“I can't find the date code on my Louis Vuitton bag or wallet, does it mean not authentic?”

 

No, Louis Vuitton date codes or authenticity codes began appearing after the 1980's. Vintage Louis Vuitton manufactures prior to 1980 would not have any date codes, and can only be verified as authentic by looking at various factors: evaluating when the style was introduced, looking at the exterior leather, inspecting the lining/stitches etc.. 

 

Below is the table of the date codes used by Louis Vuitton on their products, which can be interpreted according to the date the product was manufactured and the location of the manufactured product.

 

Other methods of determining the authenticity of the Louis Vuitton product will be where the code is located for that particular item and the appearance of the code:

 

- Separate leather tab that stick out of the inner lining with the code embedded

- Directly embossed on the inner lining and close to the inside seam of the product

- Directly embossed on the underside of the D-ring (typical of Speedy)

- Directly embossed on Alcantara lining (suede material on inside of Epi leather bags)

- Stamped on the inside lining close of the seam of canvas leather lined bags (usually in an offset dark color)

 

INTERPRETING THE DATE CODE

 

Early 80's: 3 or 4 digit date codes, representing the month and year that the product was manufactured.