About

This blog has grown out of our passion for vintage Made in USA Dooney & Bouke All Weather Leather (AWL) handbags and wallets.

We offer these well made bags in various stages of use from New with Tags to well broken in !!

Visit our store at http://www.horsekeeping.com/Dooney/Dooney-Bourke.htm

We hope the educational articles we post there and here on this blog will help you find the perfect vintage Dooney & Bourke bag.

Paula

Dooney & Bourke started in 1975 when Peter Dooney & Frederic Bourke launched their namesake in South Norwalk, Connecticut. They started off with two notable introductory products: surcingle belts which were widely popular due to their unique, vibrant colors and stripes and classic suspenders, which experienced a surge in popularity thanks to the film “Chariots of Fire”.

In 1981 Dooney & Bourke branched out into the handbag business with the release of the Tack Case and the Equestrian Bag both made from bridle leather. Along with their original distributors such as Nordstrom, Brooks Brothers, and Saks Fifth Avenue, they opened The Company Store in Norwalk, Ct, which sold among other things, Dooney & Bourke Merchandise.

In 1983, with the development of their famous All-Weather Leather, the first AWL handbag collection was released featuring the unmistakable duck logo with the russet leather trim.

All-Weather Leather (AWL) is just like the name suggests – waterproof 100% cowhide – water sheds off these bags like it does off a duck’s back. The process of producing AWL is a secret but a big part of it is shrinking the leather so that the pores are sealed.

From the Dooney & Bourke catalog:

“The Essence of All-Weather Leather
The secret lies in the tanning process. First, our hides are soaked in curing tannin oils and laid out to dry. As the leather shrinks, its pores tighten and close – this creates a natural barrier to moisture. And gives All-Weather Leather its distinctive pebble-grain texture. The result is leather that’s soft and supple to the touch, yet virtually impervious to the elements. There’s no need to pamper it with wax or silicones. A simple solution of bar soap and water is sufficient to remove most dirt and water-soluble stains.”

AWL requires very minimal care – just wiping with a damp cloth. More difficult stains may be removed with water and a mild bar soap such as Ivory or saddle soap. Caution should be used with any creams for cleaning or conditioning as the oils in the creams could soften and open the pores, thereby defeating the specialized shrinking process which makes the leather waterproof.

73 thoughts on “About”

  1. Hello! I just posted on my blog about a great Goodwill find from last week and linked to your blog as well as your website. I’d love it if you could check it out!
    Thanks, Giselle

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  2. Hi! I was wondering if Dooney and Bourke made bags for other brands? For example, I bought a bag at a thrift store that says ALBA on the oval seal instead of the duck sign, but it has the tag that holds the duck sign and the “Dooney and Bourke All Weather Leather” around it. It’s in excellent condition, but no registration tags or anything. What do you think???

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  3. I have a greenish dooney & bourke shoulder bag with a slide in hole type closure, no tags inside and no fob. It’s all leather and has the duck symbol and is sewn onto the flap and says dooney & bourke all weather leather. Could this be an early bag or do you think it may be a fake. I’ve had it a really long time. I hope it’s real.

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  4. Hi. My mom and I just purchased two gorgeous looking bags and Iwould love to know if they are realmor fake. From everything I’m finding online they seem real and are definietly made of real leather, they just don’t have a leather logo inside. I was hoping I could email you pictures and you could help me, thank you.

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  5. Bought a Dooney & Bourke Satchel (green and tan) and trying to determine if it is real. It has two slide pockets on each side, has the leather duck brand which is sown into the bag. Rivets are through the bag leather for all bag handles. Edges of handles are finished with dark stain. Only has the short handles, long strap is missing. Stitching is even and the same stitch length and yellowish tan cord throughout. Bag is 8.5″ tall, 11.5″ long, 5.5″ wide. 4 brass feet rivets on bottom. Does not have cloth tag inside with D & B name or number.

    Could this be an original Dooney & Burke Satchel? or just a pretty good knock off?

    Appreciate your help.

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  6. Hi. I have an alw dooney and bourke purse that was given to my mother about two years ago. My mother passed away about a year ago and my dad have the bag to me. I’m not a huge fan of vintage or dooney and bourke but I didn’t want to hurt my dad’s feelings. Can you please help me figure out if the purse is real or a fake before deciding to sale it

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  9. Hi Paula!! How do I properly store my Dooney bags? Vintage and new as well. Should they be in a dust bag? I want to properly maintain the leather.

