If you are a proud owner of a Chanel bag, you must be aware of its timeless appeal and everlasting charm. However, one question that often baffles Chanel bag owners is how to determine the year of their bag.
Knowing the year of your Chanel bag can help in determining its value and authenticity. In this article, we will guide you through different ways to tell the year of your Chanel bag.
Method 1: Check the Serial Number
The best way to determine the year of your Chanel bag is by checking its serial number. Since 1986, all authentic Chanel bags come with a serial number sticker inside the bag.
The serial number consists of seven or eight digits and is printed on a white sticker with black lettering. The first two digits represent the year in which the bag was made.
For instance, if your Chanel bag has a serial number starting with 20, it means that it was made in 2020. Similarly, if the serial number starts with 19, it means that it was made in 2019.
Note: Do keep in mind that not all authentic Chanel bags have serial numbers starting from 1986 onwards. Some bags manufactured before this period may not have a serial number at all.
Method 2: Look for Authenticity Cards
Chanel bags manufactured between 1984-1986 came with authenticity cards instead of serial numbers. These cards consist of a gold or silver seal embossed with “CHANEL” on top and an identification number at the bottom. The format of these cards changed over time; therefore, it’s essential to do some research before determining the year based on these cards.
Method 3: Identify by Design Elements
Another way to determine the year of your Chanel bag is by looking at its design elements. Over time, certain design elements were introduced or phased out by Chanel.
For instance, the “CC” lock on Chanel bags was introduced in the 1980s. If your bag has a “CC” lock, it is likely that it was manufactured after this period.
Similarly, certain materials used in Chanel bags may also indicate their year of manufacture. For instance, Chanel bags made from lambskin leather were popular in the 1980s and early 1990s. However, in recent years, Chanel has shifted towards using caviar leather.
Conclusion
Determining the year of your Chanel bag is crucial for its authenticity and value. The easiest way to determine the year is by checking its serial number or authenticity card. However, if your bag doesn’t have these elements, identifying design elements can also help give a rough estimate of its age.
Remember that authenticating a Chanel bag requires expertise and knowledge; therefore, it’s always recommended to consult with an expert before making any purchases or sales. By following these methods mentioned above, you can get a rough idea of the year of your Chanel bag and cherish it even more!