How To Tell If A Vintage Chanel Bag Is Real
Unlocking the Secrets: How to Tell If a Vintage Chanel Bag is the Real Deal
There are few things more timeless and captivating than a vintage Chanel bag. From the elegant allure of the iconic quilted pattern to the unmistakable interlocking ‘CC’ logo, these treasures exude an air of luxury that transcends the passage of time. However, as it often happens with highly coveted items, imposters and replicas have crowded the market, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between genuine vintage Chanel bags and mere imitations. But fear not! In this captivating journey, we will be your trusted guide as we delve into the intricate world of authentic Chanel bags, unearthing clues and secrets that will help you navigate the treacherous realm of counterfeits. Breathe in the scent of pure authenticity and join us as we equip you with the knowledge to confidently determine whether that exquisite vintage Chanel bag in your hands is a precious gem or a cunning deception.
With so many fakes and superfakes flooding the market, having the ability to spot small differences and determine whether or not a Chanel bag is genuine is an important skill. Although there is no one single way to authenticate a Chanel bag, there are various tell-tale signs that you can look out for. To help you feel more confident in being able to spot the obvious and not so obvious signs of an authentic Chanel bag, we’ve compiled these 10 steps which are used by our authentication team when verifying the authenticity of Chanel bags.
1. Examine the Leather
The leather of choice on many Chanel bags is lambskin which should feel soft to the touch and have a visibly smooth appearance. The superior quality of leather used by Chanel should be easy to distinguish from the feel and appearance of a counterfeit. If you are inspecting a lambskin leather bag, ensure it feels extremely soft to the touch.
Another popular leather used by Chanel is caviar skin which is made from pebbled calf leather. This type of leather has a bubbly appearance and is more textured to the touch. It is less likely to scratch and mark and is a more durable leather than lambskin. When you run your hands over genuine caviar leather you should feel raised dimples.
2. Check the Quilting
The quilting pattern is synonymous with Chanel and can be a good indicator of whether a bag is genuine or not. A good place to check the quilting is the back of the bag where the pocket lies. The stitching should maintain the consistent diamond pattern and line up perfectly. However, if you are purchasing a pre-loved Chanel bag it is possible that wear or the stretching of the leather has led to the lines becoming slightly out of place so this is only a valid indicator if purchasing a new Chanel bag.
3. Count the Stitching/Lining
This can be a very good indicator as Chanel use a high number or stitches to help maintain the bag’s original shape. A genuine Chanel bag will feature up to eleven stitches per panel (that is the distance of one side of the diamond shape). However, a replica bag will generally feature a lower number of stitches per panel.
Lining is another feature which varies between genuine bags and replicas. Lining on a genuine bag lies flat against the material without any visible lumps or bumps. However, counterfeit bags will usually skimp on his detail and use inferior leather which can crease easily and even be a little loose.
4. Check the CC Lock
One of the most famous and recognizable features on Chanel bags is the CC lock. The original 2.55 lock is rectangular without any logo or Chanel stamping. Chanel make bags with both styles of locks so if your back features the rectangular lock it may still be authentic. The CC lock can feature either raised or flat finishes with the right C overlapping the left C at the top and the left C overlapping the right C at the bottom. Replica locks generally feature minor mistakes such as the shape of the Cs, the placement of additional metal above the lock, and even the style of the interlocking Cs.
The lock stem itself is another feature worth checking. Authentic lock stems are made from 24K gold and even when used for a lengthy period of time will still maintain its condition. Replicas, however, are generally plated with gold which will peel off after use. Also inspect the press studs for quality and feel. Genuine press studs will also maintain their appearance after use, whereas replicas will peel and fade quickly.
5. Check the Back of the Lock
Stamping marks vary according to when the bag was made and the style of the bag. Some CC locks have a stamping mark whereas others have no mark at all, so even if your bag doesn’t feature a stamp don’t fret! 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 real giveaway is the stamping mark on the back plate. If you open the bag and look at the back of the turnstile lock you will see the back plate. Chanel attach this using flat had screws only alongside a clear font with even spacing. Replicas may use different type of screws and various other styles of lettering and font on the back plate.
6. Verify the Branding or Logos
The brand stamp is another way to confirm the authenticity of a Chanel bag. Check the font and quality of the stamp. Many replicas use a thinner font and rush the branding so that it sits on the leather rather than being embossed into it. The position of the embossed Chanel logo is another feature worth checking. It should sit one and a half centimeters below the quilted C with the width of the Cs and the gap between them remaining consistent at 0.9cm. The width of a genuine Chanel logo is 3.3cm.
7. Authenticity Cards
Not all authenticity cards are genuine! A quick way to see if the authenticity card is genuine is to see how many numbers make up the code. 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. Currently Chanel do not issue authenticity cards with 9 digits or more.
8. Check the Chain Straps
The famous chain and leather straps are a signature feature of Chanel bags and also a great way to spot a fake. Vintage Chanel bags feature a link without the leather threaded through it whereas replica straps often don’t have a link without the leather threaded through it. However, contemporary Chanel bags feature leather straps folded back on themselves and stitched through each link, so it is important to inspect the detail up close!
9. Observe the Bag’s Shape
Replica Chanel bags are usually constructed poorly and feature a boxy shape in comparison to genuine Chanel bags. Look out for rounded corners on replicas compared to the more square shape of genuine bags. This is a sign of the bag not being turned out properly and of poor quality material used on the bag.
10. Check Those Zippers
There are a variety of zippers used on genuine Chanel bags. These include the lampo zipper which is always used on metal teeth, the EP zipper which generally features a pull tag made of leather, the three Cs in a circle zipper, the OPTI DMC zipper, the éclair zipper, the DMC zipper, the YKK zipper, and the no mark zipper which is usually found on vintage Chanel bags.
