ID This Coach item! -- Post any Coach item name questions here! --

[Cameochi]

Thanks Cameochi. That tan one is lovely. What exactly do you mean when you say "..but never produced"?

It's sort of like the Dakota 4202s that three of us have. They were done as samples or in a very limited number for test marketing but never produced for the general market so there are very few of them in existence. You found a treasure with that one.

 

[Two.time.bags]

It's sort of like the Dakota 4202s that three of us have. They were done as samples or in a very limited number for test marketing but never produced for the general market so there are very few of them in existence. You found a treasure with that one.

Cool. Thanks for that. Another keeper then!

 

[Cameochi]

Here is a bag I purchased this evening. The seller called it a Lindy. Does anyone know if that is the correct name and if it has a style number? There are two others on eBay for $349.99 so mine is a bargain. Two photos are attached and below is a link to the listing.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-COA...352?pt=US_CSA_WH_Handbags&hash=item2ed1f4dde8
As always, any information will be greatly appreciated.

The seller is very knowledgeable and does her homework. My bag is a Lindy from around 1991 and the style number is 9003 - in case anyone want to buy the other one for $399.99

 

[skippingstones]

It's the correct tag for the wallet and the abbreviated name stands for Peyton stripe accordian zip around. The colors are khaki and papaya and the wallet was made for the factory stores. I'm not sure of the exact year but it's pretty recent; probably from within the last 2-3 years.

Ahh awesome, thanks! I'm assuming the factory store thing is why I couldn't find a single identical photo of it online anywhere - lots of similar ones, but nothing that was definitely the exact same product...and from looking at more stuff now, I guess I totally should have known how to read Coach tags and the "F" would have solved the mystery for me right from the beginning Sorry again for another stupid question (like I said, I don't know much about Coach products - I can't usually afford anything!), but in general, are factory store products worse quality than actual Coach store products or pretty much the same? I'm guessing it's probably a pretty huge thing to make a sweeping generalization about depending on the product and a million other factors, and I'm looking at about a million detailed guides right now just out of curiosity (not that it makes a difference, I'm still keeping/happy with the wallet, haha), but I was just wondering about anyone's personal opinion/experience rather than stuff from guides and blogs and stuff, just if anything comes to mind one way or the other or if you'd say they're similar enough in your experience since you guys know so much (or if there's another thread where this has been talked about, just let me know and I won't clutter up this area!)? Again, just total curiosity - if everyone thinks factory store quality sucks I have no problem with that, I'm just happy to have something!

 

[Two.time.bags]

Ahh awesome, thanks! I'm assuming the factory store thing is why I couldn't find a single identical photo of it online anywhere - lots of similar ones, but nothing that was definitely the exact same product...and from looking at more stuff now, I guess I totally should have known how to read Coach tags and the "F" would have solved the mystery for me right from the beginning Sorry again for another stupid question (like I said, I don't know much about Coach products - I can't usually afford anything!), but in general, are factory store products worse quality than actual Coach store products or pretty much the same? I'm guessing it's probably a pretty huge thing to make a sweeping generalization about depending on the product and a million other factors, and I'm looking at about a million detailed guides right now just out of curiosity (not that it makes a difference, I'm still keeping/happy with the wallet, haha), but I was just wondering about anyone's personal opinion/experience rather than stuff from guides and blogs and stuff, just if anything comes to mind one way or the other or if you'd say they're similar enough in your experience since you guys know so much (or if there's another thread where this has been talked about, just let me know and I won't clutter up this area!)? Again, just total curiosity - if everyone thinks factory store quality sucks I have no problem with that, I'm just happy to have something!

IMO you can't beat vintage Coach for quality and style.

