Oh estate sales here on ebay.  r they real or fake??? There are times we see estate sale and we automaticaly think "authentic" but did you know that most bags found in estate sales are not authentic?? that the people running the sales or the auctioneer may not know that is is a fake as well?? see if you do not do your research as an authentic handbag buyer you can be taken @ one of these estate sales.  But guess what u dont need to be an expert handbag buyer to look for these things to bware of.  A lot of the louis vuitton bags made within the 1980's error are fakes this is when the fake handbag boom came about.  so the lot of louis that was that came out back then were fake. look at the authentic  retired styles of bags that were made in the 80's and early 90's.  Then comapre them to many of the bags u will see @ the sales. they look very close in textute and style but with fake louis there is always a big problem that will always give the fake bag away the stitching is ALWAYS off!! it is never straight. trust me louis does not put out bags with flaws.  besides the usual details including serial numbers real leather straps and trimmings, lv is always the right side up in those days.  never lined with suade back then.  never snap closures back then and never made in china EVER.  smell the bag if it does not smell like leather its not.  if possible bring some mink oil just a small portion rub it on the bag it should soften the leather instantly and make the bag soft and "moveable"  if this does not happen there is a problem louis leather yeilds to mink oil always.  all hardware maked louis vuitton not lv this is for the older bags only.  this should help and if it did vote for me and see my other blogs as well about coach and dooney. thanks happy new year!!!