If you’re a fan of Louis Vuitton bags, you probably know that each bag has a unique date code and serial number. These codes and numbers can tell you a lot about your bag, including its age and authenticity. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to read Louis Vuitton date codes and serial numbers.
What are Louis Vuitton Date Codes?
Louis Vuitton date codes are a combination of letters and numbers that indicate when and where the bag was made. They were first introduced by Louis Vuitton in the early 1980s as a way to keep track of inventory and combat counterfeiting.
Where can I find the Date Code?
The date code is usually found on the interior lining of the bag. Depending on the model, it may be stamped directly onto the lining, or it may be found on a separate leather tag.
How to Read Louis Vuitton Date Codes
The format of the Louis Vuitton date code can vary depending on when and where the bag was made. However, most date codes consist of two letters followed by four numbers. The first two letters indicate the location of the factory where the bag was made, while the four numbers represent the week and year of production.
For example, if your Louis Vuitton bag has a date code of “SD1017”, this means that it was made in France (the “SD” indicates that it was made in France) in the 11th week (“10” + 1) of 2017.
Here’s a breakdown of some common Louis Vuitton date code formats:
- CA: Made in Spain
- FL: Made in France
- LA: Made in USA
- AR: Made in France, workshop in Asnières
- TH: Made in France, special order
- VI: Made in France, special order
- BJ: Made in Italy, special order
- BC: Made in Italy, special order for the Cruise collection
- MH: Made in Italy, special order for Mykonos store opening (2019)
Note: These are not all the possible date codes and each letter has multiple factories according to years.
What are Louis Vuitton Serial Numbers?
Louis Vuitton serial numbers are another way to identify and authenticate a Louis Vuitton bag. The serial number is a unique combination of letters and numbers that is assigned to each bag at the time of production. Unlike date codes which indicate when and where the bag was made, serial numbers are unique to each bag.
Where can I find the Serial Number?
The serial number can usually be found on a leather tab inside the bag. However, some bags may have the serial number stamped directly onto the lining.
How to Read Louis Vuitton Serial Numbers
Louis Vuitton serial numbers typically consist of two letters followed by four or five numbers. The first two letters indicate the factory where the bag was made, while the following four or five numbers represent the production date.
For example, if your Louis Vuitton bag has a serial number of “SP0017”, this means that it was made in France (the “SP” indicates that it was made in France) in the first week (“00” + 17) of 2017.
Conclusion
Knowing how to read Louis Vuitton date codes and serial numbers can be useful if you’re looking to authenticate a bag or determine its age. While the format of the codes and numbers can vary, they all provide valuable information about the bag’s origin and production date. So, the next time you’re shopping for a Louis Vuitton bag, make sure to check for its date code and serial number to ensure its authenticity.