First, you need to understand and determine the year of the bag, as the Gucci brand has created many different styles and models over the years. When you have chosen a particular bag, try to find similar models online and compare photos carefully. Pay attention to the shape, size, proportions, color, fabric pattern. If by these factors the models match, you can proceed to a more detailed analysis. Here are some quick hints to help you determine if your handbag is indeed an original Gucci model.

1. Zippers and hardware

The first thing we look at is, of course, the hardware. While there are many differences between the types of hardware, depending on the model and year of manufacture, they all have one thing in common - quality. Make sure the color and finish of the hardware is metallic and uniform. Zippers should fasten very smoothly, be sturdy and heavy duty. Most parts (clasps, locks, rivets) have brand engraving - at least on one or two elements they should be present.

The top handle made of bamboo is iconic for Gucci. It began to be made during World War II because of the shortage of leather and metal. Bamboo is carefully handcrafted over an open fire and lacquered to achieve a quality bronze finish, and must be dense and smooth to the touch. 

2- Seams

Look carefully at the stitching to make sure it is even and uniform. Be sure to check the seams on the inside of the bag. The bags are made of strong thread and the stitches are spaced the same distance from the edge. If you see any uneven stitching, rips or gaps in the stitching, it is most likely a fake.

3. Check the serial number

Looking inside the bag, you'll find a rectangular leather tag next to the inside zipper pocket. It should have three lines of heat-sealed text on the front and the serial number on the back.

Make sure the front of this tag has the trademark ® in a circle on the top line. Immediately below it should read "GUCCI" written in fully capitalized Gucci font. Look closely at the font: the letters "G" and "C" should be round, almost like incomplete circles.

Note that Gucci's numeric font should have serifs and look like a typewriter.

The serial number should have 10 to 13 digits arranged in two rows. The first row refers to the style of the bag, and the second row refers to the supplier or batch code. 

Remember, however, that this code is not unique to your particular bag - other bags identical to yours, from the same series and the same supplier will have the same code.

But vintage Gucci bags often have a single row of less than 10-13 digits on more rounded leather tags.

The serial number in a vintage bag

Gucci bags manufactured before the 1960s were labeled with model numbers. In the 1960s, some bags had a model number on them, while others did not. 

In the 1970s, Gucci bags had no serial number or model number on them, just the Gucci font written in italics. 

In the early 1980s, the Gucci brand released a collection of accessories with the serial number printed in gold.

Vintage logo, original serial number and fake one

4. Materials

As a leading luxury brand, Gucci manufactures its bags only from the highest quality materials. That's why you can find Gucci bags from the 70s and 80s in very good condition. 

If you have the opportunity to physically inspect the bag, feel the material it is made of. Fakes often use cheap leather that will look, feel and even smell unnatural due to the fact that it is machine made and treated with low quality chemicals.

On cloth bags with the GG logo The pattern is not a print, but a woven pattern made with threads of two shades. If the pattern is simply printed on top of a solid color fabric - you have a fake in front of you. Also check the consistency, indents, font of the letters on the canvas.

The coloring of the bag should be uniform, there should be no dents on the coating, the material of the original bag will not be wrinkled, but smooth.

5. Duster (cloth bag to hold the bag)

The style of the duster has been modified several times. In the 70's it was black and brown in color and had the GG branded pattern. The silky textured fabric with ties is the same color as the duster. The composition is 63% viscose and viscose and 37% polyester.

Then came a light brown one with laces and gold Gucci lettering.

After that was a dark brown duster made of cotton, gold Gucci lettering.

The most recent model is white, silky and smooth to the touch, and has a rectangular logo tag sewn on the front. The threads of the fabric should be arranged vertically, and there should be no stitching on the black label. 

But remember: the fact that there is a real duster to the bag does not yet guarantee its authenticity. 

At first, authenticating Gucci handbags may seem complicated. However, if you are aware of the basic criteria for identifying a fake, you can confidently get the vintage handbag of your dreams!