 

[BeenBurned]

Ahh awesome, thanks! I'm assuming the factory store thing is why I couldn't find a single identical photo of it online anywhere - lots of similar ones, but nothing that was definitely the exact same product...and from looking at more stuff now, I guess I totally should have known how to read Coach tags and the "F" would have solved the mystery for me right from the beginning Sorry again for another stupid question (like I said, I don't know much about Coach products - I can't usually afford anything!), but in general, are factory store products worse quality than actual Coach store products or pretty much the same? I'm guessing it's probably a pretty huge thing to make a sweeping generalization about depending on the product and a million other factors, and I'm looking at about a million detailed guides right now just out of curiosity (not that it makes a difference, I'm still keeping/happy with the wallet, haha), but I was just wondering about anyone's personal opinion/experience rather than stuff from guides and blogs and stuff, just if anything comes to mind one way or the other or if you'd say they're similar enough in your experience since you guys know so much (or if there's another thread where this has been talked about, just let me know and I won't clutter up this area!)? Again, just total curiosity - if everyone thinks factory store quality sucks I have no problem with that, I'm just happy to have something!

Regarding outlet vs. boutique quality, there are as many opinions as there are customers.

Generally, items that are MFF (made for factory, the terminology for outlet-only items) have simpler designs that less detailed, less intricate hardware and construction and cost less than the full-priced store items. Personally, I don't find quality to be lacking although there can be quality control issues with items bought anywhere.

 

[Cameochi]

A general ID question:


Here is a link to a current item for sale. It is listed as a 9004 Retro Stroll Tote from 1991 but according to the guides the creed says it is before that as it has 3 digits, a dash, and then four digits. In 1989 and 1990 the creeds change to four digits and then only three numbers. Did they change back to the old version again from 1991 to 1994?


http://www.ebay.com/itm/COACH-Vinta...t=Vintage_Handbags_Purses&hash=item20d99b883f

 

[Hyacinth]

A general ID question:


Here is a link to a current item for sale. It is listed as a 9004 Retro Stroll Tote from 1991 but according to the guides the creed says it is before that as it has 3 digits, a dash, and then four digits. In 1989 and 1990 the creeds change to four digits and then only three numbers. Did they change back to the old version again from 1991 to 1994?


http://www.ebay.com/itm/COACH-Vinta...t=Vintage_Handbags_Purses&hash=item20d99b883f

No, the format didn't change all at once or even in the same year. Remember, I wrote that almost 3 years ago and have collected a lot more information since. The Guide should probably be changed but just keep in mind that not all dates are going to be exact. It took Coach as long as 2 years to get the new creeds to their plants during and after 1994, and changing serial number stamps wasn't something that was done in a hurry either.

The 3+4 all-number format could have been used almost any time up to about 1992. There's nothing wrong with that bag.

 

[Cameochi]

No, the format didn't change all at once or even in the same year. Remember, I wrote that almost 3 years ago and have collected a lot more information since. The Guide should probably be changed but just keep in mind that not all dates are going to be exact. It took Coach as long as 2 years to get the new creeds to their plants during and after 1994, and changing serial number stamps wasn't something that was done in a hurry either.

The 3+4 all-number format could have been used almost any time up to about 1992. There's nothing wrong with that bag.

Thanks, Hyacinth! That helps a lot. I will update my copy of your guide.

 

[Cameochi]

I came across this listing last night. It looks like a Meyers to me and there is nothing to indicate that it is a Coach bag but the seller is listing it as Coach claiming it is from his/her personal collection. In case it is a style I have missed, I thought I would make sure.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/COACH-vtg-B...168?pt=US_CSA_WH_Handbags&hash=item3ce1d8d6f8

 

[ledobe]

I came across this listing last night. It looks like a Meyers to me and there is nothing to indicate that it is a Coach bag but the seller is listing it as Coach claiming it is from his/her personal collection. In case it is a style I have missed, I thought I would make sure.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/COACH-vtg-B...168?pt=US_CSA_WH_Handbags&hash=item3ce1d8d6f8

FWIW that's the same zipper as my Meyers bag.

 

[Cameochi]

FWIW that's the same zipper as my Meyers bag.

