10 Steps to Authenticating a Chanel Bag

Because of how many counterfeit purses are flooding the market, having the skill to distinguish genuine knock offs from replicas is something that's extremely important. There are a lot of things that you can discover to spot fakes from real. We have compiled this list of indicators that are used by our in-house authentication team.

1. Examine the Leather:
The lambskin leather used by Chanel handbags feels very soft to the touch and should appear smooth. When it examines a genuine piece of lambskin leather, it should feel very soft to the touch and have a silky appearance.

A popular leather used by Chanel is caviar that is made from pebbled calf leather. This leather has a rich appearance and is 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 that it has raised dimples.

2. Check the Quilting:
The quilting pattern can be used to determine whether a given bag is genuine or not. An excellent place to check the pattern at the top where the pocket is located is the quilting. The stitches must be precisely aligned, keeping a continuous diamonds pattern and forming a neat, squared look.

3. Count the Stitching/Lining:
This can be a great indication of a Chanel handbag as it has up to eleven stitches per panel on each side of the diamond shape. A genuine Chanel bag will be fitted with up to eleven stitches per panel. Nevertheless, a replica bag will have a less high number or stitches per panel.

Lining is another feature that differentiates true bags from replicas. Real bags have lining laid out flat against the material that is devoid of visible seams or lumps. However, counterfeit bags often skimp on their details and place the leather with subpar workmanship, which tends to crease easily and be a little loose.

4. Check the CC Lock:
One of the most recognizable and famous features on Chanel bags is the CC lock. The CC lock first appeared in the form of 2.55 locks with no identifying marks or Chanel stamps. Modern Chanel models have both style locks: The 2.55 lock may be rectangular with a stamped Chanel logo, and the CC lock may have a raised or flat finish with the CC in one of two places that overlap each other at the top.

The lock stem itself is another product worth inspecting. Authentic lock stems are made by using 24k gold and are, consequently, used for a long time without showing signs of wear and tear. Replicas, however, are generally plated with gold that may quickly be scraped over time. In addition, inspect the press studs for quality and detail and genuine press studs will maintain their appearance after use.

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 figure of a Chanel tag can help you validate the authenticity of a purse. Check the font and quality of the stamp. Many replicas use a thinner font and hurry the branding process so that it sits on the leather rather than being embossed into it. The position of the embossed Chanel logo is another attribute that's worth checking out. It should sit 1 1/2 centimeters below the quilted C.

7. Authenticity Cards:
Not all authenticity cards are authentic! An easy way for you to figure out if the authenticity card is authentic is to take note of how many numbers comprise the code. If the bag was manufactured between 1984 and 1986 it will have six digits, if it's manufactured between 1986 and 2004 it will have seven digits, and if it's made after 2005 it will feature eight digits. Currently Chanel doesn't issue authenticity cards.

8. Check the Chain Straps:
The signature chain and leather straps found on Chanel bags are a good way to determine if your bag is real or just fake. Vintage Chanel bags have a soft link integrated into the belt stitching, whereas reproduction belts often do not have these links. However, contemporary Chanel bags have leather straps that fold back on themselves and are stitched through the belt.

9. Observe the Bag's Shape:
Replica Chanel bags more often than not have a boxy shape, which renders them far less classy than real ones do. Attempt to find rounded corners on a replica bag if you have the feeling that it has been put together poorly.

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