It's hard to tell. I can see scratches and natural grain, and a piece that old will be shiny just from years of rubbing, like natural burnishing. But the handle closeup definitely looks like something was put on there. I'm probably too cautious.
Vintage Coach Photos & Chat
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I like 'cautious' better than 'paranoid', lol!
When it comes to potential shoe polish, one cannot be too cautious. That said, determining the cause of the shininess without actually handling it is purely speculative. It could also be the result of a earlier dye (not acrylic paint) application as even high end leather products tend to yield shiny results in some colors, especially black. That may explain the lack of the thicker, waxier appearance typical of most excessive shoe polish coating. But an older polish application that has been (repeatedly) well brushed could also produce the optics on display here. Again, it's impossible to tell without touching it.
Btw: Given the dimensions provided in the listing, it's more likely to be a #9425 Handle Clutch (aka Slim Satchel Compact) and not a #9430 Slim Satchel (Standard).
Look this one's not shiny! Which style # is this again?
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/263023246634
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/263023246634
This may be of reference help...
Note that prior to the introduction of the #9430 Slim Satchel, the #9425 was referred to as Handle Clutch.
As to the subject listing, it looks as though someone replaced the stock briefcase handles with rolled handles from a bag such as the #9725 Madison Satchel, potentially but not necessarily from the same period (shown below in a later catalog)...
Does anyone have any info., history or otherwise about the Coach Federal bags? The one with the eagle on the front flap. Were they for sale to the public? I've seen white, red, brown, black and maybe a yellow color. Is 1972 correct or were they in production longer? It's my oldest bag and I'd like to know more info. for my own knowledge.
Yeah I know.
I think I like the handles better. It's more feminine looking to me than the other briefcase handles.
Since we were talking about the slim satchel recently I just saw one. It says red but I'm sure it's brown.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/182600436205
https://www.ebay.com/itm/182600436205
I'm not sure if they were ever for retail sale. AFAIK they were first made for the women who accompanied their husbands or bosses on Nixon's trip to China in 1972. Since they're stamped with the Great Seal, I don't think Coach could have made them available for retail sale without the government's permission. They may have been made in 2 different sizes but again that's just based on what I've read. Most of the ones I've seen are style 9170, Classic Shoulder Bag/Classic Pouch.
There was a later version made during the Reagan years (1981-89) along with a wallet and checkbook holder, and which MIGHT have been tied in to Nancy Reagan's Say No To Drugs program. My guess is that the Nixon-era bags are the ones with the small black Coach plate, and the Reagan versions often have NYC creeds but no serial numbers.
The Coach Archives has several in their collection. Below is a part of the description posted by an Ebay seller about one of the Nixon-era versions:
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I have a red one. what color is yours?
ETA: have you bathed it? I'm afraid to dunk it. I'm afraid of the seal losing the shape from the bath.
Mine is a very dark brown with the black plate. Mahogany?
Yes, I did dunk mine because it was FILTHY. It would have been garbage if I hadn't. It came out fine, but I didn't dunk too long. Only enough to scrub and plump the leather a bit.
Mine needs some sewing. I've been looking around for an old school professional leather repair. My shoe guy is too hasty. I want someone to work on it who understands the importance of doing it right.
I even though about sending pics to Coach repair and see if they'd help me finish restoring it.