Authenticating Chanel

 

CARD & SERIAL NO

  • Every bag from 1980 onwards will come with an authenticity card with serial a number on it
  • Authenticity cards will have a gold outer line going around the card. This line, if put in a certain light and held a certain way, should be uniform in the gold color – show no rainbow
  • The serial number on the card will correspond to a little tag on the interior of the bag on which you will see the EXACT same serial number as is on the card
  • From 2000 on this tab in the bag is protected by a layer of clear tape with a hologram security feature
  • On the tab there is also little gold specs that shimmer when moved under light
  • From 2000-NOW the “0” on the serial numbers will have a strike through it
  • From 1986-1994 the “0” on the serial numbers will have no strike through it
  • From 1997 – NOW the “1” will have feet at the end
  • From 1994 – 1997 the the “1” will have no feet at the end
  • From 1986-1994 the “1” will have feet at the end
  • If the bag was made between 1984 and 1986 it will feature 6 digits, if it was made between 1986 and 2004 it will feature 7 digits, and if was made from 2005 onwards it will feature 8 digits
  • A 6 digit code: 1984 - 1986
  • A 7 digit code: 1986 - 2004
  • An 8 digit code: 2005 – present day
  • Chanel does not produce bags with serial numbers of 9 digits or more
  • Bags from 2005 and onwards feature a grey circular symbol at top right of card. Fake ones are usually whiter in color. If the authenticity card does not have a symbol at the top right, it means that it was made pre-2000

 

STITCHING & LEATHER

  • Stitching should maintain the consistent diamond pattern and line up perfectly on the back pocket and sides

HARDWARE

  • If the lock has a stamp it means it was made in France whereas if it doesn’t feature a stamp it means it was made in Italy
  • The back of the lock will always be made with flat screws not rounded
  • The logo engraving will be evenly spaced and a very clear font
  • On the CC lock - The C on the right goes over and under the C on the left
  • The CC lock will always be centered and have a flat finish – not rounded
  • The gap between the two CCs will be the exact same as the width of both the Cs
  • The logo writing on the interior of the bag will match the bag’s hardware i.e. if it’s written in silver it will have silver hardware

 

CHAIN & STRAP

  • An authentic chain strap will be heavier than it’s fake counterpart
  • Stitching on leather entwined in strap is always clean and seamless