Vintage Coach Photos & Chat

[Catbird9]

I just purchased a pre-creed Courier on eBay and I'm in a little bit of a panic because I didn't have it authenticated first and I'm wondering if this might be a rehab waaaaaay beyond my limited rehabbing skills. The Courier has been my Holy Grail for a long time but they are never in my price range. Ever. So I did it, I set my max bid to about half of the overtime I worked last week and I won it. I'd be very grateful if some of the experts here would take a look at the auction pics and let me know what you think of the bag. I'm just hoping to be able to sleep tonight...I'm afraid this might be an expensive mistake. I guess my biggest fear is that there might me mold or mildew on the bag. I should have asked the seller but I made a very last minute decision to bid on it. Shame on me. Would you veteran rehabbers have bought this bag?

Item number 183716544910, Vintage Coach Bag Saddle Brown Leather Flap Messenger Biker Bag.

I don't have a lot of experience with eBay, if I post the link to the completed auction will it display my personal details?? I tried to post a link for a different bag to have it authenticated but when I clicked on the link it brought me back to my completed listing with my shipping address displayed. I don't want that all over the internet...

Your personal details are only visible to you and the seller. Other people can view the completed listing but the bidder's names aren't shown (you'll see your own eBay ID if you were one of the bidders).

I would have considered this for a rehab project. The only thing that would concern me a little is the separation of the leather between the flap and the sides (not an uncommon problem, and the seller does disclose it). You may have to do some sewing and/or gluing to reinforce those areas (or have it done professionally).

The other thing I see is some fading and uneven color. This should improve with bathing and conditioning.

I don't see any visible signs of mold or mildew. You'll be able to tell by the smell when you get it. Post questions at the rehab and rescue thread when it arrives for more specific advice.

The really cool thing is the metal tag. And it's a Courier! I think you'll find it to be a rewarding challenge!

 

[Morgan_Bellini]

I saw that one when it listed. I don’t think the condition is too bad but the loose stitching was my concern. The cobbler near me closed his doors in January. It looks like an easy simple fix for a cobbler , I just don’t have access to one. Is there a cobbler near you?

Your personal information should only be available to the seller, so you are fine there [emoji4]

I didn't like the loose stitching either but I drive right by a cobbler on my way home from work. I figured this might be the only way I'd ever get my hands on a Courier.

Thanks for the input!!

 

[Lake Effect]

So I'm getting really into the vintage bags. I own a 1996 US Willis in Navy and I just found a NYC Pocket Purse in tan recently that I rehabbed into an amazing baseball glove feel and color. I really want to add to the collection and I was considering the Manor bag. Does anyone have/recommended this style? I love the Regina, but I think that is a little too small for me for an everyday bag.

I absolutely love that pocket purse. It reminds me of my aged to perfection Tabac City Bag.
Someone mentioned the Patricia’s Legacy, which I second. My Patti is like a controlled black hole, I can always seem to cram one more thing into it. I like doubling the strap to hand carry. I also love the Plaza large. City bag is a great medium size too.
Can’t weigh in on the the Manor, at least not yet! If a Manor came up in burgundy that didn’t break the bank, I would. I like the compartment idea.

 

[Morgan_Bellini]

Your personal details are only visible to you and the seller. Other people can view the completed listing but the bidder's names aren't shown (you'll see your own eBay ID if you were one of the bidders).

I would have considered this for a rehab project. The only thing that would concern me a little is the separation of the leather between the flap and the sides (not an uncommon problem, and the seller does disclose it). You may have to do some sewing and/or gluing to reinforce those areas (or have it done professionally).

The other thing I see is some fading and uneven color. This should improve with bathing and conditioning.

I don't see any visible signs of mold or mildew. You'll be able to tell by the smell when you get it. Post questions at the rehab and rescue thread when it arrives for more specific advice.

The really cool thing is the metal tag. And it's a Courier! I think you'll find it to be a rewarding challenge!

