How to Identify an Authentic Chanel Handbag

Chanel is one of the most recognized and sought after high-fashion lines of handbags in the world. It is also one of the most expensive. For that reason, it is a favorite target for manufacturers of fake merchandise. But there are ways to tell if the bag you have in front of you is authentic.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Check the logo. The Chanel logo is comprised of two interlocking "C" letters that face away from each other. The top of the right-facing "C" should bisect the top of the left-facing "C." Some vintage bags exist that have a reverse overlap located on the interior flap. This rule is for handbags only and does not necessarily apply to other items in the Chanel line.

2. Find the authenticity card. An authentic Chanel bag comes with one. This embossed card contains a serial number. If there's no card, if the card is not embossed or if there is no serial number included in the text, the bag is likely a knock-off.

3. Locate the serial number. There must be a serial number placed somewhere within the bag's interior. Prior to the late 1990s, the serial number was printed on a white sticker with the Chanel logo printed in gold across the background. From the late 1990s to the present, the serial number has been printed on a white sticker beneath 2 gold Chanel logos. The serial number is most often located inside the bag at the lower left corner or on the zipper pocket. The sticker should be covered with a rectangle of clear tape large enough to cover then entire sticker.

4. Examine both the serial number on the authenticity card and the serial number on the bag. They must match.

5. Look closely at the hardware on the strap of the bag. The Chanel name or logo should be engraved on the strap's hardware. If an engraving is missing, chances are the bag is a fake.

6. Examine both sides of any zipper pull hardware. One side is engraved "Chanel" and the other is engraved with the Chanel logo. The pull itself must match the rest of the bag's hardware in color and tone.

7. Track any repeating pattern on the bag. The logos and quilting must line up. If there is a pocket sewn to the front of a quilted bag, the quilted pattern does not break or deviate on the bag. The pattern aligns from the top to the bottom of the bag as if there was no pocket at all.

Tips & Warnings

• Authorized Chanel retailers are: Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys New York, Hirshleifer's and Nordstrom.

[shirlthegirl]

on 11/14/2009 Hi , i was given a Chanel hadbag which has a authenticity card and serial number,is there anyway i can check to see if it's the real deal.MANY THANKS...

[anneg9521]

on 10/24/2009 Hey there. I found a chanel handbag in an attic of a abandoned house that I was working on. Its real leather and has all the engravings on it and a serial number. I was ondering is here any website where I can ust tpe in the serial number and it will tell me when it was made and what its worth or even just if it is genuine?

[ruthellen]

on 6/22/2009 I recieved a chanel handbag from an estate sale. It came with little black card with a serial number on it, however there is no serial number inside the bag. All hardware shows to be that of chanel but I cant tell if this is authentic.

[diordiva]

on 5/18/2009 Delortae Agency, the UK's leading authority for designer authentication and appraisal services, will authenticate designer items from detailed photographs free of charge. http://delortaeagency.co.uk

[chanelette]

on 4/1/2009 hi i just received a chanel bag from Taiwan from an ebay seller who claims its authentic...it looks authentic but whilst handling the bag, the black ink rubbed off onto my fingers n its horrible...its not severe but im left with light black fingers...Can someone tell me if this is meant to happen?? its a vintage, i think circa 1990's or earlier? im not to sure. Its the XL jumbo quilted leather. i paid AU$2400 for it or have i been sold a FAKE. Can someone help me pls...THANKS