Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

#20,896
Catbird9 said:
It depends. We can probably offer more specific advice if you post a picture of the bag showing the pen marks.
Click to expand...
I’m sorry — I should have been a lot more specific!

This is a 1996 Willis that I’m rehabbing. It’s my first time trying to rehab a bag, and I foolishly thought this mark would come off after dunking. Then I thought that it might fade after conditioning. But, of course, it’s still there.

In the context of the whole bag, it’s not super noticeable, but it is right there on the front flap. I could live with it, but I also might be willing to try something recommended by one of you experts!

So far I’ve dunked the bag and applied one coat of Leather CPR. 2FFEE9A5-F503-4673-ADE9-C79A7537E566.jpeg411C9106-4011-4163-84FC-C93255563C6B.jpeg

The bag color here looks browner than in real life — it’s actually British Tan.
 
Last edited:
#20,897
trayc_w said:
Had a lot going on over the past year and took a break from rehabbing and reading this forum...thought I'd check in today. Lots of beautiful work from everyone! The last thing I posted was a messenger bag that was in process for my fiancé's Christmas gift 2017. Never did show the results. Here it is. He loves it and has used it a lot! Does anyone know the style name? I couldn't find it anywhere. Thanks!View attachment 4451440
Click to expand...

It looks great!

I found the original post where you first showed the bag and creed:
Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

I don't know what it's called, and I'm not qualified to confirm authenticity or the name of your bag, but I did find one that looks just like it on eBay. (I wouldn't count on this being the actual name of the bag without at least seeing what is printed on the tag, though.)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NWT-Coach-...zer-Portfolio-Briefcase-Bag-USA-/390720414043
 
#20,899
Catbird9 said:
It looks great!

I found the original post where you first showed the bag and creed:
Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

I don't know what it's called, and I'm not qualified to confirm authenticity or the name of your bag, but I did find one that looks just like it on eBay. (I wouldn't count on this being the actual name of the bag without at least seeing what is printed on the tag, though.)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NWT-Coach-...zer-Portfolio-Briefcase-Bag-USA-/390720414043
Click to expand...

Wow thank you! That does look just like it.:tup:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Catbird9
#20,900
dramaticfirefall said:
I’m sorry — I should have been a lot more specific!

This is a 1996 Willis that I’m rehabbing. It’s my first time trying to rehab a bag, and I foolishly thought this mark would come off after dunking. Then I thought that it might fade after conditioning. But, of course, it’s still there.

In the context of the whole bag, it’s not super noticeable, but it is right there on the front flap. I could live with it, but I also might be willing to try something recommended by one of you experts!

So far I’ve dunked the bag and applied one coat of Leather CPR. View attachment 4451442View attachment 4451443

The bag color here looks browner than in real life — it’s actually British Tan.
Click to expand...
OK, that helps!

My recommendation would be to leave it alone. Almost anything you try has only a slight chance of improving it, and a fairly high chance of making it more noticeable.

I'd keep conditioning with CPR until it won't absorb any more. Then I'd do one or two coats of Blackrock, buffing with a horsehair brush between coats. Sometimes the Blackrock will darken the overall color slightly, and the mark won't be as noticeable.

Please post pictures of the finished bag, I'd love to see how it turns out.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Aku_no_Hana, dramaticfirefall and theblissfullyobsessed
#20,901
Catbird9 said:
OK, that helps!

My recommendation would be to leave it alone. Almost anything you try has only a slight chance of improving it, and a fairly high chance of making it more noticeable.

I'd keep conditioning with CPR until it won't absorb any more. Then I'd do one or two coats of Blackrock, buffing with a horsehair brush between coats. Sometimes the Blackrock will darken the overall color slightly, and the mark won't be as noticeable.

Please post pictures of the finished bag, I'd love to see how it turns out.
Click to expand...
Thanks so much! I’m hoping it will just end up looking like a dark vein in the leather. I’ll post pics when I’m done.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Catbird9
#20,906
Hi, Would anyone be willing to share their opinion?
I bought a black/ nickel willis off of Ebay, but the seller did not include in the description the buckle on the strap is fairly bent. Although the listing pictures showed the buckle, it looked normal to me. Going back now that I know the damage, I can (sort of) see it, but personally I think it should have been noted or more clearly shown.
I contacted the seller and and they asked if I wanted to return it, I said I did. But now they are asking if I they can "compensate" me for the damage. The bag is also missing its hangtag and the leather on the turnlock is lifting, both things I was ok with and knew before hand. I paid 33.99 for the bag and after shipping and taxes it was a little over 50$.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/COACH-Vintage-Black-Leather-Crossbody-Shoulder-Bag-9927-/183824911633?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&nma=true&si=qm4MzY%2FjgRSagAmIa%2BKmGv4TUPI%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc
A bag was posted in coach hall of shame and there was some sort of glitch that sent you to this listing instead. Ive been wanting a black nickel willis and was thrilled.

