Do you know you could study a Louis Vuitton baggage historical past by taking a look at its date code? It’s the important thing to discovering out when and the place a bit was manufactured. A date code is additionally one of many many facets that we take 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 akin to Chanel, LV purses don’t include authenticity playing cards.

Louis Vuitton has been incorporating date codes in nearly each bag, pockets, shoe fashion, 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 to this point classic items. Generally, 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, test 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.

• Immediately on the liner of the piece, normally on the inside fringe of a pocket, both horizontal or vertical. *This sort of date code could be the most troublesome to find as a result of they have an inclination 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 include letters and/or numbers. Though counterfeit baggage can have date codes that seem genuine, there are a lot of different particulars to evaluate when contemplating authenticity. Beneath is a fast information to deciphering the that 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, due to this fact older classic items can’t 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 facility 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 facility letters to the entrance of the date code and revised the numbering system. On this format, the first and third numbers signify the month, and the second and fourth numbers signify 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 an alternative of indicating the month an merchandise was manufactured, the primary and third numbers now signify the week and the second and fourth numbers nonetheless signify the 12 months. The letters proceed to signify the particular manufacturing facility 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 another 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 Might 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 objects, and as of March thirty first, all objects will not embrace a date code. With this elimination of date codes and the implementation of those microchips, solely Louis Vuitton shops will have the ability to scan the chips to obtain the manufacturing info together with title, date, supplies, and extra concerning the merchandise. The one identifier this stuff will proceed to embrace is the made in stamping, except it’s made within the USA.  

Louis Vuitton Date Code Manufacturing unit Chart

Beneath, we included an easy-to-read chart with Louis Vuitton manufacturing facility codes.

*If an merchandise has been re-lined, Louis Vuitton points a brand new date code with the manufacturing facility location code of “DK”. Bear in mind, the re-lined date code manufacturing facility 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 say “Made in USA”, matching the nation of its unique origin.    

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

***Couture USA solely authenticates objects that you just wish to promote or consign with us. 

There are a number of corporations that do provide authentication companies. Mypoupette, CarolDiva, and Authenticate4U are all respected authentication corporations who could be comfortable to evaluate your merchandise for a small payment. ***

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[Updated May 2021]