Oh my gosh now I'm so excited to receive it! THANK YOU for the peace of mind! I can't wait to post before and afters!

 

[Lake Effect]

The Crosby! I've never seen one of these for sale, but it is lovely (1992 catalog):

View attachment 4370381

I think I’ve seen one, in years of heavy browsing!

 

[Morgan_Bellini]

Your personal details are only visible to you and the seller. Other people can view the completed listing but the bidder's names aren't shown (you'll see your own eBay ID if you were one of the bidders).

I would have considered this for a rehab project. The only thing that would concern me a little is the separation of the leather between the flap and the sides (not an uncommon problem, and the seller does disclose it). You may have to do some sewing and/or gluing to reinforce those areas (or have it done professionally).

The other thing I see is some fading and uneven color. This should improve with bathing and conditioning.

I don't see any visible signs of mold or mildew. You'll be able to tell by the smell when you get it. Post questions at the rehab and rescue thread when it arrives for more specific advice.

The really cool thing is the metal tag. And it's a Courier! I think you'll find it to be a rewarding challenge!

I like the patina on the bag, I'm really hoping it will look good after the rehab. Yay!!

 

[Morgan_Bellini]

I didn't realize I posted in the wrong thread! I meant to post in the rehab thread.

 

[CoachMaven]

I absolutely love that pocket purse. It reminds me of my aged to perfection Tabac City Bag.
Someone mentioned the Patricia’s Legacy, which I second. My Patti is like a controlled black hole, I can always seem to cram one more thing into it. I like doubling the strap to hand carry. I also love the Plaza large. City bag is a great medium size too.
Can’t weigh in on the the Manor, at least not yet! If a Manor came up in burgundy that didn’t break the bank, I would. I like the compartment idea.

Thanks! I normally wouldn't go for a bag with 'character', but the patina and flaws just make it IMO. I've never really considered a Patricia's before, but I'll look into them. I sort of have a thing for turnlocks, so I was hoping to find something in black with a turnlock that doesn't look a LOT like the Willis, but is larger than the Pocket Purse, if that makes sense. Some day, I will break down and get a vintage item in red. It's hard to come by without heavily paying for it. I have an almost vintage (2000) red leather bag, along with my 1941 Red Rogue, so they tide me over for now

 

[Lake Effect]

Thanks! I normally wouldn't go for a bag with 'character', but the patina and flaws just make it IMO. I've never really considered a Patricia's before, but I'll look into them. I sort of have a thing for turnlocks, so I was hoping to find something in black with a turnlock that doesn't look a LOT like the Willis, but is larger than the Pocket Purse, if that makes sense. Some day, I will break down and get a vintage item in red. It's hard to come by without heavily paying for it. I have an almost vintage (2000) red leather bag, along with my 1941 Red Rogue, so they tide me over for now

Well there are loads of turnlock styles, that’s for sure A red may come along when you least expect it. I made an offer under $100 on a like new red Pocket Bag and it was accepted.

 

[Crystice]

I had one once. I found it extra heavy because the inside compartments are all made of leather. I love the Plaza bag if you are looking for a larger satchel style.

Is the pocket in the middle inside the manor bag attached to the bottom of the bag, so things don’t drift from side to side?

 

[whateve]

Is the pocket in the middle inside the manor bag attached to the bottom of the bag, so things don’t drift from side to side?

I believe so. I don't have it anymore.

 

[theblissfullyobsessed]

Is the pocket in the middle inside the manor bag attached to the bottom of the bag, so things don’t drift from side to side?

It is.

