How can you tell if a dooney & bourke purse is real

Hello,
I recently purchased 2ea D & B handbags at a thrift store.  They were all dirty and I paid 10.00 for each.  I brought them home and cleaned them with a soft cloth with just soap and water.  They dont have any tears only some slightly little scratches on one of them.  One of the bags I think, is an authentic D & B, I can tell because all the rivets say Dooney and Bourke, it has the red white blue tag and it looks authentic to me.  The other bag, I can’t seem to find a picture of it anywhere online!  Its a double strap shoulder bag, it has 5 little feet at the bottom and inside where the feet are they say Dooney Bourke.  The straps dont come off, they are sewn onto the outer side of the bag, it does have a red white and blue tag with serial number, it has a top zipper opening and a pocket on front and back along the length or width of the bag.  They both have the duck seal in the front in good condition that says All Weather Leather. Do you think this might be a fake D & B?  I love D & B and thought this was a good buy since they are the vintage all weather leather bags.  I own authentic D & B bags so I’m not sure what to think on these 2. Can you help me on this?
Thank You, Maria



Hi Maria,

First I want to be sure you know about our pages that list the authenticity factors of Dooney & Bourke handbags and accessories.
Bag #1

Usually if the rivets say Dooney & Bourke on them, the bag is authentic. That coupled with the fact that it has the “Dooney & Bourke Made in USA” red, white and blue tag sewn inside with a serial number on the back makes it almost positive the bag is authentic.

Bag #2

Since you say it does have the RWB tag with serial number, that should be enough to authenticate it. But as I read your note I wonder if you meant to say “it does not have…..”?

From what you write, they both seem authentic and at $10 each, if the condition is good without soiling, odors or damage to leather or stitching, you got a great buy.

I’m sending you my email address so you can send me photos if you like.

How can you tell if a dooney & bourke purse is real

Why buy from Vintage Dooney? top

We're passionate about purses. And quality. And we know Dooney.

When you purchase a Vintage Dooney from our boutique, you're investing in one of the finest collectible bags ever made.

We hide no damage or broken parts on bags.

Your bag is guaranteed to be 100% genuine and authentic Dooney and Bourke All-Weather Leather, unless otherwise stated in the item description.

We take extra care to provide thorough descriptions and several picture for each item available. We promise prompt and complete answers to all of your questions.

Your bag will have been completely inspected for flaws and damage as well as professionally cleaned and restored to the fullest extent possible using only the finest leather care restoration products.

We pride ourselves in our exceptional customer service and appreciate your business. 

You can read more, here.

What payment options do you accept? top

As a convenience to our beloved customers, we offer several convenient ways to pay for your Vintage Dooney purchase.

1. PAYPAL
Use the Buy it Now button and you'll be redirected to Paypal where you can make a secure SSL payment. You can make a one-time payment through Paypal even if you do not have an account with them.

2. CREDIT CARD
To make a purchase over the phone with a credit card, please contact me at 417-671-8064 during regular usiness hours.

3. CHECK or MONEY ORDER 
If you prefer to send your payment through the mail, please drop me a line with the item(s) you would like and I'll email you an invoice along with payment instructions. Please note: personal checks must clear the bank prior to the shipment of your item. Delays of 3-4 weeks are not uncommon.

*Please do not divulge any credit card information within an email or on the voicemail.

Can I place my order over the phone? top

Absolutely! If you'd prefer to make a credit card purchase over the phone, you can reach me at 417-846-6544 during regular business hours.

You can also email me with the URL of the item you'd like reserved along with a phone number and a good time to call and I will return your call to complete the transaction.

Remember, we also accept Paypal, checks and money orders as alternate payment options.

*As an added level of security, I ask that you do not divulge your credit card information in an email or on an answering machine.

What is a 'Bargain Bag'? top

At Vintage Dooney we pride ourselves in maintaining stellar standards among the inventory we offer. When we happen upon a bag that's been deeply loved and perhaps shows more evident signs of use or one that's missing a piece or part of some variety, we offer it for sale in our 'Bargain Bag' section. 

Each Bargain Bag has been individually and thoroughly cleaned and restored as much as possible. Any issues with the bags will be clearly noted and disclosed. Click here to shop Bargain Bags.

How do I know the difference between an authentic BAG and a counterfeit? top

Authenticating a Dooney and Bourke bag is easier once you have the item itself in hand. Pictures can be deceiving. Buyer beware when shopping on ebay and other similar online venues.

