6 ways to recognize a genuine Louis Vuitton Speedy bag
An icon of luxury leather goods since the 1930s, the Speedy bag is one of Louis Vuitton's most emblematic creations. Initially designed as a smaller version of the famous Keepall travel bag, it was christened "Express" to reflect the accelerating pace of travel at the time. It was in the 1960s, thanks to Audrey Hepburn, who requested a smaller size 25 version, that it became the indispensable urban companion we know today.
Given its popularity, it's crucial to know how to distinguish a genuine Louis Vuitton Speedy bag from a counterfeit. Whether you buy it online or in a store, knowing how to identify an authentic piece is essential to protecting your investment. In this article, you'll discover how. recognizing a real Louis Vuitton Speedy bag.
1. How to analyze the Monogram canvas of the Speedy?
The first stage of the examination concerns the material. The canvas coated with a genuine Speedy has a unique texture: it is slightly grainy It feels soft to the touch, but remains flexible. Contrary to popular belief, the fabric is not not leather, but it is trimmed with natural cowhide leather (Vachetta).
On your Speedy bag, observe the’pattern alignment. The symmetry must be absolute on each side of the piece. Here's a crucial technical point: since the bag is generally made from a single piece that rolls from front to back, The logos on the back of the bag are upside down.. On a classic Speedy bag, the logos cannot be the right way round on both sides. If you have any doubt about its origin, it is recommended to Have your Louis Vuitton Speedy bag checked by an expert.
2. Why is the typography of the inscriptions crucial?
The brand's signature is usually found on the bottom of an exterior leather band or on a leather tab on the side of the bag. Incorrect typography is the most common sign of a counterfeit. On an authentic piece, the "O" in LOUIS VUITTON is perfectly circular. The "L" has a very short horizontal bar, and the two "T"s in VUITTON should almost touch. The inscription should be net, fine And perfectly embossed The leather should be flawless. Overly thick typography or an oval "O" should immediately raise a red flag. To ensure your purchase is secure, don't hesitate to contact our experts for a thorough analysis of these details.
3. How to recognize the finishes of a genuine Louis Vuitton Speedy bag?
Craftsmanship lies in the details. The seams of an authentic Speedy are made with a linen thread of a specific color: a matte mustard yellow. On recent models, this thread should never appear fluorescent yellow or synthetic. Each The point is slightly inclined, following perfect regularity.
On the chaps, you'll usually find 5 stitches on the upper part. If you count 4 or 6, the piece probably didn't come from the Louis Vuitton workshops. The precision of these finishes is such that even a single stray thread can be a defect. If you own a Speedy and want to be sure, visit our authentication checker, Our team of experts will be able to check your part in a few hours.
4. Where can I find the serial number of a Speedy, and how do I read it?
A few years ago, Louis Vuitton stopped including date codes on its watches. Today, these markings are replaced by an invisible electronic chip. Pieces created before this change incorporated date codes (often mistaken for serial numbers) to identify their origin. era and its production workshop. Although their mere presence is not sufficient to certify the origin of the item, these indicators are crucial during an authentication process.
The traditional format consists of two letters followed by four numbers. On a genuine Louis Vuitton Speedy bag, this location is particularly discreet: the code is usually found on a small leather tab, located inside the bag, just behind the patch pocket Or near an internal seam. Historical consistency is a major point of vigilance. For example, a piece whose model corresponds to a collection launched after 2015 cannot under any circumstances bear a production code dating from the 2000s.
Since newer models contain a chip, the absence of a serial number on a recent model is perfectly normal. Conversely, the absence of a code on an older model should prompt you to exercise extreme caution. If you have difficulty locating this marking or if you have any doubt about its authenticity, you can send us some detailed photographs so we can have your Speedy bag tested for authenticity.
5. How to recognize the metal parts of a genuine Speedy bag?
The hardware in a Speedy is a significant indicator of compliance. Louis Vuitton uses solid brass or high-quality gold-plated metal. The examination of metal pieces should begin with the closing The zipper: it must operate with perfect fluidity, without any resistance. The brand name on the slider is perfectly clear and proportionate. It must be engraved with the same finesse as on a leather piece. Metal that tends to flake or appears too shiny should raise a red flag. If the appearance of the metal elements seems to deviate from the usual standards, you have the option of entrust the analysis of an advertisement to our experts before finalizing your transaction.
6. How to authenticate a Speedy by its leather?
The leather used for the handles and trim is natural, untreated cowhide. Its main characteristic is its ability to to develop a patina over time. Under the effect of UV rays and contact with the skin, it changes from a very light beige to an amber or caramel shade.
Leather that remains white after several years of use is a sure sign of a synthetic material. Furthermore, on Speedy models made of natural cowhide, the edges are dyed a subtle brown/red tone that darkens with age. An edge that is a very bright red, with a plastic or rubbery appearance, may indicate a counterfeit or improper retouching. To guarantee the value of your collection, seeking professional appraisal remains the best protection against the risks of the secondhand market.
How do I obtain a certificate of authenticity for a Speedy bag?
Authenticating a Speedy device relies on numerous indicators. If even one of these checkpoints seems inconsistent, there is a risk. Before investing, ensure the compliance of your prospective purchase. Our experts are at your service. to examine every detail and offer you the certainty that your item is a genuine Louis Vuitton Speedy bag.
Our methodology combines artificial intelligence with the expertise of our specialists to analyze photographs and manufacturing data. Every centimeter of your bag is analyzed and compared to our documentary data of authentic pieces, allowing us to detect even the slightest irregularities.
When you choose to contact us to have a part checked, A certificate of conformity is issued for compliant models, while a certificate of non-conformity is issued for parts that do not comply with the house codes.
