This “Dowel Field Bag” Coach no. 9940 is a truly rare find! This model was manufactured for just one year in the mid 1990s! It has the same leather-wrapped dowel top handle with brass turn lock closure hardware as does the much better known Willis style bag. The Dowel Field Bag also has a similar large pocket in the back and a large open compartment inside with a zippered inside pocket. But, the Dowel Field Bag is larger than the Willis — 13 3/4″ x 10 1/2″ x 4 1/4 — and has other unique and distinguishing features, including two gusseted front pockets and a removable leather shoulder pad/slide on the adjustable and longer, sturdier leather shoulder strap. I love the fact that one or both of the front flap pockets can be secured and closed. Coach introduced the Dowel Field Bag in 1994 and stopped making it in 1995 when it had moved on to a different boxier style field bag, #5281, without the dowel. Because they were made for such a short time, Coach Dowel Field Bags are very seldom available for sale! If you search other sites featuring Coach vintage bags and history, most don’t even list this model. I enclosed, with this listing, a photo of the advertisement that Coach ran in the Chicago Tribune in March 1994 to show the splash Coach made in introducing the gorgeous Dowel Field Bag! This rare vintage model, crafted of classic Coach glove-tanned leather, is a beautiful hybrid of briefcase/messenger bag/roomy shoulder handbag. It is the perfect size to carry for a workday that morphs into an evening social engagement. And this particular one is in excellent pre-owned condition. The authentic Coach stamp is pictured with this listing, along with the serial number. The pictures clearly show the bag is style # 9940. And was made in America. The bag has original brass hardware that is all in great shape and was recently shined and cleaned. During the roughly 5 years it was used, this bag was very well cared for with Coach leather cleaner and conditioner. There are some subtle scratches and marks on the bag — notably on the trim — where use is evident. But a recent thorough reconditioning substantially restored this shoulder briefcase/bag nearly to full glory. And, as is clear from the pictures, even the sides and bottom look practically pristine. The leather is study, soft and gorgeous. The interior is very clean and not marked. The shoulder strap is present, and also features striking brass hardware. It is ready to be loved again and bestow many more years of classic vintage Coach style! The item “Very Rare Vintage Coach Dowel Field Bag #9940 Black Leather Excellent Condition” is in sale since Monday, February 1, 2021. This item is in the category “Clothing, Shoes & Accessories\Women\Women’s Bags & Handbags”. The seller is “beckymcdon” and is located in Cleveland, Ohio. This item can be shipped to United States.
- Features: Adjustable Strap
- Department: Women
- Pattern: Solid
- Vintage: Yes
- Size: Large
- Material: Leather
- Model: Dowel Field Bag
- Product Line: Coach Willis
- Accents: brass
- Brand: Coach
- Style: Shoulder Bag
- Color: Black
- Closure: Turn Lock
- Theme: 90s