A Quartet of Fake Dooney bags

end of May 2014

Thank you for your patience. As you can see, due to the volume of questions we receive, it takes about two months for a question to work its way to the top of the queue.

These 4 e-mails came in one right after the other at the end of May and one right after another they showed  fake/counterfeit Dooney bags.

I want to thank these readers as well as those past and future for their willingness to send photos with details so they as well as others can benefit from a Dooney community awareness of the imposters out there !

By the way, when I use the word “counterfeit” bag, I usually mean the bag looks like an actual Dooney & Bourke style but is not authentic. When I call a bag “fake”, it is usually a bag that looks nothing like any bag Dooney & Bourke has ever made – it is just a fabrication of parts and not authentic.

So with no further ado, I will just post a brief comment from the owner of each bag and my notes and the pics in hopes it will be helpful for your future shopping.

Bag #1

Hello Paula,
I’ve recently purchased a Dooney & Bourke bag from Goodwill (only $3.99) and I have no idea what kind it is or if it’s authentic or not.
Trista

Fake

Fake

Fake

Fake

Fake

HI Trista,

This is not authentic. Dooney & Bourke has never made a style like this. Also the interior pocket, stitching overall, finish work on the bottom of the interior, all spell low quality fake handbag. But what is interesting and helpful for others is that you showed the front and back of the counterfeit sewn-in tag.  Here is what an authentic sewn-in tag would look like.

Authentic tag front

Authentic tag back

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Bag #2

Hi Paula,

I saw your website and am interested in knowing if my thrift store find Dooney and Bourke is authentic. Its an all tan bag, the closes model I’ve seen is a post on your site called The Little Bag. It has the AWL duck logo on the front of the flap and a leather thong with the AWL coin hanging from the side. There are no tags on the inside and it doesn’t look like any were cut out.

Thank you.

Chelsea

Fake

Fake

Fake

Fake

Fake

Hi Chelsea,

This is not authentic. Dooney & Bourke has never made a style like this. Also the interior being black, stitching overall, vinyl trim and shoulder strap and most noticeably, the vinyl or vinyl-like faux All Weather Leather itself all point to a low quality fake handbag.

*********************

Bag #3

Hi Paula,

I just want to know if my Dooney and Bourke all weather leather purse I got is an authentic one. I got it at a thrift store. There is no tags, the leather is very nice, a grey or taupe color with tan/light brown leather edges. The duck on the patch looks like how it should, there is a Dooney and Bourke brass charm attached with leather, and the craftsmanship is excellent. It is missing the strap that goes over your shoulder. All the metal on it looks brass. The stitching is strait and very nice. What else can I do to make sure it is real? All the stitching and leather look to be top quality. There is no tags inside, so I think it’s older. The leather logo has a space in the duck bill, and the stitching on it is nice and neat and strait. The purse charm looks brass, and it is attached with a leather strap. I have pictures of all angles. Thanks for your help.

Thanks,

Rebecca

Fake

Fake

Fake

Fake

Hi Rebecca.

This is a fake. Dooney & Bourke has never made a style like this. The fabric lining of the interior is a dead giveaway. Also the vinyl trim, the stitching, not Dooney.

++++++++++++++++++++++

Bag #4

Hello
Have a Vintage D&B Satchel bag that I was wondering if it’s Authentic. It’s a luggage brown color all over. Top zipper says Three Star. Leather inside with pockets. There is a white small tag that says “Made in Korea”. The rivets are blank. Hardware is gold with 4 hold feet on bottom. Has 2 arm handles and a long strap for shoulder wear.Thank you for your time.
Jean Ann

Counterfeit

Counterfeit

Counterfeit

Counterfeit

Counterfeit

Hi Jean Ann,

This is a counterfeit satchel. Authentic Dooney & Bourke bags have never been made in Korea. Many factors show this bag is counterfeit including: Handles permanently riveted on instead of removable. Very bad counterfeit duck seal and duck fob. Vinyl trim. Poor stitching.

Here are some photos showing authentic features.

Authentic Dooney & Bourke Duck Seal

Authentic Dooney & Bourke bag showing the removable shoulder strap. Note the slits near the brass button.

This blog is a labor of love of vintage All Weather Leather Dooneys and I am always glad to help with identifying and authenticating bags free of charge. It is my way of contributing to the knowledge base out there in hopes it helps prevent fraudulent sales from occurring.
Many of the answers are already on our website or this blog, so enjoy your browsing !
To ask a question, follow the instructions here
http://www.horsekeeping.com/Dooney/Dooney-Bourke-tips.htm
If you are selling your Dooneys, the process is outlined here http://www.horsekeeping.com/Dooney/Dooney-Bourke-buying.htm
You can always buy authentic Dooney & Bourke bags on our website.
http://www.horsekeeping.com/Dooney/Dooney-Bourke.htm
Paula

Authentic Dooney & Bourke Equestrian Shoulder Bag