Cracking the Code: A Guide to Gucci Handbag Serial Numbers (Style Codes)
For any Gucci aficionado, owning a piece from the iconic Italian fashion house is a dream. But with dreams come concerns, especially about authenticity. This is where the often-mysterious Gucci handbag serial number, also known as the style code, comes in.
What it is:
The Gucci serial number isn't quite a unique identifier like a fingerprint, but it's a key piece of the puzzle in determining a bag's legitimacy. It's a combination of numbers, typically 10-13 digits, that encode information about the bag's style and production.
It is not a Date Code like that of Louis Vuitton and Dior which tells you the year the bag is made, it is also not unique. Two bags may share the same Style code if they are the same model.
What it looks like:
Imagine a small, rectangular leather tag stitched inside your Gucci bag, usually near a zipper or the top. Flip it over, and you'll find the serial number debossed (heat stamped) on the underside, often in two rows. Some newer bags might also have a QR code on a separate fabric tag.
Where to find it:
While the location can vary slightly depending on the bag's style and age, here are some common spots to check:
- Inside a leather tag near a zipper or the top of the bag.
Gucci Leather Tag (left: front with Gucci label, right: style code)
- Directly embossed on the leather for smaller items like wallets.
Gucci Label and Style code on a Jackie 1961 Mini
- On a fabric tag with a QR code (for bags from around 2016 onwards).
Left and right side of the same QR code tag
Decoding the numbers:
The code itself doesn't reveal the exact year of production, but the first set of numbers typically functions as the style number, identifying the specific model of your bag. The remaining digits might represent a supplier code or other production information.
Below is a compilation of some Gucci handbags style code and the matching model. The same model may not always share the same style code as illustrated below, however if the handbag you purchased has a style code that is for a different model, then you should get it authenticated.
| Style Code | Model | Example |
| 119188 - 213317 | Horsebit 1955 Chain Clutch |  |
| 120134 - 001013 | Horsebit 1955 Chain Clutch |  |
| 138664 - 002214 | Purse |  |
| 636709 - 213317 | Jackie 1961 |  |
| 636709 - 486628 | Jackie 1961 |  |
| 637091 - 562600 | Jackie 1961 mini |  |
QR Codes: An Added Layer of Authentication
While the traditional style code remains important, Gucci has introduced QR codes on a separate black fabric tag typically found inside the bag around 2016 (though the exact year may vary). These QR codes offer an additional layer of authentication and are a welcome development for buyers.
What it looks like:
Imagine a small, black fabric tag stitched inside your Gucci bag, often near a zipper or the top. This tag will have a single, printed QR code. It's important to note that unlike some standard QR codes, Gucci's QR code is encrypted and won't be readable by most standard QR scanner apps.
Using the QR Code:
Here's where it gets interesting: Gucci's QR code system is closed-loop, meaning it requires the official Gucci app to function.
- Download or open the Gucci App on your smartphone.
- Navigate to the "My Gucci" section and locate the "Gucci Tag" option.
- Following the app's instructions, scan the QR code on the black fabric tag by placing your phone's camera over it.
What happens after scanning?
If the code is legitimate, the Gucci app should authenticate your bag and provide access to additional information about the product. This can be anything from care instructions to exclusive content related to your specific bag model.
NFC Authentication Technology
(source: Gucci.com)
According to the Gucci website, Gucci Tag is a feature embedded in certain Gucci products that allows for authentication using the Gucci App. Here's how it works:
- Download or open the Gucci App on your smartphone.
- Navigate to the "My Gucci" section and locate the "Gucci Tag" option.
- Following the app's instructions, scan the QR code on the black fabric tag by placing your phone's camera over it (applicable for bags around 2016 onwards).
By scanning the Gucci Tag, users can view information about the product, such as care instructions, and receive after-sale assistance directly from Gucci. This adds another layer of security for buyers alongside the traditional style code.
Import points to remember
By combining the traditional style code with the new QR code system, Gucci provides a more robust authentication process for its customers. So, next time you get your hands on a new Gucci bag, be sure to check for both the style code and the black fabric tag with the QR code for an extra dose of confidence in your purchase.
- The serial number isn't a foolproof guarantee of authenticity. Counterfeiters can sometimes copy them.
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Look for other quality indicators alongside the serial number, like:
- High-quality materials and construction.
- Flawless stitching and details.
- The correct Gucci logo font and embossing.
- A dust bag and authenticity card (for newer models).
- The presence (or absence) of the QR code is particularly important for bags produced from around 2016 onwards,as its inclusion became more widespread during this time.
- A missing QR code doesn't necessarily mean a bag is fake, but its presence adds another layer of confidence in the bag's authenticity.
For ultimate peace of mind:
If you're unsure about a bag's authenticity, consider getting it evaluated by a professional authentication service.
By understanding your Gucci handbag's style code and combining it with a watchful eye for quality, you can ensure you're getting the genuine article and adding a true piece of fashion history to your collection.
