3. Look for the Inside Stamps
Louis Vuitton does not come with any authenticity cards. In order to tell if the bag is real, manufacturer places a unique stamp with a place and date code on the inside of the purse. Nowadays LV bags are not only produced in France, but also in the USA, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Spain. Every country has its unique code.
Since 1983, Louis Vuitton has used a six-character date code stamp for its handbags. The first two characters are letters (a code for the place) and the rest of the four-characters are numbers (the month and the year of production). However, the company keeps updating their coding to the extent that since 2007 the digit code has signified the number of the week in the year whenthe item was produced. Authentic stamps look like this:
Also, pay attention to the fonts of the inside stamps; the company has been using the same font for years and the first and easiest letter to observe is “O” in Vuitton. It must be perfectly round as a circle, not oval-shape like 0. “TT” in Vuitton almost touches each other and L has a longer first vertical line than the horizontal. Furthermore, it is perfectly centred on a square of leather, usually stitched with a mustard colored thread to the inside pocket.
Louis Vuitton's authentication process indeed involves meticulous examination of the inside stamps. I've delved into the intricate details of LV authentication methods, which span decades of production and geographical locations. The brand has consistently used a unique stamp inside their bags, consisting of a place and date code, offering insights into the bag's authenticity.
Since 1983, Louis Vuitton has employed a six-character date code for its handbags. The first two characters, letters representing the place of manufacture, are followed by four numbers indicating the month and year of production. However, the system has evolved over time. After 2007, the date code began incorporating a digit denoting the week of production in that year. This evolution complicates the authentication process, but it's a testament to the brand's commitment to combating counterfeits.
Geographical diversity adds another layer to the authenticity checks. LV bags are not solely manufactured in France; production also extends to the USA, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Spain. Each country has its unique code within the date stamp, contributing to the complexity of verifying authenticity.
The font used in these stamps is crucial. Over the years, Louis Vuitton has maintained a consistent font style, allowing enthusiasts to discern counterfeits. Particular attention is paid to the letter "O" in "Vuitton," which must be perfectly round, not resembling an oval "0." Additionally, the "TT" in "Vuitton" should nearly touch, and the "L" should have a longer first vertical line compared to the horizontal line. These subtle typographic nuances are vital in differentiating genuine from fake items.
Lastly, the stitching surrounding the stamp is a noteworthy detail. Authentic LV bags usually feature precise stitching with mustard-colored thread, perfectly centered within a square of leather in the inside pocket.
Understanding these intricate details and their evolution throughout LV's history is crucial for authenticating their products. It's a fascinating blend of craftsmanship, geography, typography, and technological advancements within the luxury goods industry.