Dooney & Bourke is consistent in their impeccable quality and components. Look for the following identifying characteristics:

  • Dooney & Bourke use only genuine brass metal parts for their Dooney Duck Fob, Closure, & D-Rings. Note: A few later on were made with nickel metal parts or partial brass parts.
  • Only genuine brass D-shaped rings are used to attach leather straps to Dooney Purse. They do not use O-Rings, as many counterfeit bags do. 
  • Most vintage Dooney purses have brass rivets with the Dooney Bourke name stamped on them. Watch for the correct spelling of the brand name as well.
  • All piping on an authentic Dooney bag will be genuine leather, without exception.
  • All trademark Duck seals are sewed on, never glued.
  • Dooney and Bourke All Weather Leather items use top-quality leather and as such are neither hard nor very stiff like theimposters.

Fobs:

  • Each and every authentic AWL vintage Dooney bag from 1983 and on will have the famous Dooney Duck FOB. 
  • Authentic Vintage Dooney Bags will always have the genuine brass Dooney Duck FOB attached to the Dooney bag, with a small piece of genuine leather.
  • Vintage Dooney Bags will never attach the Duck FOB with a chain or fake leather strap.
  • Vintage Dooney bags will never have the Duck FOB attached directly to the zipper.
  • Vintage Dooney Bag Duck Fobs will be heavy for their size because they are made of genuine brass.
  • Vintage Dooney Bag Brass Duck FOBS will never have a duck on both sides.

Trim & Shoulder Straps:
Without exception, every authentic AWL vintage Dooney bags will be trimmed or piped with 100% genuine cowhide leather. This is also true of the straps. 

Stitching:
Vintage Dooney Bags are always stitched with small tight straight stitches & with with their trademark yellow thread. Dooney & Bourke yellow stitching will fade sometimes with years of cleaning & use.

These are the main items to be aware of when attempting to authenticate a vintage Dooney item. And remember, if the price seems to good to be true... it just might be. If you are able to purchase a Dooney bag at an exceptionally low price, the chances are higher that it's a replica. 

Dooney has published a note regarding the severe impact that counterfeiting is having on the industry as a whole. You can read more, HERE. 

Reporting Counterfeits:
All of the Dooney items you find on Vintage Dooney are 100% authentic. We certify all of our items to the best of our ability. On the very off chance you receive what you believe to be a counterfeit from us, please bring it to our attention immediately. 

If you suspect a Dooney you have purchased elsewhere is not authentic, you may report it to the company directly by telephone at: 800.347.5000 or email them at

Thanks for doing your part to maintain the integrity of this wonderful brand!

How do I know the difference between an authentic WALLET and a counterfeit? top

Authenticating a Dooney and Bourke wallet or billfold is easier once you have the item itself in hand. Pictures can be deceiving. Buyer beware when shopping on ebay and other similar online venues.

Dooney & Bourke is consistent in their impeccable quality and components. Look for the following identifying characteristics:

  • A leather Dooney & Bourke tag sewn to the inside or inside the leather is stamped with the Dooney & Bourke name.
  • Vintage Dooney wallets and billfolds always have their trademark name somewhere inside the wallet. Zip-Along Wallets : A heavy brass zippet zipper pull that goes around three sides of the Vintage Dooney Bourke wallet.
  • A duck emblem is sewn on the FRONT of the Vintage Dooney wallet.
  • Zip-Along Dooney Wallets : Removable strap allowing you to carry the wallet as a clutch purse.
  • Zip-Along Vintage Dooney Bourke Wallets : 2 Durable belt loops so wallet can be worn on a belt
  • Most Vintage Dooney Models: Outside snap pocket for quick place to stash a list or receipt or credit card
  • Zip-Along Vintage Dooney Bourke Wallets : Heavy duty zipper
  • Zip-Along Vintage Dooney Bourke Wallets : Accordion-style opening with secure middle zip section plus
  • Credit Card and Drivers License Slots


Vintage Dooney Bourke Zip-Around Wallets in excellent condition are highly sought after and will always cost nearly as much now as they did when they were crafted back in the 1990’s.

These are the main items to be aware of when attempting to authenticate a vintage Dooney item. And remember, if the price seems to good to be true... it just might be. If you are able to purchase a Dooney bag at an exceptionally low price, the chances are higher that it's a replica. 

Dooney has published a note regarding the severe impact that counterfeiting is having on the industry as a whole. You can read more, HERE. 

Reporting Counterfeits:
All of the Dooney items you find on Vintage Dooney are 100% authentic. We certify all of our items to the best of our ability. On the very off chance you receive what you believe to be a counterfeit from us, please bring it to our attention immediately. 

If you suspect a Dooney you have purchased elsewhere is not authentic, you may report it to the company directly by telephone at: 800.347.5000 or email them at

Thanks for doing your part to maintain the integrity of this wonderful brand!

How can I tell where my bag was manufactured? top

You can identify the country of manufacture by examining the cloth Dooney & Bourke serial number tag sewn inside. An authentic vintage Dooney bag will always state where the bag was manufactured or assembled. 
Please note: If you do not see a Made in USA or other reference to where the Vintage Dooney Bag was made, it is not a genuine article. 

