I checked the bag this morning and I had some bleeding onto the paper towels I used to absorb the excess water inside. This bag was so dry that it just sucked up the water. I put new paper towels in to help shape and I checked them after work today and no bleeding. I hope that is the end of that. I am conditioning it now, so I'll post pics when complete.
Coach Rehab and Rescue Club
- Thread starter greenpixie
- Start date
TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others
I am a newbie to vintage bag. My understanding to the coach glovetanned leather is full Grand leater dye-through, which means the cut edge should show the entire piece leaver as one layer, if this bag is authentic, it shouldn't have the white color middle layer as shown on the zipper of this bag, is it correct?
The dye does go through the leather rather than sitting on the surface, but maybe not all the way through. Often the leather was shaved along the seam edge before it was sewn. That is why you see white at the seam edges. The bag is authentic.
Thank you for the explanation! I picked up so much vintage bag knowledge from this thread. Learning and learning everyday.
Aloha! 
I finally snagged a gigi wallet a few months ago-black w/striped lining & pretty clean. Whateve-I know we have had this discussion before BUT ... Vachetta or not? And.NO WORRIES! I'm not dunking her. I Dunked & sold my Madisons-all but my Raspberry Beauty-which I have trashed. So I'm ready for GIGI.Suggestions? Mucho Gracias 
I finally snagged a gigi wallet a few months ago-black w/striped lining & pretty clean. Whateve-I know we have had this discussion before BUT ... Vachetta or not? And.NO WORRIES! I'm not dunking her. I Dunked & sold my Madisons-all but my Raspberry Beauty-which I have trashed. So I'm ready for GIGI.Suggestions? Mucho Gracias I'm pretty sure it is vachetta. Most people seem to think so. Coach ads didn't say, but it definitely feels different. People have dunked Legacy bags before I probably wouldn't dunk a wallet.Aloha!
Thanks! I have bathed several wallets . I think I'll just work on the lining for now. I thought they were Vachetta but as you said, there isn't any info in the Catalogs.
Have you tried baby wipes? I’ve read this works pretty well! Good luck! I have the same gorgeous bag!
For me, one of the joys of rehabbing vintage Coach is finding a neglected and undervalued bag and restoring its hidden beauty.
This Prairie Bag was described as being "in poor pre-owned condition and shows heavy wear from previous use, including: Heavy bottom corner wear, shell discoloration / stains, interior leather discoloration / stains / wear, metal accent scratches, long strap wear."
All in the eye of the beholder, says the fearless rehabber!
This was my first encounter with a Prairie Bag, and a British Tan one to boot! First a warm bath, then reshaping with towels, drying, and a few rounds of Leather CPR and BlackRock. Finally, installing a shiny new turnlock and buffing to a mellow glow, and this vintage beauty was reborn. In the process I unexpectedly fell in love with the size, shape, and configuration of this classic bag.
BEFORE and AFTER:
This Prairie Bag was described as being "in poor pre-owned condition and shows heavy wear from previous use, including: Heavy bottom corner wear, shell discoloration / stains, interior leather discoloration / stains / wear, metal accent scratches, long strap wear."
All in the eye of the beholder, says the fearless rehabber!
This was my first encounter with a Prairie Bag, and a British Tan one to boot! First a warm bath, then reshaping with towels, drying, and a few rounds of Leather CPR and BlackRock. Finally, installing a shiny new turnlock and buffing to a mellow glow, and this vintage beauty was reborn. In the process I unexpectedly fell in love with the size, shape, and configuration of this classic bag.
BEFORE and AFTER:
Attachments
Nicely job done!For me, one of the joys of rehabbing vintage Coach is finding a neglected and undervalued bag and restoring its hidden beauty.
This Prairie Bag was described as being "in poor pre-owned condition and shows heavy wear from previous use, including: Heavy bottom corner wear, shell discoloration / stains, interior leather discoloration / stains / wear, metal accent scratches, long strap wear."
All in the eye of the beholder, says the fearless rehabber!
This was my first encounter with a Prairie Bag, and a British Tan one to boot! First a warm bath, then reshaping with towels, drying, and a few rounds of Leather CPR and BlackRock. Finally, installing a shiny new turnlock and buffing to a mellow glow, and this vintage beauty was reborn. In the process I unexpectedly fell in love with the size, shape, and configuration of this classic bag.
BEFORE and AFTER:
I am new to rehab thread, I wan to learn the techniques that you used here. I have a British tan coach court bag to rehab. I've given it a warm bath and now waiting for towel dry. Then, I have no idea of how to condition it ( I have coach leather cleaner and conditioner bought from Coach Store, will that be a good choice?), Also can you teach me how did you retouch the edge? what did you use to restore the worn corners?
I don't think Coach leather cleaner or conditioner are good for rehabs. If you have already washed your bag, you need to buy some conditioners before the bag dries. I like Leather CPR to start. It is available at Bed Bath and Beyond, although it is a little pricey there. I've also found it sometimes at Tuesday Morning and Marshalls. They may also have it at a tackle shop. Other conditioners you can order online but you need to start conditioning when your bag is almost dry.
Good to know good to know!! Thank you so much!!
My bag is partially dried already (the flap is dried, but the body is still wet). I am going to buy the leather CPR when I head back to home tonight, hopefully my local Bed Bath and Beyond has it in stock.
For the area that's already completely dried, shall I wet it again before putting on the conditioner?
Last edited:
Thank you!
I've never used the Coach conditioner, but others here might have thoughts on it.
I always use Leather CPR after the bath, applying the first coat while the bag is still slightly damp. I let it dry overnight, buff with a horsehair brush, and apply the next coat. If the leather is very dry I might use up to 3 coats. Then for the final coat I use Blackrock Leather n' Rich, apply very lightly, wipe with paper towel, dry overnight, and buff again.
The corners on this bag weren't that bad. They responded to a bit of extra Leather CPR, and the final finish with Blackrock's does wonders.
