Determining the Authenticity of a Vintage Chanel Handbag

There is a magnitude of good quality authentic vintage luxury handbags in the world, with some names demanding respect purely because of the brand – and one of these is Chanel. However, just as there are thousands of authentic handbags of these designer makes and models, so there are thousands upon thousands of fakes or counterfeit products. Determining the real from the fake is a skill that not many have, as some of the counterfeit bags can be very well-made and true to the designer in question’s style. However, there are always tell-tale signs in which you can spot the real from the fakes, especially where it concerns Chanel.

One of the first aspects of a Chanel handbag is the leather it is made from. Chanel tends to use caviar calf or lamb’s leather for most of the bags in the range. Imposter Chanel bags may also be made from real and high-quality leather, but it is unlikely that it will be calf or lamb’s leather. Lamb leather is incredibly luxurious and silky soft to the touch. This is the trademark quality of this type of leather and if the bag doesn’t have it, it is unlikely to be Chanel. Caviar calf leather is also one of the preferred materials of Chanel and there are a few reasons why. It is, of course, beautiful to behold, but it is also durable and less likely to show scratch and scuff marks. Although caviar calf leather does have a dotted appearance similar to ostrich leather, it should feel textured to the touch, instead of rough.

The leather may be a tell-tale sign, but it can be difficult to discern to the less experienced consumer. A far easier way to tell whether the bag you’re holding is the real deal is to inspect the stitching. Chanel is particular about the quality and craftsmanship that goes into constructing their luxury handbags and will utilise precisely eleven stitches per side of a quilted diamond on a quilted bag. Most of the counterfeit Chanel bags use nine or ten stitches per side. If the bag you’re observing has any less than eleven stitches per side, it is highly likely that it is not authentic.

Of course, the most eye-catching detail of a proper Chanel handbag is the stunning overlapping trademark of the double C on the lock. This iconic detail is one reason why you can spot a Chanel bag a mile away. Chanel, being very particular with their designs, will always be consistent with the design of the CC iconic detail. On every real Chanel handbag, the C on the left will overlap the C on the right at the bottom end, and the C on the right will overlap the C on the left at the top. If the CC on the bag differs from this design in any way, the bag is most definitely counterfeit.

As you’re inspecting the bag for details that may indicate a fake, it is critical to inspect the hardware closely. The gold or silver on the locking mechanism of a Chanel bag may fade over time, especially if it is vintage. However, on a cheaply-made counterfeit bag, the metal is more likely to flake than fade, and the locking mechanism may not properly line up. This is because the clasp of a Chanel bag will always be incredibly well-made and won’t wear over time.

Finally, it is important to take a look inside the bag to see the brand stamp. Although a vintage Chanel bag’s lettering may have faded over time, it should always be pristine in how it was printed. If the letters don’t exactly line up, or if some parts have not stamped or are smudged, the bag is most definitely counterfeit as Chanel bags all go through a rigorous inspection before being placed on the market, and a bag with a logo that was flawed will not have passed the Chanel quality test.

Rewind Vintage prides themselves on the luxury vintage Chanel handbags that they carry along with a magnitude of other vintage and luxury pieces. From their early days in 2010, they quickly established themselves as the unbiased vintage specialists in the UK. With over 15,000 items sold over the years, they have been featured and awarded in UK and International Media, and on TV, and have an unparalleled knowledge when it comes to pre-loved high-end fashion. Everything they do evolves around accessories, clothing, handbags and other pre-loved items. They value, source, buy, sell and customise a wide variety of items. For more information on Rewind Vintage and their Chanel range, please visit https://rewindvintage.co.uk/.