Im wondering if anyone has any experience replacing the buckle? it looks like tail of the buckle loop extends down into the strap about 1" 1/2, which would involve ripping out a bunch of stitching. Although it would be cheaper than a replacement strap, Im unsure if I can find a suitable thread and if I have the skills to even make a decent repair.

As for a replacement strap there is one currently on Ebay (not sure if its authentic), after shipping and taxes, probably around 27$. I don't know if this is a fair price, and if they are harder to find than the brass.

I don't know of a good repair place, and I feel like I might just put it off and eventually forget about it. Im more of a DIYer.

My original plan was going to try to carefully glue the curling leather with leather glue, has anyone had success with this?

Do you think this bag even worth messing with, or should I just ask for a refund and keep looking? I haven't responded to the seller yet, and don't know what they are offering. I wanted to check into what is involved in fixing this bag first.
I also don't know if I am at fault for not noticing the damage in the listing. Is it likely I will have to pay for return shipping in this case? I haven't done an Ebay return before, and I don't want to pay 26$ shipping (both ways) and have no bag, just for funsies.

Ok, if if your still reading after ALL THAT a huge thank you and here is the curling leather and damaged buckle.
EB3E0BB5-43AF-4619-B7FC-0B33319CA3EC.jpeg 24459213-7A82-40A5-B7A2-AA05B58E7757.jpeg 0202DB59-0571-4056-95B9-8587B6A7E513.jpeg
 
Last edited:
#20,907
picklejuice said:
Hi, Would anyone be willing to share their opinion?
I bought a black/ nickel willis off of Ebay, but the seller did not include in the description the buckle on the strap is fairly bent. Although the listing pictures showed the buckle, it looked normal to me. Going back now that I know the damage, I can (sort of) see it, but personally I think it should have been noted or more clearly shown.
I contacted the seller and and they asked if I wanted to return it, I said I did. But now they are asking if I they can "compensate" me for the damage. The bag is also missing its hangtag and the leather on the turnlock is lifting, both things I was ok with and knew before hand. I paid 33.99 for the bag and after shipping and taxes it was a little over 50$.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/COACH-Vintage-Black-Leather-Crossbody-Shoulder-Bag-9927-/183824911633?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&nma=true&si=qm4MzY%2FjgRSagAmIa%2BKmGv4TUPI%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc
A bag was posted in coach hall of shame and there was some sort of glitch that sent you to this listing instead. Ive been wanting a black nickel willis and was thrilled.

Im wondering if anyone has any experience replacing the buckle? it looks like tail of the buckle loop extends down into the strap about 1" 1/2, which would involve ripping out a bunch of stitching. Although it would be cheaper than a replacement strap, Im unsure if I can find a suitable thread and if I have the skills to even make a decent repair.

As for a replacement strap there is one currently on Ebay (not sure if its authentic), after shipping and taxes, probably around 27$. I don't know if this is a fair price, and if they are harder to find than the brass.

I don't know of a good repair place, and I feel like I might just put it off and eventually forget about it. Im more of a DIYer.

My original plan was going to try to carefully glue the curling leather with leather glue, has anyone had success with this?

Do you think this bag even worth messing with, or should I just ask for a refund and keep looking? I haven't responded to the seller yet, and don't know what they are offering. I wanted to check into what is involved in fixing this bag first.
I also don't know if I am at fault for not noticing the damage in the listing. Is it likely I will have to pay for return shipping in this case? I haven't done an Ebay return before, and I don't want to pay 26$ shipping (both ways) and have no bag, just for funsies.

Ok, if if your still reading after ALL THAT a huge thank you and here is the curling leather and damaged buckle.
View attachment 4452469 View attachment 4452470 View attachment 4452474
Click to expand...
Wow I would be super annoyed if I were you. But I don't think the bag is beyond saving. I hope someone way more experienced than me will tell you what to do, but I'm thinking that leather around the lock can be fixed.
 
  • Like
Reactions: picklejuice
#20,908
picklejuice said:
Hi, Would anyone be willing to share their opinion?
I bought a black/ nickel willis off of Ebay, but the seller did not include in the description the buckle on the strap is fairly bent. Although the listing pictures showed the buckle, it looked normal to me. Going back now that I know the damage, I can (sort of) see it, but personally I think it should have been noted or more clearly shown.
I contacted the seller and and they asked if I wanted to return it, I said I did. But now they are asking if I they can "compensate" me for the damage. The bag is also missing its hangtag and the leather on the turnlock is lifting, both things I was ok with and knew before hand. I paid 33.99 for the bag and after shipping and taxes it was a little over 50$.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/COACH-Vintage-Black-Leather-Crossbody-Shoulder-Bag-9927-/183824911633?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&nma=true&si=qm4MzY%2FjgRSagAmIa%2BKmGv4TUPI%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc
A bag was posted in coach hall of shame and there was some sort of glitch that sent you to this listing instead. Ive been wanting a black nickel willis and was thrilled.

