Hello Fedup!
Thanks for taking the time to answer my thread.
Oh esy, thie leather, is the softest I think I have ever touched, and the bag, is ginormous. yes, that's me holding it. I wanted to show it on a manni, and someone carrying it.
I was concerned about authenticity, but, i made a call to a Valentino boutique, and had a most enlightening discussion with the manager of the boutique.
he's also going to look at the bag, and let me know tomorrow what he thinks.
he did say though, that he felt (after answering many questions) that chances are slim to none that it's fake...
I will, fo course, update and let uyou all know what he says. He says they did make a tan, such as mine :) he'll fill me in...

now I have to be patient unitl tomorrow :)