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  10. Hi! Just found this blog in hopes that I could get help determining whether my bags are authentic or not. Can you let me know what pictures are required and if this service is free? Thank you!

    Mandee

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  11. I have one of the bags that is listed at the top of this page. Under the tag are the numbers
    A2740569. Can you please tell me what the name of it is.
    Thanks, Linda

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  13. Hi Paula,
    Could you help me find a Dooney satchel from the early 2000’s. Mine was stolen. It was a signature satchel in beige with red trim and handles, purchased from a Dooney outlet store in Florida. My husband gave it to me and he is now deceased. I would like to replace this bag. It had two short handles and a long handle in red and the body was creamy beige with the signature DB logo on the fabric. Thank you so much.

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  14. Hi Paula..I purchased this Dooney & Burke handbag off a yard sale website in my area for very cheap. I was wondering if you could tell me if it is a phony or authentic. Hope you can help. Thanks. The number inside the bag is…..K6866458(on back of Dooney and Burke tag). Another number..CWCF 51441766(from what I can make of it because it’s torn) Would send a pic but don’t see the option too.

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  15. Can you help me identify this purse? It has a Dooney & Bourke leather label on the front as well as the hang tag with the duck in blue ( bill separate). It’s a light blue fabric with medium blue polka dots, some have the DB as part of the polka dot. Lined in a nice pink dotted fabric. There is no label anywhere. Six feet on the bottom. Fabric was quite soiled and almost fraying on the edges. Two tan leather handles. Shaped something like a shopper tote.
    Not sure. Can I send pics? Thank you !
    Anne

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  17. I have a large all.weather Dooney Bourke bucket draw string purse. It has the tag on the inside with numbers on it
    The purse is in I think excellent condition except for one very small stain inside. The colors are the bucket is a dark green the top around is a brown color with maroon trim
    No pockets. On one of the tassels I just noticed small amount of brown missing the draw string is brown the tassels are green the same color the bucket is
    Looking to sell this purse if I can get a good price for it
    I do believe you would call this one Vintage because I have had it in storage for years
    Has a buckle strap

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  19. Can you help me identify if this D&B purse is leather,crocodile or leather. It is a Vintage shoulder strap, flap cover that snaps, matching change purse and in excellent condition. The inside tag is white, red box trim & blue letters.. On the reverse side AO 387267( POSSIBLLY D?)
    Any information would be appreciated. Interested in selling.

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  21. Hi Paula I used to have the paperwork for this vintage dooney and Burke my friend gave me and can’t find it can you help me identify and price out this gorgeous bag?

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  22. Hi! I recently purchased a D&B bag that I’m trying to see if it’s authentic or not. The closest one I found was one sold by you the Zipper Clutch Bag by mine has different colors. Would you mind looking at some pictures and giving me your oppinion? Thank you!

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  24. Hi Paula,

    I love your site and really wanted to thank you for the advice that you’ve provided to people interested in purchasing authentic D&B bags. It’s so kind of you to do that.

    I’ve wanted to purchase a vintage green All Weather Leather bag for quite some time now, but have been afraid of purchasing a fake one. I think I’ve found a really great one online, but it has a turn-lock that’s very similar to a coach bag and I’ve never seen one like that before. Would you be open to taking a look? I purchased it because I just love the look, but I’m now having second thoughts and would like to confirm before accepting the package in case I need to file an authenticity claim.

    https://poshmark.com/listing/Vintage-dooney-and-bourke-purse-5913aa43eaf030c114004514

    Thank you!!

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  25. Aloha…I’m trying to find out the value of a D & B handbag…it’s black leather and is pink canvas in side and it has a big pocket in front that has a Big DB on it and it clips closed with a big silver clip and it’s serial # J8345009
    I really appreciate your help…mahalo

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  26. Hello,
    We have an old Dooney and Burke Black leather satchel we were wondering if you could advise if it is real, when it was made? and how much it is worth? Serial # A6 515697 If it helps!

    We appreciate your time!

