Chanel Serial Number
The serial number of the bag can be found on the hologram sticker inside the bag, which should correspond with the number on the authenticity card.
The serial number of the bag gives an indication of the year in which the bag is manufactured.
8-digits--
13XXXXXX series - 2009
12XXXXXX series - 2008 - 2009
11XXXXXX series - 2006 to 2008
10XXXXXX series - 2005 to 2006
7-digits--
9XXXXXX series - 2004 to 2005
8XXXXXX series - 2003 to 2004
7XXXXXX series - 2002 to 2003
6XXXXXX series - 2000 to 2002
5XXXXXX series - 1997 to 1999
4XXXXXX series - 1996 to 1997
3XXXXXX series - 1994 to 1996
2XXXXXX series - 1991 to 1994
1XXXXXX series - 1989 to 1991
0XXXXXX series - 1986 to 1988
Chanel 2.55 vs Classic Flaps
The 2.55 (aka 255):
In February 1955 Coco Chanel introduced a handbag - double flap, with mademoiselle (square) closure and mademoiselle metal chain. It became popularly known as the 2.55 flap bag.
Over the years there have been many variations to the original 2.55 flap design:
1) the use of leather interwoven through the chain
2) use of different leathers and fabrics,
3) single flap vs. the original double flap,
4) different sizes available, etc.
The term 2.55 or 255 refers to ALL FLAP STYLE BAGS including variations of the original.
The original 2.55 details:
• The lining - The lining’s color represents the color of the uniforms from the convent where Coco grew up.
• The inside compartment – there is a zippered compartment at the inside of the outer flap, that is where Coco Chanel presumably hid her love letters (from her lover at the time).
• The backside – there is a back outside pocket on the handbag – that is where Coco presumably stashed extra money.
• The shoulder strap – as noted above Coco grew up in a convent, at the orphanage. The caretakers hold the keys at their waist dangling from the same type of chains as the 2.55 shoulder strap chains.
• The front lock – the front lock is called “the Mademoiselle Lock” (because Coco was never married).
The interlocking CC logo and the Classic Flap:
In 1983 Karl Lagerfeld joined the house of Chanel as Artistic Director (Chief Designer). Based on research we believe that while Coco Chanel designed the interlocking CC logo she didn’t use it much in her designs, it was Karl Lagerfeld who introduced the interlocking CC closure on the flaps.
The term CLASSIC FLAP commonly refers to the flap with the interlocking CC logo closure, chain with interwoven leather, and more rounded shape to the outer flap. The jumbo classic flap has a single flap, the medium is double flap.
The Classic Flap comes in many sizes: 1) XL or Maxi, 2) Jumbo, 3) Medium, 4) Mini, 5) East/West, 6) Kelly, etc.
The 2005 Commemorative 2.55 Reissue:
In February 2005 Karl Lagerfeld re-made the 2.55 - exactly as Coco Chanel had made in 1955 in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the 2.55. It came to be known as the REISSUE. Technically the term REISSUE should only be used for the bags that were made to commemorate the original - so only those in 2005. However, it has become convenient to call all 2.55s that resemble the original 2.55 REISSUEs and all 2.55s that have the interlocking CCs CLASSIC FLAPS.
The 2005 Commemorative REISSUE was available in three colors (black w/gold hardware, grey w/silver hardware, and white w/silver hardware) and 5 sizes. The sizes are commonly referred to as 224, 225, 226, 227, 228 and the numbers correspond to the last 3 numbers of the style code.
(Information courtesy of The Purse Forum)