 

[polkadots55]

Hi! I think I've narrowed down my next purchase. I'm not sure if I have the names correct, but I really like the look of the Sutton Satchel 4410, the Bristol 4412, and one that I've just seen listed as Satchel Natural Grain 4921. Does anyone have a catalog picture of the 4412 style? I wasn't sure if it was pictured in the top of the Sutton photo I attached or if that was the Savoy? style. And is it correct to say Coach Madison Sutton Satchel and/or Coach Madison Bristol? Also, is the Natural Grain 4921 part of the Sonoma or Dakota line? I just want to confirm. I really appreciate the sharing of the catalog files because they provide the dimensions and the color options (though I'm not sure if the color options are as listed or if it is possible that they have different colors per year). Can anyone you owns of of these styles share their experience? Lastly, I'm not sure if there is a right or wrong answer here, but I've seen with other satchel styles (like vintage Dooney & Bourke) that it appears some prefer to tie a scarf on the handles (for what I presume is due to either staining and/or wear and tear). Would it be weird to do that with these styles that I mentioned?

 

[Catbird9]

Hi! I think I've narrowed down my next purchase. I'm not sure if I have the names correct, but I really like the look of the Sutton Satchel 4410, the Bristol 4412, and one that I've just seen listed as Satchel Natural Grain 4921. Does anyone have a catalog picture of the 4412 style? I wasn't sure if it was pictured in the top of the Sutton photo I attached or if that was the Savoy? style. And is it correct to say Coach Madison Sutton Satchel and/or Coach Madison Bristol? Also, is the Natural Grain 4921 part of the Sonoma or Dakota line? I just want to confirm. I really appreciate the sharing of the catalog files because they provide the dimensions and the color options (though I'm not sure if the color options are as listed or if it is possible that they have different colors per year). Can anyone you owns of of these styles share their experience? Lastly, I'm not sure if there is a right or wrong answer here, but I've seen with other satchel styles (like vintage Dooney & Bourke) that it appears some prefer to tie a scarf on the handles (for what I presume is due to either staining and/or wear and tear). Would it be weird to do that with these styles that I mentioned?

The dark bag in the upper right of your first photo is Madison Bristol 4412:



And the Savoy 4408:


And the 4921 Sonoma Satchel Natural Grain:



ETA: you could tie a scarf on any of these IMO. While they can be useful to hide flaws, they can also be a nice embellishment in their own right.

 

[whateve]

Hi! I think I've narrowed down my next purchase. I'm not sure if I have the names correct, but I really like the look of the Sutton Satchel 4410, the Bristol 4412, and one that I've just seen listed as Satchel Natural Grain 4921. Does anyone have a catalog picture of the 4412 style? I wasn't sure if it was pictured in the top of the Sutton photo I attached or if that was the Savoy? style. And is it correct to say Coach Madison Sutton Satchel and/or Coach Madison Bristol? Also, is the Natural Grain 4921 part of the Sonoma or Dakota line? I just want to confirm. I really appreciate the sharing of the catalog files because they provide the dimensions and the color options (though I'm not sure if the color options are as listed or if it is possible that they have different colors per year). Can anyone you owns of of these styles share their experience? Lastly, I'm not sure if there is a right or wrong answer here, but I've seen with other satchel styles (like vintage Dooney & Bourke) that it appears some prefer to tie a scarf on the handles (for what I presume is due to either staining and/or wear and tear). Would it be weird to do that with these styles that I mentioned?

The dark bag in the upper right of your first photo is Madison Bristol 4412:

View attachment 4373180

And the Savoy 4408:
View attachment 4373182

And the 4921 Sonoma Satchel Natural Grain:

View attachment 4373189

ETA: you could tie a scarf on any of these IMO. While they can be useful to hide flaws, they can also be a nice embellishment in their own right.

The Sonoma has soft pebbled leather. The Madisons are made of stiffer leather with a glazed surface. I haven't owned the Sonoma satchel but I have had the Madisons. I didn't keep them because I'm not a satchel person, particularly large satchels. I can't carry large satchels with the long strap. They are just too heavy and stick out too far from my body. Of these, I enjoyed most the Madison Sutton as a hand carry only bag. I find the shape more pleasing to me. I think the others carry more. In a north south bag, I find it harder to find my things.

Keep in mind that if you find any of these without the strap, it is almost impossible to find a replacement strap that matches.