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  27. Hi, I don’t know if you are still looking at this blog. I have a question. I just purchased a vintage pebble leather Dooney And Bourke satchel that is missing it’s long cross body strap. It’s a black bag with black trim. So I would assume the strap would have black stitching. Do you know the best way to find a replacement strap to match? Thanks!
    Christine Devoe

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  28. I have a dooney and Burke Black and Tan briefcase with the made in USA tag with serial number on the back. Unfortunately the tag is ripped making it hard to read 2 of the numbers. I am wondering how much this affects the value

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  29. Hello! I was wondering if you’re still active on this blog. I just came across it today and recently purchased a vintage Dooney. I’d love for you to tell me if it’s authentic or not! Please let me know where to upload pics! thanks so much! -Lauren

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  30. Hello, Im just looking for someone who knows information on an handbag I received as a Christmas gift. The only information I see on this bag is the brand which says DOONEY & BOURKE and the number J7515143 on the back of the white red and blue tag. I believe that’s the only tag that I seen on the bag. I’ve looked at multiple sites but can’t seem to find this information. So I’m asking on here hopefully someone out there can help me find the answers. And thank you

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  31. Hi I have a bag I’d like you to take a look at. It’s a burgundy saddle bag with solid brass hardware. The bag itself is in amazing condition. The strap however is fabric with leather ends that go into buckle. I can send pics I just don’t know where to send them. It has green label and correct db fob for era. I was wondering if someone switched the strap out??

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  32. I inherited a Dooney and Bourke handbag from my mother in law. I’m not 100% sure if it’s authentic. Is there an email address I can send pictures to?

    Thank you so much!

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  33. I purchased a beautiful Hopefully* authentic Dooney and Bourke Spectator Calvary crossbody at a thrift store and have been scouring the internet to determine if its a real or fake. I’m noticed some irregularities but it seems so sold and well put together I can’t figure it out. Would you be willing to help me find out if its real or fake?

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  34. Hi Paula!

    I understand that you no longer have time to authenticate or advise people on their purchases, but I was wondering if you know of anyone who does?

    I’ve already looked at the main page on horsekeeping, but I’m struggling to definitively write my 2.00 thrift store wallet off as a fake. Based off the information on the site, it appears that it’s possible for a 1980’s wallet to have had a tag instead of a heat stamp (which mine lacks). In the interior is a tab as though a leather tag had been cut off, however. Barring a professional’s advice, I think I’ve gone as far as I can with the information on the site since otherwise everything lines up.

    Thanks!

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  35. Hi there! Thank you for all the information about the D&B bags! I have a bag I bought that I’m having a hard time finding the name of. I was wondering if there was any way you could point me in the right direction? Thank you for your time and expertise!

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  36. Hi i have a dooney with serial number A7 193631 it was a gift from my mom. I registered it and it went through and received an email from dooney thanking me for registering my product.

    I just wanted to know if there is a way on finding out what kind of model that i have and its worth?

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  37. Hi i have a d&b a7 193631

    It was a gift from my mom a long time ago and didnt even know what a d&b was until now. I rarely used it when i was younger but now it kinda matches my taste but i dont know if its really authentic , what it worth and what model it is.

    I registered it and received an email from d&b thanking me for registering the product but it doesnt say much

    Can you help me?

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  38. Hi Paula! I have a used D&B bag with no exterior seal at all, but with the label sewn inside…”Dooney & Bourke, Inc.” on one side and serial number (H2 698644) on the other; it also has a black & silver fob attached. I’ve searched your site and this blog to find out more about my bag, but have had no luck. Also searched resale sites online and cant find it anywhere. Can you help me figure out if its real and what it’s worth please?

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  39. Hi Paula! My mom recently got a D&B bag from a friend that didn’t want it anymore. I want to find out if it’s authentic and the model if it is. It has the red and blue tag inside with the serial number B4060999. It does have the duck sewn in the front and the fob attached. I’ve been looking through the blog and webstore and it looks like the R29. Can you help me find out about it please? Thank you!

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  40. Hello! I found a Dooney and Bourke bag for $2 at a thrift store but I am not sure if it is real. I would love to send pictures to you but I don’t know where to send them 😦

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  42. Good morning. I just received multiple vintage Dooney & Bourke bags. I am struggling with one of them. It is an excellent vintage bucket bag but is significantly different the the other bucket bags I have. It appears to be alligator and has large zig zags down the side not like the small zig zag trim around the top of some of my bucket bags.. are you familiar with this bag and can you help me out if you are please

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