looks used. I forgot to mention that they live across the country so she has to rely on pictures and my reports to decide if it is in good shape. My hubby says it looks used.

I washed it. I wrapped books in towels which I placed inside to get it to dry in a square shape. I touched up the corners with Lexol conditioner with a little black acrylic paint mixed in. The leather got 3 coats of Leather CPR and 2 of Blackrocks. I cleaned the brass with steel wool. I didn't shine it because I thought he might like it better if it wasn't too bright. I don't think there is anything else I can do. If it were for me, I would be happy with it. To me, the worst thing is the wrinkles in the outside pockets. I also have the new one from the factory store. This one is heavier. The new one also has a little wrinkling in the outside pockets, but not as bad as this.

It looks really good. I see what you mean about the wrinkles and some might be picky about such things but it's a very good looking briefcase that I don't think looks "used" from the photos.

Is this a Embassy Briefcase style 5090 by any chance? I actually bought one recently and wanted to ask if it's okay to wash the handles.

 

[whateve]

It looks really good. I see what you mean about the wrinkles and some might be picky about such things but it's a very good looking briefcase that I don't think looks "used" from the photos.

Is this a Embassy Briefcase style 5090 by any chance? I actually bought one recently and wanted to ask if it's okay to wash the handles.

It is style #5296 but it looks almost identical to the Embassy brief. It has a stiff fabric divider on the inside plus leather pen and card pockets. Those took a really long time to dry. I have washed several bags with these kind of handles without any problem. I remember someone posting they had problems with the handles softening and getting floppy so I was afraid to leave it in the bath very long, but in the past, I never worried about it, and they all came out fine. It didn't seem to make a difference how old they were. I had a few that had cracks in the handles but even then, they didn't soften from the bath.

 

[JOODLZ]

The Saga of the Briefcase

My daughter's boyfriend is graduating from law school this month. He likes to buy things made in America. So I came up with the idea that he would love a vintage Coach briefcase that was made in the US, although he isn't into brand names. I won one on ebay but the bag I received was made in Mexico, even though the listing had a picture of a US creed. I had to open a dispute with the seller, and he agreed to exchange the bag and he would pay my return postage. I returned the Mexican briefcase and he sent the US briefcase. (What are the chances that someone would have two identical briefcases?) I am probably going to have to escalate the case because he hasn't refunded my shipping.

I thought the briefcase I received was in excellent shape for a bag that is 14 years old. My daughter is worried that he won't like it if it looks used. I forgot to mention that they live across the country so she has to rely on pictures and my reports to decide if it is in good shape. My hubby says it looks used.

I washed it. I wrapped books in towels which I placed inside to get it to dry in a square shape. I touched up the corners with Lexol conditioner with a little black acrylic paint mixed in. The leather got 3 coats of Leather CPR and 2 of Blackrocks. I cleaned the brass with steel wool. I didn't shine it because I thought he might like it better if it wasn't too bright. I don't think there is anything else I can do. If it were for me, I would be happy with it. To me, the worst thing is the wrinkles in the outside pockets. I also have the new one from the factory store. This one is heavier. The new one also has a little wrinkling in the outside pockets, but not as bad as this.

Wrinkles schminkles...I think you've done a beautiful job on this bag...and I hope your efforts (and elbow grease) are appreciated!

 

[JOODLZ]

I found this one on the LAST purse rack at my local Goodwill, buried in a sea of junk bags. I saw huge potential for rehabbing her despite what looked like mildew (or exploded make-up powder) and a sticky, melted candy substance on the inside pocket! The outside had surface scratches and the piping was very dry, but intact. For $6.99 for Coach Leatherware (and likely the original hangtag), I’m in!

Hyacinth authenticated her as a Spectator City Bag #6790 from 1989-91. Before photos are here: http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-763164-640.html#post24506451

I brushed away the mildew/powder with a dry toothbrush. I didn’t detect a typical mildew odor, so I’m opting for some kind of powder instead. Who knows! Gave her a very warm soak and scrub with Dawn (removed of the melted candy right away), very long, very warm rinse and stuffed with towels to restore her shape. I used lots and lots of Leather CPR over several days, particularly on the piping which was very dry on the bottom edges. Polished the brass with Brasso and a polishing cloth. I finished the leather with Blackrocks, which virtually obliterated the surface scratches and worked wonders on the piping. A good buffing with a microfiber cloth brought back that deep, lustrous sheen that we all love!

Though some rehabs are more successful than others, a success like THIS is why I rehab!

LOLOL...couldn’t resist documenting her first happy hour at my favorite pub...best looking purse in the joint!