Thanks, Ledobe. I TOTALLY agree. The Serval zipper is classic Meyers as is the shape of the zipper tab. The lining is not matched like it would be in a Coach bag and I have not seen that particular lining in a Coach bag. What bugged me was the seller's claim that it is Coach and from her personal collection and how she wants it to have a good home, etc. I have two great Meyers bags and the Meyers Cashin bags are also highly collectible but they should not be misrepresented as Coach.

 

[BeenBurned]

I came across this listing last night. It looks like a Meyers to me and there is nothing to indicate that it is a Coach bag but the seller is listing it as Coach claiming it is from his/her personal collection. In case it is a style I have missed, I thought I would make sure.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/COACH-vtg-B...168?pt=US_CSA_WH_Handbags&hash=item3ce1d8d6f8

DemRam is our resident BC expert but I'll comment on what little I know about Bonnie Cashin bags.

Regarding the listing, although she has "Coach" in the title, it appears to be a case of keyword spamming because her description doesn't mention Coach nor describe the bag as being Coach.

I believe this is a Bonnie Cashin -- not Coach and not BC for Meyers.

It doesn't have "Coach" markings so I don't think it's a Coach/BC.

I had a BC for Meyers bag and that one and others that I've seen have "Bonnie Cashin for Meyers" stamps on them. Without the "Meyers" stamp, I don't think it's BC for Meyers.

This is a picture of my BC for M stamp:

 

[Cameochi]

DemRam is our resident BC expert but I'll comment on what little I know about Bonnie Cashin bags.

Regarding the listing, although she has "Coach" in the title, it appears to be a case of keyword spamming because her description doesn't mention Coach nor describe the bag as being Coach.

I believe this is a Bonnie Cashin -- not Coach and not BC for Meyers.

It doesn't have "Coach" markings so I don't think it's a Coach/BC.

I had a BC for Meyers bag and that one and others that I've seen have "Bonnie Cashin for Meyers" stamps on them. Without the "Meyers" stamp, I don't think it's BC for Meyers.

This is a picture of my BC for M stamp:

I will bet you a large coffee that it is a Meyers bag. Bonnie Cashin never manufactured anything nor was she ever anyone's employee. She was a designer only and she signed a contract with Meyers in 1975 after her contract expired with Coach in 1974. She designed for many different companies during her career in addition to the costumes she designed for films.

I have a Meyers bag here that has nothing on it to identify the manufacturer but the lining is a cotton duck with Bonnie's signature all over it so the designer was easy to identify. Originally, it had a hang tag that showed who the manufacturer was but once the hang tag was lost there was nothing else to identify it. I was fortunate to find another bag like it that still had the hang tag. That is how I was able to authenticate it. I used a bright light and a magnifying glass but there is nothing attached or stamped into the darned bag. That one has YKK zippers and it is absolutely huge so you would think there would be something somewhere to show the manufacturer.

However, I have another Meyers bag that, like yours, clearly shows who the manufacturer was - on a hang tag attached to the Serval zipper pull and on the inside of the kisslock there is a small metal tag that says "Bonnie Cashin for Meyers."

It is possible that Bonnie was allowed to have some bags with only her name on them but someone had to make them for her and Coach did not allow that as their name is always on their bags.

My guess is that the suede bag up for sale also had a hang tag at one time and it also got lost. It's a beautiful bag but that seller has deliberately misrepresented it - claiming that it is a Coach and from her personal collection.

As for information on BC, some of the foundation info is still out there on other sites and the UCLA archives are available online although they can be slow going. She was, and still is, a fashion icon. I love her designs!

Getting information about Meyers is another matter - and I've tried. All I have been able to determine is where they were located, date they started up and it looks as though they went out of business in 1984. They primarily manufactured inexpensive vinyl bags so getting BC was a huge coup for them but they never reached the heights that Coach has. I've attached some photos of my behemoth BC Meyers bag. The last photo is of the bag I found with the same lining and Meyers hang tag. While that bag had the same lining as mine, it was in shreds and the bag was in rough condition.

 

[magen06]

I really hope someone can help me with these, I'm having the worst time trying to figure it out. I believe the blue is a Poppy Storypatch camera case, but the pink it beyond me! TIA.