We all know Louis Vuitton isn't just known for its cool bags but also for something smaller yet very special: its padlocks. These padlocks are not just any locks. They are a mix of safety and style. And these have been making Louis Vuitton bags look even cooler for many years.
However, with the top-notch dupes available in the market these days, it has become very hard to spot authentic Louis Vuitton bags without the help of the padlocks, which are a signature in the LV bag world.
But all real fashion enthusiasts know that there is no deal like the real deal.
Today we're going to tell you how you can spot an authentic Louis Vuitton padlock so that no one can scam you with a fake bag without you knowing.
So, without further ado, let's get right into it!
How to Spot An Authentic Louis Vuitton Padlock?
Here we have a mini guide covering the most important points, with which you can tell a real Louis Vuitton padlock from a fake one, so you can shop smart and keep your fashion game strong.
Stamping
The main clue to check if a Louis Vuitton padlock is real or fake is by looking at the stamp on the back.
There are three kinds of stamps you will see in the original Louis Vuitton padlocks-
-
Louis Vuitton-Paris-Made in France
-
Louis Vuitton Made in France
-
Louis Vuitton Paris
This means if you see a stamp that says "Louis Vuitton made in Paris," that's a sign it's not real. Real Louis Vuitton items say "Made in," followed by the name of a different country, not a city.
A cool fact to know is that the older Louis Vuitton padlocks say "Made in France" on them, including the vintage bags, because Louis Vuitton started making bags in France. The modern Louis Vuitton bags don't say "Made in France" because Louis Vuitton now makes things in different countries, like Italy, Spain, the USA, and Germany, so they now have the new factory location on them.
This change might make it a bit confusing to know where exactly Louis Vuitton items are made, especially since, in the past, they were all made in France.
Coding
Every Louis Vuitton padlock has a unique code at the bottom. If the padlock was made before 2009, the number starts with "3XX", and if it was made after 2009, it starts with "4XX". So basically, the numbers represent the manufacturing year which is the date code of the bag.
It's important to know that this number is actually linked to the key that opens the padlock, not the size of the padlock itself, as all padlocks are the same size.
This detail is something many might not notice, especially when buying Louis Vuitton bags that have been used before. Currently, the fake bags most often seen come with a padlock that is marked with the number '448'. So, it's good to be extra cautious if you come across a padlock with this specific number.
Lettering
The stamp's quality on a Louis Vuitton padlock is a key indicator of its authenticity. The two letters in the logo are sharp and clear, featuring the trademark symbol neatly positioned between the left arms of the "U" and "V" in "Vuitton." You won't see any poor-quality logo engraving on the real LV padlock.
A standout feature in the LV logo design is its font, notably the perfectly round and broad "O" in "Vuitton." The "L" has an especially short tail, and the two ts in "Vuitton" come very close to touching each other.
Moreover, the country of the manufacture's name is always in a capital letter, indicating where the bag was produced. These are all the most notable details you should look out for.
Size and color
When it comes to size, the padlocks are uniformly made, measuring 0.8 inches wide by 1.6 inches tall (or 2.1 by 4.1 cm), ensuring a standard size across the board.
As for the color, Louis Vuitton padlocks age similarly to silver jewelry, acquiring a more matte finish over the years rather than maintaining an extremely shiny, mirror-like appearance.
Hardware
The Louis Vuitton's hardware with the padlock includes a key that has a special number on the front. This number will either start with "3XX" or "4XX." This tells you which set of keys and locks it belongs to. But if you flip the key over and look at the back, you'll notice it's smooth with no numbers or any other marks on it.
Louis Vuitton Lock and Key: Real vs Fake
When it comes to distinguishing between a real and a fake Louis Vuitton padlock, there are several key factors to consider:
The real padlocks have stamps on the back of the padlock for authenticity. They will have specific stamps like "Louis Vuitton-Paris-Made in France," "Louis Vuitton Made in France," or "Louis Vuitton Paris." Avoid padlocks with incorrect or missing stamps, as they are fake.
Authentic Louis Vuitton padlocks made before 2009 have numbers starting with "3XX," while those made after 2009 start with "4XX." Verify that the numbering matches the production timeline and only buy after cross-checking the code.
The Louis Vuitton logo on the padlock and key is, well, the key. Authentic ones have a clear and crisp logo with the trademark symbol centered between the "U" and "V" in "Vuitton." Pay attention to the font, especially the round and wide "O" in "Vuitton," the short tail on the "L," and the almost touching "T" s.
Moreover, Authentic Louis Vuitton padlocks have a standard size, typically measuring around 0.8 inches wide by 1.6 inches tall (or 2.1 by 4.1 cm). Anything bigger or smaller than that is from a fake Louis Vuitton bag.
Genuine Louis Vuitton padlocks age naturally, developing a matte finish similar to aged silver jewelry. Be cautious of padlocks that appear extremely shiny or mirror-like, as they can be fake.
Lastly, Verify that the real locks come with a key that has an engraved number starting with "3XX" or "4XX" on the front and that the back of the key is smooth without any engravings. So watch out for any key that has engravings on both sides as it can be fake.
By carefully examining these details, you can tell the real and a fake Louis Vuitton lock and key apart, making sure that you purchase genuine products.
Final Words!
Congratulations on learning how to spot an authentic Louis Vuitton padlock! Now that you know the key details to look for, you can become a savvy shopper and confidently tell real Louis Vuitton locks from fake ones.
When examining a Louis Vuitton padlock, make sure you start by checking the stamp on the back. These stamps are secret codes that indicate the padlock's authenticity and origin.
Next, pay attention to the numbers representing the year of manufacturing on the padlock. This numbering system acts like a time machine, helping you determine when the padlock was manufactured.
Moreover, look for clarity and sharpness. A genuine Louis Vuitton stamp will have a clear trademark symbol centered between the "U" and "V" in "Vuitton." Additionally, observe the font details, such as the round "O" in "Vuitton" and the almost touching "T" s. These details are like a signature of authenticity.
Size also matters when it comes to Louis Vuitton padlocks. Authentic ones maintain a standard size, typically around 0.8 inches wide by 1.6 inches tall (or 2.1 by 4.1 cm). Measure the padlock, if possible, to really make sure it matches this standard size.
Another clue to authenticity is the color and finish of the padlock. Genuine Louis Vuitton padlocks age naturally, developing a matte finish over time, similar to aged silver jewelry. If the padlock looks overly shiny or polished, it may not be authentic.
Lastly, don't forget to check the key as well. Authentic Louis Vuitton keys will have an engraved number on the front, starting with "3XX" or "4XX," indicating their authenticity and matching the padlock's series. The back of the key should be smooth without any engravings.
By following these steps and paying attention to these details, you'll be able to spot fake Louis Vuitton bags with confidence to steer clear of them and make sure you're investing in a genuine luxury brand.