Unlocking the Thread of Authenticity: A Guide to Decoding Genuine Vintage Chanel Bags
Quilting Differences in Real and Fake Chanel Bags
If the product in question consists of Chanel’s signature diamond quilted design, an authentic purse will have consistent lines that align at every opportunity. If the lines are misaligned around the fastening, across the flap, or anywhere else, consider you have a fake Chanel purse.
Stitching in Real Chanel Bags
All authentic Chanel purses have a high stitch count (more than ten stitches per inch) for durability and added value. If the purse you’re checking out has fewer than ten stitches per inch and looks puffy, then it must be fake. After all, replica manufacturers lower the stitch count to reduce the cost of craftsmanship so they can sell their purses for a fraction of the price of an authentic Chanel.
Structure Differences in Real and Fake Chanel Bags
Fake Chanel purses don’t stand up straight and usually have a boxy shape in comparison to genuine Chanel bags. They also have rounded corners due to the poor quality material used to construct the bag. As Chanel epitomizes luxury and uses the best materials that are made to last, they are much more sturdy, structured, and stand up straight.
Lock and Hardware in Real Chanel Bags
You can easily tell the difference between a real Chanel bag and a fake Chanel purse if you analyze the lock fastening and/or hardware.
Hardware Differences in Real and Fake Chanel Bags
Chanel purses like the classic 2.55 quilted flap handbag from previous years feature the Chanel designer’s iconic interlocking double C logo. If the bag is authentic, this hardware will be very well-defined and centered, with the right C crossing over the left C at the top of the logo and the left C crossing over the right C at the bottom. The width of each C should also match the width of the gap between the two C’s demonstrating further precision. In terms of the finish, the logo on an authentic Chanel will have a smooth, flat edge and sometimes a marking on one C, which indicates the country where the purse was made.
Double C Lock in Real Chanel Bags
On any real Chanel purse, the inside of the lock should state “Chanel” on the left-hand side and “Paris” on the right-hand side. The lock should also be attached by two flathead screws and look perfectly parallel to the edge of the bag or the flap (if it has a flap). Any lock that appears wonky or has the screw popping up is an undeniable fake.
Zippers Are Important Telltale Signs in Fake Chanel Bags
Inspect your zipper and make sure it is one of the few genuine types that Chanel purses use. These include the Lampo zipper for metal teeth, the EP zipper featuring a leather pull tag, the three C’s in a circle zipper, the OPTI DMC zipper, the éclair zipper, the DMC zipper, the YKK zipper, and the no mark zipper found on vintage Chanel bags.
Chain and Leather Woven Straps in Fake and Real Chanel Bags
You can learn how to spot a fake Chanel bag or spot a counterfeit Chanel purse just by glancing at the straps.
Chanel’s Gold Chain for Purses
One of Chanel’s signature strap designs is a chain and leather combination woven together. The chain section is made with 24-carat gold that is rich and yellow in hue, making it feel quite heavy. However, fakes often use a pale yellow gold chain that isn’t authentic gold, and therefore feel incredibly lightweight as a result.
Stitching Reveals Authentic Chanel Purse
In terms of the stitching on an authentic Chanel purse strap, it should be clean and seamless. You shouldn’t be able to see any crooked lines or bumps, like with a counterfeit version.
Interior Detailing for Real Chanel Bags
It’s not just the exterior of a Chanel purse that gives the game away when it comes to its authenticity. You should analyze its interior detailing too.
Lining
For a clear indication of whether a Chanel purse is real, check how closely the lining sits within the body of the bag. It should be tight to the edges with a smooth finish unlike with a fake, where the lining is lumpy and ill-fitting.
Stamping
Most authentic Chanel purses have a quilted interlocking C logo on the inner flap or body. The “Chanel” gold stamping should be approximately 1.5 cm below this logo and be 3.3cm in width, otherwise, the purse is a replica. There should also be a stamp stating “Made in France” either directly below the “Chanel” stamping or opposite it on the inner body.
Authenticity Card in Each Real Chanel Bag
Every real Chanel bag comes with an authenticity card in one of its compartments. This should have gold edges, be as thick as a credit card, and feature perfectly aligned text. If the card in your purse has a multi-colored hologram effect, is thin like cardboard, or the text is misaligned, then you have to question if it is genuine. Chances are, it’s a fake Chanel bag.
Serial Sticker Found Inside Real Chanel Bags
Inside every Chanel purse ever made, there will be a small, white serial sticker attached to the lining in the bottom left-hand corner. This serial sticker should contain a six, seven, or eight digit code indicating when the purse was manufactured. If the serial sticker of a purse has more than an eight digit code or doesn’t have a sticker at all, then it’s clearly a fake Chanel bag.
Chanel Dust Bag
The final indication of whether a Chanel purse is real or fake involves the dust bag that it comes in (or if it comes with a Chanel dust bag at all!). Chanel purses have different types of dust bags they’re sold in, whether you’re buying or renting. the Canel dust bag is just as high quality as the purse itself. Common authentic Chanel dust bags include:
- A cream felt version with a centered double C logo in black and no drawstring
- A black fabric version with a centered double C logo in white and no drawstring
- A black fabric version stating “Chanel” centrally in white with a drawstring
- A cream felt version with diamond quilting design in black and a flap instead of a drawstring
If your purse is provided with a dust bag that looks and feels cheap or isn’t provided with a dust bag at all, then this should be a major red flag.
Spotting a Replica Chanel Purse
Even though it can be sometimes difficult to spot the difference between a real Chanel bag and a replica at first glance, it becomes obvious as soon as you start examining the product. Always remember fake purses cut corners with their manufacturing process to keep the costs down, and that is often reflected in the detailing.
