Thank you so much for the information! I just noticed that an automated message was sent to me with the links to the thread/guideline that you mentioned. I'll be sure to follow the guidelines in the future. Thanks!
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If you are looking for something similar, search for Coach camera bag or crossbody pouch. There are several new versions out currently on Coach.com, at department stores and at Coach outlets.
Hi, all! I purchased what I think is a used Gotham tote. I know the business-ish stuff doesn’t really come with serial numbers but this is very strange. There’s a barcode tag sewn in the inside of the inside pocket at a random angle. What does it mean? I’ve never seen that before. Is this a Gotham tote as I thought?
I'm not sure why business items wouldn't come with serial numbers. They should always have numbers as long as they're above a certain size and were made when Coach was actually putting serial numbers on the creed. The date code in this "serial number" is within the time period when all production Coaches larger than accessories would have had serial numbers.
The problem with this one is that there's no valid style number, "00000" was only used by Coach for sample bags but it's also been found any a lot of suspected fakes, along with style number -99999. Since it's not a valid serial number, there's no way to authenticate it and we never recommend buying one unless someone is just going to keep it for their own use and never sell it since authenticity can't be proven.
As for that bar code, I've never seen anything like it in any genuine Coach item. Is there any "Made In ..." tag sewn into the inside of the bag?
And aren't the Gotham Totes fairly recent styles, like within the last 2 years or thereabouts? So why would a creed for a genuine sample have a 2012 year code?
When and where did you buy that bag? Is there a website or seller URL you can post?
Other opinions are welcome.
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That style of creed and lining weren't used until recently. They weren't used in 2012 which is what the creed indicates as the time of manufacture.
I agree with everything @Hyacinth said as well as @whateve's comment concerning the creed and lining vs. when the serial number indicates it was supposedly made.
To add to what Hyacinth posted, I also want to recommend not donating it either.
ETA: This too from Hyacinth: When and where did you buy that bag? Is there a website or seller URL you can post?
Hi, all! I found it in ThredUP so the seller could be anyone from anywhere so that’s no help. [emoji4] Compared to my other 1941 bags, the quality of the materials, workmanship, perfect stitching, etc is on point. I did a LOT of searching and did not turn up another bag in this print. That leads me more to the sample side, which might explain the barcode but who knows. It does smell divine and is very lush. I took some additional photos for your perusal.
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These days, counterfeiters have access to many of the same materials Coach uses, so the quality could be as good as Coach, but that doesn't mean it was made by Coach. Just because the bag feels like good quality doesn't mean it isn't counterfeit. It is my opinion it is absolutely counterfeit. There is no way to get around that 2012 date code with materials and creed design and wording that weren't used until after Stuart Vevers took over.
That bar code looks meaningless. It isn't the standard format for bar codes. Have you tried looking up that number to see what you get?
Thanks, whateve! I absolutely respect your determination on authenticity. I only tried to scan the barcode in Amazon with no luck. It really means nothing to me as it’s not the standard format I’m used to seeing in everyday life. [emoji4]
Are you able to link to the listing? (Post 1, page 1 does require it although we're more flexible here than other brand subforums on TPF.) I'd like to see the seller, her items and location as well as the actual listing.
I checked Thredup and hate that one has to log in (either through Facebook, Amazon or open an account) in order to do a simple search. I resent being forced to have an account on a site that I have no intention of using.
But with that said, I did log in and found that I wasn't able to search completed/sold listings and couldn't find the listing. An image search was also unsuccessful.
I completely agree and if I'd bought that bag for any amount more than what you'd be willing to throw away when done using the bag, I'd return it for a full refund.
If you're happy with using it, it's certainly your decision but please don't EVER sell or donate it.
You sound unconvinced and seem to not believe that a fake can be so "good."
Please do a search of the Coach sub for "1941 collection fake" because you'll see many posts on how close in details and construction some of these styles are. While there are obvious fakes, there are some scary close ones with comps posted by several of us.
Are you able to link to the listing? (Post 1, page 1 does require it although we're more flexible here than other brand subforums on TPF.) I'd like to see the seller, her items and location as well as the actual listing.
I checked Thredup and hate that one has to log in (either through Facebook, Amazon or open an account) in order to do a simple search. I resent being forced to have an account on a site that I have no intention of using.
But with that said, I did log in and found that I wasn't able to search completed/sold listings and couldn't find the listing. An image search was also unsuccessful.
I completely agree and if I'd bought that bag for any amount more than what you'd be willing to throw away when done using the bag, I'd return it for a full refund.
If you're happy with using it, it's certainly your decision but please don't EVER sell or donate it.
You sound unconvinced and seem to not believe that a fake can be so "good."
Please do a search of the Coach sub for "1941 collection fake" because you'll see many posts on how close in details and construction some of these styles are. While there are obvious fakes, there are some scary close ones with comps posted by several of us.
Here’s the link to the listing: https://www.thredup.com/product/43643203. You can see they don’t really provide a lot of information on their items. ThredUP usually purchases the items and then resells them; that’s why I said it could be from anyone anywhere.
I’m ok with the bag as-is, fake and all. I had planned to use it as a travel bag that can take a beating so even as a fake, it will still get the job done. I had site credit so wasn’t out any “money” on the purchase. And no, would not sell a fake ever. It will be repurposed for other craft projects if it becomes unusable. I’m a responsible person and would never knowingly perpetuate the cycle that comes along with the whole fake goods industry.
Having been in the purse game for a long time, I still don’t believe I know it all and therefore do respect the opinions of those who I believe know what they’re talking about when it comes to authenticity. It is a well-constructed bag of quality materials but that doesn’t mean it is a Coach bag by any means. It amazes me what counterfeiters can do. I completely appreciate the opinions, time and knowledge everyone shares here and would back you all in a fight! [emoji6]
Hello ladies, hoping you can help me out with this one, TIA
I got the small Twill Saddle Pouch, made in NYC. The leather one is style 9590 according to the Coach catalogs from the mid 80s.
I couldn't find any picture or reference to the twill style, but in this other picture of the Large Saddle style 9585, the twill version is 8595.
So.. could I assume the style for mine is 8590, or is that too much assuming, LOL
I got the small Twill Saddle Pouch, made in NYC. The leather one is style 9590 according to the Coach catalogs from the mid 80s.
I couldn't find any picture or reference to the twill style, but in this other picture of the Large Saddle style 9585, the twill version is 8595.
So.. could I assume the style for mine is 8590, or is that too much assuming, LOL