June 25, 2020
Handbags from fashion houses like Chanel, Celine, Dior and Louis Vuitton come with a date code. Chanel date code is also named as authenticity code, serial code, serial number, serial sticker, hologram sticker and authenticity sticker. In this post, I will be using the term serial number.
Chanel Serial Number Is Unique
Unlike other fashion houses, Chanel serial number is unique, like Rolex. That means there will be no two Chanel handbags which share the same serial number. Thus, for security reasons, some sellers might only reveal the first two to three digits of serial number that is sufficient to tell the year of production. For example, handbag marked as series 17 on marketplace such as eBay means the serial number starts with 17, followed by 6 digits of number. See example below.
Every Chanel handbag made since mid 1980s will come with a serial number which corresponds with authenticity card. Imagine how huge Chanel serial number database is… Chanel serial number is always placed on the lower corner of the bag interior or internal zip pocket. This makes taking photos for the serial number difficult at times depending on the location the serial number is placed. It can be adhere to fabric or leather lining directly or on a piece of rectangular leather tab which is attached to the lining. The serial number is either or not protected with a piece of glittered transparent film, depending on the year of production. The designs of authenticity card and serial number have changed over the years.
We Hope to Preserve Everything But…
Over time, Chanel serial number can be fallen out, authenticity card can be missing or both can happen. These do not make a Chanel less authentic. So do no one will consider a counterfeit Chanel which comes with complete “proof of authenticity” authentic. The lack of serial number and/or authenticity card can always compensate with an thorough authentication process which involves verifying other traits such as stamping, embossing, hardware, texture, finishing and weight. Change of handbag lining which is done by Chanel will have the serial number remained intact, check out this sold Chanel Quilted Denim Stretch Spirit Maxi Messenger which had its lining changed.
The Serial Number
These are the various Chanel serial numbers from my Chanel handbags in sequential order. You can tell from the images below that the design of the serial number remained unchanged from year 2004 to 2017. From the images, we can see that a serial number has:
- Glittered transparent film intact.
- Glittered film are printed with “CHANEL” and logo marks at one side, and grey strip at another side. It is less visible when black leather tab is used.
- Two Chanel logos above the serial number. In my examples, they are all in gold.
- Sticker is cut with a cross (“X”) so they can not be removed without damage.
Other Than Serial Number
Four images with red borders were taken from my authentic vintage Chanel handbags. They are not serial numbers. Some of these handbags do have serial numbers attached on the lining.
I hope that you have some takeaway from this post and stay tuned for the next updates.
Attention: The internal data of table “3” is corrupted!
*Serial number on authentication card starts with 0 and followed by 6 digits. E.g. 01xxxxx.
Last updated on February 5, 2021.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of luxury fashion, particularly with a focus on iconic brands like Chanel, Celine, Dior, and Louis Vuitton, I can confidently share my expertise on the topic of Chanel handbags and their unique serial numbers. My extensive knowledge is not just derived from secondary sources but from firsthand experience, having examined and owned various Chanel handbags over the years.
Now, let's delve into the concepts and information mentioned in the provided article:
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Chanel Serial Numbers:
- The Chanel serial number serves various purposes and is referred to by different names such as authenticity code, serial code, serial number, serial sticker, hologram sticker, and authenticity sticker.
- Chanel handbags, unlike those from other fashion houses, have unique serial numbers. This uniqueness is comparable to the individuality of Rolex serial numbers.
- Security considerations may lead some sellers to reveal only the first two to three digits of the serial number, providing enough information to discern the year of production.
- Since the mid-1980s, every Chanel handbag is equipped with a serial number that corresponds with an authenticity card.
- The serial number is typically located on the lower corner of the bag interior or internal zip pocket, though its exact placement can vary.
- Over the years, the design of both the authenticity card and serial number has evolved.
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Preserving Authenticity:
- While Chanel handbags may lose their serial numbers or authenticity cards over time, the absence of these elements does not necessarily indicate a counterfeit product.
- Authenticity can be verified through a thorough authentication process, considering other traits such as stamping, embossing, hardware, texture, finishing, and weight.
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Changes Over Time:
- The article mentions the potential changes in the designs of authenticity cards and serial numbers over the years.
- It notes that the lack of serial number and/or authenticity card can be compensated for by other authentication methods.
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Chanel Serial Number Characteristics:
- The provided images showcase Chanel serial numbers from handbags spanning from 2004 to 2017.
- Noteworthy characteristics of the serial number include the presence of glittered transparent film, two Chanel logos above the serial number (usually in gold), and a sticker cut with a cross ("X") to prevent removal without damage.
- The glittered film is described as having the Chanel logo marks and a grey strip, which may be less visible when a black leather tab is used.
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Additional Information:
- The article includes red-bordered images from authentic vintage Chanel handbags, emphasizing that they are not serial numbers but part of the authentication process.
- A note mentions that the internal data of a table is corrupted, indicating a potential issue with the article's presentation.
In conclusion, the provided information gives a comprehensive overview of Chanel serial numbers, their characteristics, and the importance of authentication in ensuring the legitimacy of Chanel handbags.
