In the early 1980s, Louis Vuitton began including date codes to identify a bag's place of origin and date of manufacture. It's one of the many pieces used to authenticate an item. Vuitton's first usage of dates codes began in 1982.
The counterfeiters know how to copy them. Notice: When buying bags on the pre-loved market, make sure the details provided by the seller match the details of the date code. The initial two numbers show the year, and the 1-2 numbers show the month. Louis Vuitton handbags have a series of numbers and letters, called Date Codes, that can tell you when and where that bag was manufactured. You can use the date code to cross check where a bag was produced. Normal signs of use, leather tag came off zipper. 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, and inspecting the lining and stitching. "818" would indicate a manufacturing date of August, 1981.
* Estimated delivery dates- opens in a new window or tab include shipping from the seller to the authenticator, authentication time, shipping from the authenticator to. 1982 - Mid 1980s Louis Vuitton began utilizing 3- or 4-digit codes to show the year and month in which the product was made. In the mid-80s, Louis Vuitton started using letters in the date codes. In the early 1980s, Louis Vuitton used three to four numbers. The date code will be stamped directly on to the strap: Authentic Louis Vuitton Azur Neverfull MM Tote Bag Date Code. They can be tucked into the base of the strap at the exterior of the bag, right between the body of the bag and the strap. For example, if a bag is stamped, "Made in Germany," the date code should include LP (see below). But most Louis Vuitton bags still in circulation will have a datecode. Exclusive authentication service & customer support.