 

[chowlover2]

The Saga of the Briefcase

My daughter's boyfriend is graduating from law school this month. He likes to buy things made in America. So I came up with the idea that he would love a vintage Coach briefcase that was made in the US, although he isn't into brand names. I won one on ebay but the bag I received was made in Mexico, even though the listing had a picture of a US creed. I had to open a dispute with the seller, and he agreed to exchange the bag and he would pay my return postage. I returned the Mexican briefcase and he sent the US briefcase. (What are the chances that someone would have two identical briefcases?) I am probably going to have to escalate the case because he hasn't refunded my shipping.

I thought the briefcase I received was in excellent shape for a bag that is 14 years old. My daughter is worried that he won't like it if it looks used. I forgot to mention that they live across the country so she has to rely on pictures and my reports to decide if it is in good shape. My hubby says it looks used.

I washed it. I wrapped books in towels which I placed inside to get it to dry in a square shape. I touched up the corners with Lexol conditioner with a little black acrylic paint mixed in. The leather got 3 coats of Leather CPR and 2 of Blackrocks. I cleaned the brass with steel wool. I didn't shine it because I thought he might like it better if it wasn't too bright. I don't think there is anything else I can do. If it were for me, I would be happy with it. To me, the worst thing is the wrinkles in the outside pockets. I also have the new one from the factory store. This one is heavier. The new one also has a little wrinkling in the outside pockets, but not as bad as this.

I think the briefcase looks wonderful! I would much rather have a vintage leather bag due to the quality of the leather. You should be so proud you brought her back to life!

 

[shun]

It is style #5296 but it looks almost identical to the Embassy brief. It has a stiff fabric divider on the inside plus leather pen and card pockets. Those took a really long time to dry. I have washed several bags with these kind of handles without any problem. I remember someone posting they had problems with the handles softening and getting floppy so I was afraid to leave it in the bath very long, but in the past, I never worried about it, and they all came out fine. It didn't seem to make a difference how old they were. I had a few that had cracks in the handles but even then, they didn't soften from the bath.

Thanks for the details on the differences between the 2 briefcases. Oh yes, the inner pockets do seem to take a while to dry. Luckily the ones I've seen are pretty simple but I do like pockets.

That's good to hear. Maybe I'll try a short bath with mine. I did try to avoid the bags with cracks in the handles as I wasn't sure how I'd try to repair them. The seller did mention that the handle has lost some of its stiffness so I'll have to check the condition when I receive it.

 

[whateve]

I found this one on the LAST purse rack at my local Goodwill, buried in a sea of junk bags. I saw huge potential for rehabbing her despite what looked like mildew (or exploded make-up powder) and a sticky, melted candy substance on the inside pocket! The outside had surface scratches and the piping was very dry, but intact. For $6.99 for Coach Leatherware (and likely the original hangtag), I’m in!

Hyacinth authenticated her as a Spectator City Bag #6790 from 1989-91. Before photos are here: http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-763164-640.html#post24506451

I brushed away the mildew/powder with a dry toothbrush. I didn’t detect a typical mildew odor, so I’m opting for some kind of powder instead. Who knows! Gave her a very warm soak and scrub with Dawn (removed of the melted candy right away), very long, very warm rinse and stuffed with towels to restore her shape. I used lots and lots of Leather CPR over several days, particularly on the piping which was very dry on the bottom edges. Polished the brass with Brasso and a polishing cloth. I finished the leather with Blackrocks, which virtually obliterated the surface scratches and worked wonders on the piping. A good buffing with a microfiber cloth brought back that deep, lustrous sheen that we all love!

Though some rehabs are more successful than others, a success like THIS is why I rehab!

LOLOL...couldn’t resist documenting her first happy hour at my favorite pub...best looking purse in the joint!

She came out great! I love it when the rehabs work so well. I rehabbed her baby sister, a dinky bag!

 

[whateve]

Wrinkles schminkles...I think you've done a beautiful job on this bag...and I hope your efforts (and elbow grease) are appreciated!

LOL! Thanks. Me too. It isn't as much fun to rehab for someone else when you have to worry about if they are going to like it.

I think the briefcase looks wonderful! I would much rather have a vintage leather bag due to the quality of the leather. You should be so proud you brought her back to life!

Thank you. Personally I would pick the rehabbed one over the new one too. If he doesn't like it, then he is going to have to accept that he can't get one made in the US. My daughter thought her Zoe was made in the US until I showed her the China creed. I think she had the idea the Coach just stopped making things in the US a couple of years ago. With briefcases it is even harder to find US made because Coach started making briefcases in China way earlier than anything else.