Vintage Dooney Bags were only manufactured and assembled in 5 places in the world: USA | Costa Rica | China | Italy | Mexico

In the mid-1990's Dooney & Bourke removed the MADE IN THE USA on some of their Dooney bags as they began to be assembled overseas. 

Labels:
In 1986 Dooney & Bourke changed their cloth label to begin making all vintage Dooney bag labels in red, white and blue.

Note: If you cannot locate a tag inside or if your tag is glued on as opposed to sewn on, you have a counterfeit bag. You may contact the company t report it, HERE.  

How to read the labels:
A traditional cloth tag sewn inside your Authentic Vintage Dooney Bag will read DOONEY & BOURKE, INC. MADE IN THE USA 

If your Authentic Vintage Dooney Bag was MADE IN THE USA- the serial number will start with A or B.

If you have an Authentic Vintage Dooney Bag which was assembled/made in COSTA RICA OR CHINA OR ITALY OR MEXICO, it will have the traditional cloth tag sewn inside but will read: DOONEY & BOURKE, INC. (without the MADE IN USA). 
Authentic Vintage Dooney Bags when made in ITALY or MEXICO will have an additional leather tag sewn inside and will read DOONEY & BOURKE MADE IN ITALY  OR DOONEY & BOURKE MADE IN MEXICO.

Authentic Vintage Dooney Bags when made in CHINA or COSTA RICA will have an additional cloth tag sewn inside and will read MADE in CHINA or MADE IN COSTA RICA. (there are some exceptions to some of the Authentic Vintage Dooney Bags having 2 tags inside. Sometimes Dooney & Bourke printed the serial # on the back side of the traditional DOONEY & BOURKE, INC tag).     

Authentic Vintage Dooney Bags: IF THE SERIAL NUMBER STARTS WITH C it was assembled-made in COSTA RICA

Authentic Vintage Dooney Bags: IF THE SERIAL NUMBER STARTS WITH H it was assemble-made in CHINA

Authentic Vintage Dooney Bags: IF THE SERIAL NUMBER STARTS WITH I it was assembled-made in ITALY

Authentic Vintage Dooney Bags: IF THE SERIAL NUMBER STARTS WITH J it was made in CHINA

Authentic Vintage Dooney Bags: IF THE SERIAL NUMBER STARTS WITH K it was made in CHINA

Authentic Vintage Dooney Bags: IF THE SERIAL NUMBER STARTS WITH L it was made in CHINA

Authentic Vintage Dooney Bags: IF THE SERIAL NUMBER STARTS WITH M it was assembled- made in MEXICO

Are Dooney & Bourke zippers made of metal or plastic? top

Dooney & Bourke All-Weather Leather handbag zippers are neither plastic nor metal!

Surprised?

Dooney & Bourke searched far and wide to find a material to make their zippers from which would resist weather and heavy wear. If you own a Dooney & Bourke All-Weather Leather zippered bag you know these Dooney purses do just that!

Unlike metal zippers, these Dooney & Bourke Satchel purse zippers will never flake, discolor, rust or scratch Also by using this material combination to make their heavy-duty satchel zippers, Dooney and Bourke is able to custom dye them to match their harness leather trim! It's easy to see why Dooney & Bourke Collectors keep buying these quality bags--20 to 30 years after they were first made. Plus, it's one more step to help save our environment.

Dooney & Bourke Handbag Fact: It is very rare to find a Dooney & Bourke Bag with a broken or malfunctioning zipper unless it has been heavily abused. Dooney & Bourke Heavy-Duty zippers are made from the very same material as those used on life jackets, tents, and boat covers. The zippers are made from a material called Vislon and nylon webbing.

What is a 'drop length' and how is it measured? top

Use the following image to assist you in measuring the strap drop for any of our bags.

How can you tell if a dooney & bourke purse is real

How do I check my Dooney and Bourke serial number?

Open your product and locate the fabric tag inside. Authentic products will have a red, white and blue tag, with the words "Dooney & Bourke, Made in the U.S.A." on it. Flip the tag over. On the reverse side is a serial key.

Do all Dooney and Bourke bags come with a dust bag?

Dust Bags / Dust Covers Unlike most mid-range and luxury handbags, most Disney Dooney and Bourke purses do not come with a dust cover. Getting your own dust bags is a great way to protect your Disney Dooneys when they are not being used.

Are I Love Dooney bags authentic?

For over a decade, we've been offering styles you love for less, with the quality craftsmanship and materials that you expect from Dooney & Bourke. At ILoveDooney, we guarantee that all products sold on ILoveDooney are 100% authentic and are covered by the ironclad Dooney Guarantee.