Thanks! It is a Made in the United States in 1998 Willis and it's intact and in very good shape, no stains, smells, alterations, or damage. It is soiled and scuffed and the corners are worn, but that will rehab easily - someone used this bag a lot but took good care of if. It was marked $25 at Goodwill which I thought was a good price but they were having a sale and it was only $21 - so I just had to take it!
I have had good luck finding Willis bags. I gave 2 of my rehabbed Willis bags as gifts - a Mahogany bag and a Black Willis - and I've kept a Navy one for myself. I may keep this new black on for me, too. I recently found and rehabbed a British Tan Willis that was missing parts. It came out beautifully but I am trying to find the correct replacement strap - which is why I have gone back to checking out the thrift stores, after I broke the habit for a long time!
I am almost "too blessed" with available rehab bags and I already have deep piles needing attention and I keep finding more bags "that are just too good to resist"! I need to stay away from the thrift stores. The good news is that the Savers store near me has closed down and I used to find a lot of them there.
dstalksalot, the Murphy is a lovely bag but if you want a Willis, you could keep your eyes open on ebay and etsy to see if you find one that you would like - but they are often so expensive on the online sites! I guess it depends on how much you want it. But you never know what you may come across locally if you keep looking. After years of searching, one day I happened upon an original 1960s Bonnie Cashin Coach bag at the Salvation Army for only $2!
The hunt and thrill of discovery are what I enjoy the most about rehabbing!
mine!
