[Swanky Mama Of Three]

Please share any tried and true tips to spotting a fake here, I'll compile them and make a Reference Sticky to help people learn to spot the dead giveaways.

If you aren't completely certain, please make note of that so someone else can chime in and validate it for us.

[nypersonalshopper]

This is an excellent topic! Very often I see fakes with the older care booklet....the one with the gold around the edges. I know that these were used at one time, but they usually have them with recent bags. Also, the dustbags are usually wrong. They very often are white with black CC's in circles rather than the black dustbag with "Chanel" in white. Also, the tags hanging off the bags are usually not correct. The Chanel stamp is often a giveaway too....they are often crooked or smeared; or the font is just not right. I will try to think of some more.....

[Smoothoprter]

Just a few. I'll add more as I think of them.

*The hologram sticker should match the authenticity card.

*The number zero on newer hologram stickers should have a slash through it.

*The hologram sticker should be scored in a criss-cross patern.

*The screws on the back of the closure should be flat head and NOT phillips head screws.

[Smoothoprter]

*The CC closure the right C should always overlap the left C at the top.

*Also, the CC closure should be stamped either on the top left corner of the left C or not marked at all.

[Smoothoprter]

Screws on the back of the CC closure on a beige Cambon Reporter:

[frayed_misfit]

YKK or EP Zippers on the Inner Flap of the 2.55
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HELP, Have I been scammed?

Do not be alarmed if you see a YKK stamped zipper on your medium or large classic flaps. The classical colours (black, white, beige etc.) use an EP stamp, the seasonal colours use YKK. We don't know how consistent this is yet (e.g. we don't know if classical colours can use YKK or if ALL seasonal colours use it) BUT we have noted YKK zippers on:

• 2005 Red Caviar - Medium
• 2006 Coral Lambskin - Large
• 2006/2007 Violet Lambskin - Large
• 2006/2007 Bleu Fonce Lambskin - Large

Be aware that this is new knowledge, and Chanel have given some conflicting information regarding the use of YKK zippers, in particular to those who post on the eBay boards. I have seen the YKK zippers myself in the Sydney boutique, and this was confirmed in the Melbourne boutique (Australia).

If double checking yourself, I suggest going into the store. Otherwise if you call your SA make sure to ask them to check:

• Medium or Large Classic Flaps 2.55 in a SEASONAL colour, Jumbo or East-West will not have two flaps.
• The zipper on the inner flap, which should be the same colour as the bag

This information has been verified by Khai, Smoothprter, waterfall, loveone7 and ofcourse myself.

Posted are inner zips with EP on the classic colour white, and YKK on the seasonal colours.

photo credits: tweetie, khai, waterfall.

[Smoothoprter]

*The quilting should align.

This one is tricky because it depends on the angle of the picture taken.

On flap bags the quilting doesn't always align perfectly when the flap is closed because it really depends on whether the bag is stuffed or empty, or if it's hanging correctly, etc. But it should appear to align.

PIC: White Reissue 227







White Caviar Medium Flap:





Off White (Ivory) Jumbo Caviar Flap:

[Smoothoprter]

*The color of the stamping ("CHANEL" and "Made in ...") should match the color of the chain.

Therefore if the chain is gold the stamping on the inside of the bag should be gold.

If the chain is silver the stamping on the inside of the bag should be silver.

[addisonshopper]

Also..
on handbags
-note that dust bags are never white
-an bag that has plastic around the handles,zipper or chains are not authentic.. Any bag that I have ever bought from CC boutiques,Neimans or Saks. has never had any plastic on them anywhere. also was told that they are never sold like that by SA at Neimans
-none of the classic caviar leather medallion totes have the four gold or silver protectors on the bottoms- you know the things that protect the bottom from getting dirty..
on shoes-
they have new silver dustbags.. any 05 and up shoe should have silver dust bags.. not white or black
as I think of more I will post

[Smoothoprter]

-note that dust bags are never white

Michele will correct me if I'm wrong but I think some of the older bags came with white dust bags.

[Swanky Mama Of Three]

^that's what I was going to say.

[addisonshopper]

how far back ?
I have a bag from 89 that has orig box and black w/ dust bag..
if that is the case.. I will revise my statement..
Any bag from a certain year and up have only black dustbags

[Jayne1]

My vintage bags (late '80s) bought at free-standing Chanel boutiques have white dust bags.

[Princess Coco]

^ Yup. Mine too.

[Michele]

Originally Posted by Smoothoprter

Michele will correct me if I'm wrong but I think some of the older bags came with white dust bags.

Yes, that is correct. The white dustbags were used in the 80's. I believe they started getting phased out early 90's

Also, Chanels should never be stamped "Made In Paris." This should also never be on the interior tag.

Bags are either made in France or Italy.