Do you know you can study a Louis Vuitton luggage historical past by taking a look at its date code? It’s the important thing to discovering out when and the place a chunk was manufactured. A date code is additionally one of many many features that we have a look at throughout our authentication course of. Probably the most useful methods to find out whether or not a Louis Vuitton bag is genuine is verifying the date code as a result of not like different manufacturers equivalent to Chanel, LV purses don’t include authenticity playing cards.

Louis Vuitton has been incorporating date codes in nearly each bag, pockets, shoe model, and small leather-based piece for the reason that early Nineteen Eighties. Previous to the Nineteen Eighties, there was no such factor as a Louis Vuitton date code, which makes it troublesome so far classic items. Typically, date codes are hidden and could also be troublesome to find as a result of they’re normally stamped on the liner or on a leather-based tab inside a pocket.

When looking for a date code inside a purse, examine the next locations first:

• On a leather-based tab stitched into the sting of an inside pocket.

• The underside of an inside leather-based tab, normally with a d-ring hooked up.

• Instantly on the liner of the piece, normally on the inside fringe of a pocket, both horizontal or vertical. *This sort of date code stands out as the most troublesome to find as a result of they have a tendency to fade with use over time.

• Beneath the hanging pocket (within the case of Speedy and Neverfull bag kinds).

Louis Vuitton has modified the date code configuration a number of instances, however the date code will at all times comprise letters and/or numbers. Though counterfeit luggage can have date codes that seem genuine, there are numerous different particulars to evaluate when contemplating authenticity. Under is a fast information to deciphering the which means of date codes and what’s the way forward for date codes as of 2021.

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Early Nineteen Eighties and Earlier than: No Date Codes

Louis Vuitton didn’t use date codes earlier than 1982, subsequently older classic items cannot be pinpointed as precisely as newer ones.  

1982 to Mid Nineteen Eighties Date Codes: Three or 4 Digits

Vuitton’s first foray into dates codes started in 1982. These codes encompass three to four-digit numbers, and no letters. The primary two numbers point out the 12 months, and the final one or two numbers point out the month of producing.

 * The “853” date code within the bag above signifies the piece was made in March, 1985.  

Mid to Late Nineteen Eighties Date Codes: Three or 4 Digits with Two Letters

Louis Vuitton modified the date code system within the mid-Eighties to incorporate letters that point out the manufacturing unit location of producing. In early Nineteen Eighties date codes, the primary two numbers point out the 12 months, and the final one or two numbers point out the month of producing. 

* The “874 SL” date code above signifies the bag was made in April of 1987 in France.

Early 1990 to 2006 Date Codes: Two Letters with 4 Digits

Within the early Nineteen Nineties, Louis Vuitton moved the manufacturing unit letters to the entrance of the date code and revised the numbering system. On this format, the first and third numbers symbolize the month, and the second and fourth numbers symbolize the 12 months of producing.

* The “FL0041” date code above signifies the bag was made in April of 2001 in France.  

2007 to Early 2021: Two Letters with 4 Digits (Quantity System was Revised)

In 2007, Louis Vuitton modified the four-digit numbering system format. As a substitute of indicating the month an merchandise was manufactured, the primary and third numbers now symbolize the week and the second and fourth numbers nonetheless symbolize the 12 months. The letters proceed to symbolize the particular manufacturing unit the place an merchandise was manufactured. 
An exception for this rule is sun shades. Sun shades can have date codes with one letter and 4 digits, barely completely different than every other date code format.

* The “AH2105” date code above signifies the bag was made throughout the twentieth week of 2015 in France. The twentieth week was in Could that 12 months.  

Current Day: The RFID Microchip 

After March 1st, 2021, Louis Vuitton started changing date codes with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) microchips to their gadgets, and as of March thirty first, all gadgets will now not embody a date code. With this elimination of date codes and the implementation of those microchips, solely Louis Vuitton shops will be capable of scan the chips to obtain the manufacturing info together with identify, date, supplies, and extra in regards to the merchandise. The one identifier this stuff will proceed to embody is the made in stamping, except it’s made within the USA.  

Louis Vuitton Date Code Manufacturing unit Chart

Under, we included an easy-to-read chart with Louis Vuitton manufacturing unit codes.

*If an merchandise has been re-lined, Louis Vuitton points a brand new date code with the manufacturing unit location code of “DK”. Take into accout, the re-lined date code manufacturing unit location could battle with the “made in” stamping on the skin of the bag (if relevant). For instance, if a bag has been re-lined, the inside could say “Made in France,” however the exterior stamping should still say “Made in USA”, matching the nation of its authentic origin.    

Don’t neglect to be taught extra about figuring out genuine Louis Vuitton items and find out how to safely clear your Louis bag.

***Couture USA solely authenticates gadgets that you simply wish to promote or consign with us. 

There are a number of firms that do supply authentication providers. Mypoupette, CarolDiva, and Authenticate4U are all respected authentication firms who can be completely happy to evaluate your merchandise for a small payment. ***

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[Updated May 2021]