If you’re lucky enough to own a Chanel bag, or even if you’re just a fan of the iconic fashion house, you might be wondering how to tell what year your bag was made. The good news is that there are several ways to do this, from examining the bag’s hardware to looking up the serial number.
1. Look at the Hardware
One of the easiest ways to tell what year a Chanel bag was made is by looking at its hardware. In 1986, Chanel started using serial numbers on its bags, but before that, they used date codes that were stamped onto the hardware. For example, if your bag has a CC lock that’s stamped with “94,” it was likely made in 1994.
2. Check the Serial Number
If your Chanel bag has a serial number (which should be located on a sticker inside the bag), you can use that to determine when it was made. The first two digits of the serial number indicate the year it was made, while the following numbers indicate the season (spring/summer or fall/winter).
3. Examine the Stitching
Another way to tell what year your Chanel bag was made is by examining its stitching. Before 1986, Chanel bags were stitched with a straight line and no underline underneath the CC logo on their bags. From 1986 onward, however, all bags have an underlined CC logo.
4. Look for Specific Features
Chanel bags have gone through many design changes over the years, so if you’re familiar with specific features of certain eras, you can use them to determine when your bag was made. For example:
- In the 1950s and ’60s, Chanel bags had a rectangular shape and were often quilted in diamond patterns.
- In the 1980s, Chanel introduced the Classic Flap bag, which had a leather-woven chain strap and a turn-lock closure.
- In the 2000s, Chanel introduced the Reissue, which was a throwback to their original designs and featured a mademoiselle lock instead of the traditional CC lock.
Conclusion
Determining what year a Chanel bag was made can be a fun and interesting process. By examining its hardware, serial number, stitching, and specific features, you can get a good idea of when it was produced. Whether you’re a collector or just curious about your own bag’s history, these tips should help you determine its age with confidence.