You might want to test the metal to see if it is solid or plated brass. I have seen both on my bags. If you hold a magnet to the metal, it will cling to it if it is plated. If it does not, it is solid.
Vintage Coach Photos & Chat
- Thread starter bunnymasseuse
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Oh I have gotten rid of smoke fully before. I put a cup of cleaning vinegar in water and soak for 30 min and repeat if it still lingers. Then soak for 15 min in just water to get the vinegar out and shape and dry. [emoji4]
Hi, I was waiting to see if someone replied to your question here because I was curious too. I don't have any of those NYC's. I do have an Open Market Tote that does have brass D-rings for the the long straps. Why don't you ask over on AT? Those ladies are the real vintage Coach know it alls.
Here's an example of a NYC bag with brass hardware except for the ring on the zipper pull. Purely speculation here, but I imagine it was originally brass-toned and the finish has worn off.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-CO...m=253392502758&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851
Actually, if you zoom in all the way, the ring on the zipper of this particular NYC Basic Bag appears to be a common split ring replacement and not the original (either "paperclip" or solid hoop variety). Look at the seam running around the circumference.
With the exception of the zinc pulls that were used on the interior zippers of some 1970's bags and the alloy used on the "paperclip" style retainers that appear on some of the early clutch handles/pulls, I'm hard pressed to see why COACH would have employed anything but brass, especially on exterior hardware, given corrosion concerns (kisslock frames perhaps being an exception). I have seen some rectangular handle retainers (the noncontinuous variety where the break was hidden in the center under the leather loop) on older bags and briefs that did not at first appear to be brass, but a quick test with a file showed that they were. As with anything COACH, though anything is perhaps possible. Doubly so for supplier sourced components.
I see what you mean about the split ring. I missed that, thanks!
Anyone recognize this bag that looks like a larger version of saddlery bag but different style? Someone bought it already so I have no way find out any other info. 
The lower bag appears to be what is referred to as an original Musette.
Note the "pouchy soft musette (French for a saddle bag)" in the advert text.
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Did you have to clean your Berkeley flap? If so, what did you use?OMG, I saw u ask for an authentication and saw it was sold. I was going to insert you post here and ask if you pulled yhe trigger
Congrats on a gorgeous red Berkeley flap. Fraternal twins, I have it in mocha brown.
You can wash it just like a regular rehab. The only difference is that some of the suede is on the outside instead of the inside. Only condition the regular leather parts.
From appearances, mine didn't really need it, but it had been squashed flat, so I did dunk it for reshaping. As whateve mentioned above, I did my usual routine: soak for 20 min in 1/2 oz of Lexol leather cleaner in about 2 1/2 gallons of warm water, lightly clean with a toothbrush ; 20 min in a warm water rinse then appl of leather therapy conditioner/restorer as it dried.
Does it look as good in real life as it did in the photos? I had never seen pics of a red Berkeley looking that good!
who sold it? i'm curious. i just sold mine to a reseller, wondering if it's my original bag!!
Thanks for the feedback @whateve. I'll give it a try.
Thanks for the details @Lake Effect. Yes, it is great shape just like the original pictures, but flat. I want to reshape, clean and refresh the smell.