 

[Porter4]

I found this one on the LAST purse rack at my local Goodwill, buried in a sea of junk bags. I saw huge potential for rehabbing her despite what looked like mildew (or exploded make-up powder) and a sticky, melted candy substance on the inside pocket! The outside had surface scratches and the piping was very dry, but intact. For $6.99 for Coach Leatherware (and likely the original hangtag), I’m in!

Hyacinth authenticated her as a Spectator City Bag #6790 from 1989-91. Before photos are here: http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-763164-640.html#post24506451

I brushed away the mildew/powder with a dry toothbrush. I didn’t detect a typical mildew odor, so I’m opting for some kind of powder instead. Who knows! Gave her a very warm soak and scrub with Dawn (removed of the melted candy right away), very long, very warm rinse and stuffed with towels to restore her shape. I used lots and lots of Leather CPR over several days, particularly on the piping which was very dry on the bottom edges. Polished the brass with Brasso and a polishing cloth. I finished the leather with Blackrocks, which virtually obliterated the surface scratches and worked wonders on the piping. A good buffing with a microfiber cloth brought back that deep, lustrous sheen that we all love!

Though some rehabs are more successful than others, a success like THIS is why I rehab!

LOLOL...couldn’t resist documenting her first happy hour at my favorite pub...best looking purse in the joint!

Looks gorgeous!!!

 

[Porter4]

The Saga of the Briefcase

My daughter's boyfriend is graduating from law school this month. He likes to buy things made in America. So I came up with the idea that he would love a vintage Coach briefcase that was made in the US, although he isn't into brand names. I won one on ebay but the bag I received was made in Mexico, even though the listing had a picture of a US creed. I had to open a dispute with the seller, and he agreed to exchange the bag and he would pay my return postage. I returned the Mexican briefcase and he sent the US briefcase. (What are the chances that someone would have two identical briefcases?) I am probably going to have to escalate the case because he hasn't refunded my shipping.

I thought the briefcase I received was in excellent shape for a bag that is 14 years old. My daughter is worried that he won't like it if it looks used. I forgot to mention that they live across the country so she has to rely on pictures and my reports to decide if it is in good shape. My hubby says it looks used.

I washed it. I wrapped books in towels which I placed inside to get it to dry in a square shape. I touched up the corners with Lexol conditioner with a little black acrylic paint mixed in. The leather got 3 coats of Leather CPR and 2 of Blackrocks. I cleaned the brass with steel wool. I didn't shine it because I thought he might like it better if it wasn't too bright. I don't think there is anything else I can do. If it were for me, I would be happy with it. To me, the worst thing is the wrinkles in the outside pockets. I also have the new one from the factory store. This one is heavier. The new one also has a little wrinkling in the outside pockets, but not as bad as this.

I've had this with a few bags where I think the leather got stretched from big things going in the outside pockets. I think the bag looks awesome! However, I've never rehabbed for anyone that wants something new....would make me a little nervous. Great job on the bag!

 

[whateve]

I've had this with a few bags where I think the leather got stretched from big things going in the outside pockets. I think the bag looks awesome! However, I've never rehabbed for anyone that wants something new....would make me a little nervous. Great job on the bag!

It made me nervous too. I forgot that if you're not used to vintage, it might bother you. I have had several rehabs where the leather was stretched like this and I was never successful at improving it. I think with a bag this big, it is inevitable for those pockets to bulge a little. Thanks for the compliment!

I heard back from my daughter. She thinks it looks fine and said to go ahead and mail it. Then she asked me what the lining looked like. Oops. I guess I forgot to tell her it wasn't lined. That is something else most people aren't used to.

 

[whateve]

Before I send it off, I decided to take some comparison shots between the rehabbed and the new briefcase. The new one is on the left. It stands up a little better and the handles stay up better. I think the old one might be just a tiny bit bigger. The old one had a hangtag but I removed it because I know he wouldn't want it. Isn't that always the way? The one time you wouldn't mind if the hangtag was missing.

 

[Porter4]

Before I send it off, I decided to take some comparison shots between the rehabbed and the new briefcase. The new one is on the left. It stands up a little better and the handles stay up better. I think the old one might be just a tiny bit bigger. The old one had a hangtag but I removed it because I know he wouldn't want it. Isn't that always the way? The one time you wouldn't mind if the hangtag was missing.

They both look new when side by side!!! You can slightly tell that the vintage one has softer, more broken in leather, but I have seen that difference with some of the new Legacy bags in store, where one will be softer and slouchier than another one (both new).