When investing in an authentic Louis Vuitton piece, one essential aspect to consider is understanding the date code. This code provides valuable information about the production date and origin of the luxury vintage piece. In this blog post, we will unravel the mystery behind Louis Vuitton date codes and guide you through the process of deciphering them.
Purpose
Date codes serve multiple purposes in the world of Louis Vuitton: they help determine the authenticity of the product, provide insights into its manufacturing details, and offer a hint at its story. By examining the date code, you can identify the age of a Louis Vuitton piece and even trace its production location.
Location
Louis Vuitton date codes are typically located inside the item. However, the placement can vary depending on the product type. The most common locations include the interior pocket, lining, interior tag, or a leather tab sewn into the seam.
Format
Louis Vuitton date codes commonly consist of a combination of two letters and four numbers, with the letters representing the factory location and the numbers indicating the production week and year. However, date codes from before 1980 do vary slightly.
Letters
The first two letters of the date code correspond to the factory where the Louis Vuitton item was manufactured. Each factory is assigned a specific letter code. Some common examples include:
AR: France (Atelier de Réparation)
CA: Spain (Confecciones Artisticas)
SD: USA (San Dimas, California)
FL: USA (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida)
TH: USA (Toluca, Mexico)
Numbers
The four numbers following the factory code reveal the production details of the Louis Vuitton item. The first and third numbers represent the week of production, while the second and fourth numbers represent the year. For instance, a date code like "FL0041" would indicate that the product was manufactured in the USA (FL) in week 04 in 2001.
Pre-1980
For vintage Louis Vuitton items produced before 1980, the date codes are slightly different. These earlier date codes often comprise three or four numbers, representing the month and year of production. Additionally, the letters may not denote factory locations but instead serve as batch codes.
Deciphering a date code adds depth and knowledge to your luxury vintage experience. By understanding the factory location and production details, you gain insights into the authenticity, age, and story of your favourite Louis Vuitton pieces.
