Dating & Date Codes on Hard-Sided Luggage & Trunks

[malletier]

Hi--

Can anyone offer assistance on reading/interpreting serial numbers on hard-sided luggage? I have several suitcases that have serial numbers beginning with 103 (locks all the same code--begins 124)

I also have a few with serial number beginning 105. I just purchased a new Bisten with serial number beginning 109.

Is there a way to tell from the serial number inside the suitcase? Is the number on the lock important, too?

Also, I special ordered a trunk with serial number (oddly enough, no sticker inside the trunk) beginning 107 and lock code beginning 128. There is a label inside that has the date code "AA 39659." I am completely confused by the date code label, as I always thought that the most recent date codes are two letters followed by 4 numbers. Why does mine have 5 numbers? I understand the AA, just not the numbers following it.

Thanks--

--Jay