Dating my Louis Vuitton bag: The simple and effective guide

Owning a Louis Vuitton bag is more than just an accessory; it’s a step into the history of timeless luxury. But how do you know if your Speedy, Neverfull, or Alma bag is from the 90s, 2000s, or more recent? Whether you’re an avid collector or simply curious about the age of your Louis Vuitton bag, there are reliable ways to accurately date it.

Follow this guide to discover the keys to dating or situating the era of your precious Louis Vuitton bag in time.

The date code

The fundamental element for dating a Louis Vuitton bag is the serial number or date code . This code, discreetly stamped inside the bag, is a combination of letters and numbers that allows you to determine its date and place of manufacture.

It was in the early 1980s that Louis Vuitton implemented a dating system on its bags, so you will not find a serial number on bags produced before 1982.

Here are some pointers for the main steps and reading the codes:

• 1982 - mid 1980s : The date code consists of 3 or 4 digits .

The first two digits indicate the year of manufacture, and the last one or two the month.

• Example: "834" indicates a production date of April 1983.

• Mid - late 1980s : The date code consists of 4 numbers followed by 1 letter.

The first two digits indicate the year of manufacture, and the last one or two digits indicate the month, followed by two letters indicating the country of manufacture.

• Example: "8911SD" indicates a production date of November 1989 in France (SD).

• 1990 - 2006 : The date code consists of 2 letters followed by 4 numbers .

The two letters indicate the country of manufacture, the first and third digits represent the month, and the second and fourth digits indicate the year.

• Example: "SP0994" indicates manufacturing in France (SP) in September 1994.

• 2007 – March 2021 : Same format of 2 letters followed by 4 numbers, but the first and third numbers now indicate the week of the year and no longer the month.
• Example: "DU3159" indicates manufacturing at the DU factory (France) during the 35th week of 2019.

• After March 2021 : Louis Vuitton is moving away from date codes to RFID (radio frequency identification) chips. As a result, all recent handbags no longer have a date code, but instead have an internal microchip that stores the bag's authentication information.

In this example, the serial code 851 places a year of manufacture in January (1) 1985 (85).

In this example, the serial code SP0978 places a year of manufacture in July (07) 1998 (98).

Once you have located your bag's code, you can use the table below to specify its manufacturing date.

Download this guide in pdf

The Louis Vuitton authenticity card

Unlike other luxury brands like Chanel or Hermès, Louis Vuitton does not typically include an authenticity card with its bags. However, some recent models may come with this card, which includes information about the manufacturing date. If you have an authenticity card, it can be a great help in identifying the year of manufacture.

 

Materials and design details

Dating a Louis Vuitton bag isn't just based on the date code. Some specific details about the materials and design have evolved over time, giving you other valuable clues.

• Monogram Canvas : Introduced in 1896, Monogram canvas remains one of the brand’s most iconic elements. However, variations in color or edge finish can indicate a particular era. For example, older models often have a darker, richer patina.
• Natural cowhide handles and finishes : The untreated leather on Louis Vuitton bags, especially on the handles, naturally darkens over time. An older bag may have a pronounced patina, while a more recent model will have lighter leather.
• Zippers and Rivets : Vintage Louis Vuitton bags often feature solid brass zippers, while newer models may have lighter gold or silver metal finishes.

Call an expert or a certificate of authenticity

If you have trouble reading or interpreting the date code, or if your bag appears to be a vintage model without clear markings, it is always helpful to seek expert advice. Whether through luxury resale boutiques or directly from Louis Vuitton, a professional will be able to give you a more accurate assessment and authenticate your bag.