Louis Vuitton is a brand adored by counterfeiters. With its world-renowned presence in the luxury market and deeply rooted heritage, the House’s designs, materials, and techniques endure over decades. Unfortunately, this popularity gives counterfeiters the opportunity to create near-perfect replicas and exploit the growing consumer demand for LV products.
As Louis Vuitton continues to push the boundaries of craftsmanship, art, and design, authenticating your new or pre-owned LV bag can be overwhelming. But don’t worry! We’re here to assist you with these helpful tips and tricks for authentication.
Point 1: Check the hardware
Authentic Louis Vuitton hardware is known for its high quality. Contrary to popular belief, it’s important to note that authentic LV hardware can tarnish over time, as most modern pieces are made of plated metal. This means that the finish may chip, flake, or wear off gradually.
Padlocks, however, are an exception as they are made of solid brass. When examining logo stamps on authentic hardware, always look for centered, clear, and evenly stamped markings. To avoid purchasing counterfeits, be vigilant and check for any signs of unevenly plated hardware or poorly engraved details.
Authentic hardware should be consistently engraved as seen above.
Point 2: Check the stitching
Louis Vuitton is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail, particularly evident in the stitching. They use high-quality linen thread, strengthened with beeswax, to ensure durability and precision. Each stitch should be flawlessly consistent in size, distance, and quality.
To further authenticate a genuine LV bag, check that the number of stitches on one side of the handle matches the other side. For Speedy bags, there should be no stitches on the bottom, unless it’s a special edition or variation. Paying attention to these stitching characteristics will help you identify an authentic Louis Vuitton piece.
Authentic stitching should be consistent as seen above.
Point 3: Check the leather trademark stamp
When authenticating a Louis Vuitton bag, one of the first areas that should be checked is the trademark stamp featuring the Ⓡ icon. For newer and current Louis Vuitton leather goods, there are a few features of the trademark stamp that you should look out for:
The “O” letters in LOUIS VUITTON should be perfect circles (not ovals).
The tail of the “L” letter in LOUIS VUITTON should be very short.
The “T” letters in LOUIS VUITTON should be so close together that they almost look like they are touching but are not.
The letter “N” in LOUIS VUITTON should form a square when two horizontal lines are added to its top and bottom.
The letterings should feature consistently thin and crisp lines of equal embossing depth.
However, for many older Louis Vuitton leather goods produced before the 1990s. it is common for the trademark stamp to use a different font. In such cases, authenticity can be confirmed through other factors.
Modern authentic stamps (top row) use a different font from older stamps (bottom row).
Point 4: Check the date code
Since the 1980s, Louis Vuitton has implemented a date code system using letters and numbers to indicate the bag’s manufacturing location and time. These date codes are typically found inside the bag, either printed or embossed on a rectangular piece of leather or directly embossed on the side near a seam.
The date code consists of two letters followed or preceded by four numbers. The first two letters signify the bag’s place of origin, while the subsequent four numbers represent the manufacturing date. It is essential to cross-reference the location indicated on the stamp with the “made in” stamp to ensure authenticity. Verifying the date code will help you ascertain the genuine origin of your Louis Vuitton bag.
Verify the date code’s coherence: Bags from 2008 onwards use the first and third numbers for the week and the second and fourth for the year. For bags made from 1990 to 2006, the first and third numbers represent the month, not the week. This helps you accurately determine the manufacturing period of your Louis Vuitton bag.
For instance, the date code “MB4028” suggests that the bag was made in France in the 42nd week of 2008. In contrast, a counterfeit code like “BC5537” erroneously indicates that the bag was made in Italy in the future, on the 53rd week of 2057.
In some cases, counterfeits may use date codes that do not match the time of production of the model as well, usually in cases where limited production items are copied.
Authentic date codes found in the interior of bags.
the early 1980s do not have date codes. Furthermore, as of 1st March 2021, all Louis Vuitton bags no longer feature date codes but instead incorporate discreetly embedded microchips.
Point 5: Check the packaging
Authentic brand new Louis Vuitton bags do not come with price tags or brand tags hanging from the handles of them. Handles should also not be wrapped with plastic or paper. Generally, many counterfeits do not replicate the material or colour of the box, paper bag, and dust bag well.
- Dust bags before 2004: Beige flannel with the LV logo and thick dark brown drawstring (older models may have blue drawstrings).
- Dust bags between 2004 and 2016: Beige cotton or linen, with the logo clearly printed in the center in dark brown.
- Dust bags from 2016: Cream-colored with dark navy blue writing.
Although textures may require experience to differentiate, comparing the appearance of these accessories to photos of authentic items can be helpful.
Logo printed on dust bag post-2016 (left) versus dust bag from collection between 2004 and 2016 (right)
While these tips and tricks will help you significantly, it is important to remember that this does not guarantee the authenticity of your Louis Vuitton. Ultimately, it is still crucial to purchase from and sell to a reliable and trusted luxury dealer.
Here at EcoRing Malaysia, all luxury items are carefully examined by our well-trained and experienced appraisers before being bought in and sold. From Louis Vuitton bags, to Montblanc fountain pens and Coach charms, we have dealt with a wide variety of luxury items.
Interested in selling your pre-loved branded items? WhatsApp us at wa.me/60122233614 with photos and details of your items for an estimated quotation!
