As a savvy shopper, you're likely no stranger to the world of luxury goods and the concept of date codes. But what exactly are date codes, and why do they matter? In this blog, we'll dive into the world of Louis Vuitton date codes and debunk the myth that just because there's no date code, it doesn't mean the bag is not real.
What are Date Codes?
For those who may not know, a date code is a unique series of letters and numbers that Louis Vuitton includes on its bags to identify the date of manufacture. These codes were first introduced in the 1980s as a way to track production and quality control. Each code is unique to a specific production batch, making it possible to verify the authenticity of a Louis Vuitton bag.
The Myth: No Date Code Means It's Fake
Unfortunately, some counterfeiters have taken advantage of this system by creating fake date codes or omitting them altogether. This has led many people to believe that if a bag doesn't have a date code, it's automatically fake. But is this really the case?
The Reality: No Date Code Doesn't Mean It's Fake
The truth is, Louis Vuitton didn't always include date codes on every bag. In fact, many early bags from the 80s and 90s didn't have date codes at all. This is because the company was still refining its production processes and didn't feel the need to include these codes on every bag.
Why Vintage Bags are Easier to Authenticate
Fast forward to today, and counterfeiters are much more sophisticated. They've developed techniques to replicate not only the look but also the serial numbers and date codes of authentic Louis Vuitton bags. However, when it comes to vintage bags from 20-30 years ago, it's much easier to distinguish between authentic and fake. Why? Because scammers are less likely to replicate old bags from decades ago!
What Are the Codes?
Louis Vuitton has used several code formats, and some of them are a little confusing. Let’s clear up what they mean.
Codes from 2007 to 2021
These codes have two letters and four digits. The letters are the factor location. The first and third numbers are the week of the year it was manufactured, and the second and fourth numbers are the year.
A code MM3048 from this era would show a bag made on the 34th week of 2008. The MM code is for a factory in France.
Codes from 1990 to 2006
Like the ones above, it’s two letters and four digits. However, the first and third numbers in this era represent the month. The code AR0988 is a bag made in August, 1998. This is another French factory code.
Mid-Late 1980s
The earliest use of the factory code stamping starts here. A giveaway for a bag in this era is the letters coming after the numbers. The first two numbers are the year and the last one or two numbers are the month. You might find the factory code and the date code in two separate locations. A date code of 894 would show a bag made in April, 1989.
Early 1980s
The first date codes had no factory identification, just 3-4 numbers like the other 1980s code system. Code 8110 would show a bag made in October 1981.
What Are The Factory Codes?
Louis Vuitton has factories all over the world, some of them specializing in a kind of bag or accessory. The current factory codes are:
France:
A0, A1, A2, AA, AAS (Special Order), AH, AN, AR, AS, BA, BJ, BU, CO, CT, CX, DR, DT, DU, ET, LW, MB, MI, ML, MM, NO, RA, RI, SF, SK, SL, SN, SP, SR, TA, TH, TJ, TN, TR, TS, TY, VI, VX
Italy:
BO, CE, FH, FO, FP, MA, NZ, OB, PL, RC, RE, TB, TD
Spain:
CA, LO, LB, LW, GI, UB
USA:
FC, OS, TX
Germany:
LP, OL
Switzerland:
DI, FA
Relined Items:
DK
Multiple Countries:
BC (Italy and Spain), FH (Italy and USA), FL (France and USA), LA (France and USA), LM (France and Spain), SA (France and Italy), SD (France and USA)
Why Buy Preloved from New Vintage Handbags?
At New Vintage Handbags, we understand the importance of authenticity. That's why we're committed to providing our clients with genuine preloved bags that have been carefully authenticated through a multi-step process. We work with reputable sellers and conduct rigorous inspections to ensure every bag meets our high standards.
Our Guarantee
We're so confident in our process that we offer a full money-back guarantee on every purchase.
While date codes can be an important factor in verifying the authenticity of a Louis Vuitton bag, they're not the only determining factor. By working with reputable sellers like New Vintage Handbags and conducting thorough research, you can rest assured that your preloved bag is genuine.
If you know Louis Vuitton made your bag after 1980, try finding the date code to learn more about the story behind your treasured bag. Shop with confidence at New Vintage Handbags and discover the thrill of owning a genuine, painted preloved Louis Vuitton bag with our 100% money-back guarantee!