Hopefully you'll read this after you're well-restedbecause I have some more royal mam info for ya! I have a second-hand royal mam with the same finished tassels, b/w floral lining, bright blue zipper track, like the one you just got. Apparently, there was a second generation royal mam made for a winter 2008 RM sale (not sure if it was the sample sale, or Gilt). This royal was noticeably darker than the original royal that Fashion1 mentioned. You might find old forum posts referencing "dark royal".
The bag I have might have been a sample because one of the top panels (near the zipper) seems to be a slightly brighter shade of blue, as if it was assembled with a piece of the original royal. It's only apparent in bright sunlight... and that's what I see in the outdoor pic from the eBay listing for your new purchase. My bag hasn't darkened at all, btw. The leather is great: chewy, thick old school goodness! Congrats on finding one!
I am so happy to have some more information about my MAM! It's my first OS bag--I've owned quite a few RM's but missed out on getting various OS bags I wanted. I'm so glad to hear how much you love yours! I love the bright blue zipper track. I'll have to check out the top panels when I get it and see if I notice it--because honestly I can't see it from the pictures on ebay! I have wanted a blue bag for the spring/summer-especially because I bought and then sold a Bal Ardoise City (The City style just does not work for me--but I love the bag on other people!) I still have some other OS beauties I'm hoping to find someday. This is a good start though!
Thanks for your help bag twin!
I'll post pics when it arrives!
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