Im wondering if anyone has any experience replacing the buckle? it looks like tail of the buckle loop extends down into the strap about 1" 1/2, which would involve ripping out a bunch of stitching. Although it would be cheaper than a replacement strap, Im unsure if I can find a suitable thread and if I have the skills to even make a decent repair.

As for a replacement strap there is one currently on Ebay (not sure if its authentic), after shipping and taxes, probably around 27$. I don't know if this is a fair price, and if they are harder to find than the brass.

I don't know of a good repair place, and I feel like I might just put it off and eventually forget about it. Im more of a DIYer.

My original plan was going to try to carefully glue the curling leather with leather glue, has anyone had success with this?

Do you think this bag even worth messing with, or should I just ask for a refund and keep looking? I haven't responded to the seller yet, and don't know what they are offering. I wanted to check into what is involved in fixing this bag first.
I also don't know if I am at fault for not noticing the damage in the listing. Is it likely I will have to pay for return shipping in this case? I haven't done an Ebay return before, and I don't want to pay 26$ shipping (both ways) and have no bag, just for funsies.

Ok, if if your still reading after ALL THAT a huge thank you and here is the curling leather and damaged buckle.
View attachment 4452469 View attachment 4452470 View attachment 4452474
Click to expand...

If it wasn't in the description you don't have to pay return shipping. Item was not as described.

If the buckle can get bent like that, try bending it back with some plyers or something. Try that and if it works accept the compensation (partial refund?) seller is offering.

As for the leather coming up maybe after a bath you can smooth it down when it's drying?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Aku_no_Hana and picklejuice
#20,909
An update on my City bag. I got the Leather CPR at Bed Bath & Beyond as advised (with a 20% coupon, yay). I debated a lot on removing the hardware since I didn't have any back up (in case it broke) and it was my first time cleaning a bag like this. I actually gave it a bath before dealing with this since I was initially against it. Good thing I went back on my decision:

DSC_4986.jpg
DSC_4991.jpg

There wasn't a lot like some of what I've seen when searching on the forum, but I'm glad I decided to remove the hardware (which I personally thought was a bit challenging). I used a cuticle nipper to pry everything open. I tried to remove any verdigris I could spot on the leather with vinegar, and I used toothpicks and Q-tips as appropriate to scrub it off. I also did the same to clean the hardware. Everything was pat down dry and I put everything back with the cuticle nipper and a mallet.

I haven't polished the hardware because I'm not sure if I wanted to! I might do it later on, but I'm not too bothered by it at the moment. I might order new hardware in the future, but I didn't see the option on the Coach website to request it (did they change their policy on that or am I just blind?). If I do, I'll also ask for a tag since mine was missing one.

DSC_4999.jpg

As for the bag itself, I did two coats of Leather CPR and one coat of Blackrock. I quite like how it turned out: the leather feels more amazing and it looks good! I'm happy that the inside is also clean (or as clean as it can get; it was a bit gross) and the shape of the bag is more balanced (especially at the bottom on the front).

DSC_5009.jpg
DSC_5014.jpg
DSC_5018.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: catthecurious, trayc_w, VintageIsBest and 8 others
#20,910
Spilledink said:
An update on my City bag. I got the Leather CPR at Bed Bath & Beyond as advised (with a 20% coupon, yay). I debated a lot on removing the hardware since I didn't have any back up (in case it broke) and it was my first time cleaning a bag like this. I actually gave it a bath before dealing with this since I was initially against it. Good thing I went back on my decision:

View attachment 4452620
View attachment 4452621

There wasn't a lot like some of what I've seen when searching on the forum, but I'm glad I decided to remove the hardware (which I personally thought was a bit challenging). I used a cuticle nipper to pry everything open. I tried to remove any verdigris I could spot on the leather with vinegar, and I used toothpicks and Q-tips as appropriate to scrub it off. I also did the same to clean the hardware. Everything was pat down dry and I put everything back with the cuticle nipper and a mallet.

I haven't polished the hardware because I'm not sure if I wanted to! I might do it later on, but I'm not too bothered by it at the moment. I might order new hardware in the future, but I didn't see the option on the Coach website to request it (did they change their policy on that or am I just blind?). If I do, I'll also ask for a tag since mine was missing one.

View attachment 4452622

As for the bag itself, I did two coats of Leather CPR and one coat of Blackrock. I quite like how it turned out: the leather feels more amazing and it looks good! I'm happy that the inside is also clean (or as clean as it can get; it was a bit gross) and the shape of the bag is more balanced (especially at the bottom on the front).

View attachment 4452623
View attachment 4452624
View attachment 4452625
Click to expand...
Wow, nice job!

You can order a new turnlock and hang tag by emailing [email protected]. Tell them the style number of the bag and the color of hardware you need. I like to include a picture of the bag with my requests, and yours is certainly one you can be proud to show off!
 
  • Like
Reactions: tealocean, Aku_no_Hana and Spilledink
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top