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(First published on July 28, 2017)
We have already discussed common material Gucci uses, as well as a long 3-part post for an excellent Gucci serial number check.
We now continue with this ‘Ultimate Gucci Guide‘ to tell if a Gucci bag is real (or fake) with another detail that needs your attention.
When buying Gucci purses on Ebay, you will immediately notice other Gucci-marked exterior details aside from the material the bag is made of.
The usual ones are a small rectangular leather stitched in front, a metal plaque, a leather patch or even hanging parts.
That Rectangular Leather
Here is a close-up photo of the rectangular leather detail for my authentic $10 Gucci messenger bag. We have the 1) trademark symbol (®), 2) the GUCCI in uppercase, and 3) ‘made in italy’ in lowercase.

Leather rectangle tag on brown Gucci monogram coated canvas. Click the photo to see that the two legs of ‘U’ have a different width
Now, take a look at an example of a FAKE Gucci rectangular leather, with the same coated monogram canvas material. You can see the sloppy details in the lettering, the embossing was shoddily inconsistent, and the position of the ® is off-center.
The example below is a “better” fake. For an untrained eye, this looks okay but if you look closely, you see the red flags.
Next, let us take a look at an authentic example of the rectangular leather tag in an authentic Gucci monogram canvas.
The first below is from the popular Gucci Monogram Canvas Tote Bag with Red and Green Stripe Handle (we have one for sale here!), while the second one was from a Gucci crossbody bag. Both of these are authentic leather tags. They differ in size because the first was from a large tote, while the second was from a small bag.
Now, take a look at examples of rectangular tag from a fake Gucci monogram canvas bag. The details here look stupendously off.
Here is a black monogram canvas version of the $10 messenger bag. You will see that they share the same detail, except of course, for the color and material. Both have the embossed line on top and the bottom, the registered trademark symbol, the GUCCI and ‘made in italy’.
You can also go as far as counting the stitches, as they have 7 on each side.
For instance, look at the fake Gucci rectangular leather here. This is also for a black monogram canvas material similar to the one directly above. By now, you will notice the wrong details in the embossing, as well as the weird stitches — some stitches are too tight, while only 1 of the 4 corners had the finishing stitch overlapping the leather.
Let me indulge you with this gold monstrosity, which is an irony of its own. Look closely at the stitching and the embossing, and compare it with the authentic ones above. This is a bit tricky because, aside from the sheen of the leather, it seems like the details are okay. However, look at the ‘m‘ and ‘y‘ in ‘made in italy’.
The two examples below are from an authentic nylon canvas version of that $10 Gucci bag (interesting because, at one point, I had 4 bags of the same style but with different materials). Compare it again to the examples we had above and the details are correct.

Leather rectangle tag on black Gucci nylon canvas
Meanwhile, the one below is from a Gucci luggage made from heavy cotton canvas material. Notice the absence of embossed horizontal lines on top and bottom.
Other Exterior Details
In some bags, Gucci used a metal hardware engraved with the usual details. Look at the example of a nylon canvas crossbody bag below.
The next two photos are the embossing on the leather on the flap of Gucci camera bags, made from 1) monogram canvas, and 2) nylon canvas.
Meanwhile, there are times when you see rectangular leather like this which (aside from the trademark symbol and GUCCI made in italy’) has a numbering below. If you look closely, the lettering is not etched. The numbering must also conform with one of the two rows in the serial number tag inside.
Leather rectangle tag with studs on black Gucci monogram canvas bag
Not all exterior details are put in a rectangle. This round leather patch is found in vintage box crossbody bag. Notice the very clear details of the lettering that conforms with the anatomy of a Gucci logo font. You can also make out the slanting stitches even with the circular shape.
This authentic leather patch below also has the GG interlocking logo.
In the example of a Gucci flap messenger bag, you can see the clean lines of the standard writing.
Last but not the least, here is an authentic leather luggage tag. This is an excellent example because the details of the GUCCI are crisp and clear, and the stitching is correctly done
These are important details to see, on top of the leather tag and serial number analysis that we did. This could help you out when looking at Gucci bags for sale online. It will also be best to bookmark this page during your next Ebay shopping.
If you are overwhelmed, you could always request for us to look at your bag instead. For only $5, you are assured of our quick and stress-free authentication. A luxury bag is something you don’t scrimp $5 for, right?
Next on the series, I will be discussing Gucci hardware.
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‘ULTIMATE GUCCI GUIDE’: CLICK A SECTION
Hello,
This encyclopedia is beautiful!! Thank you very much for this rich information about Gucci bags!
I have read all the parts but i couldn’t find this information: About the leather tag (external) of the GG Dipped Canvas Messenger Bag with Signature Web Strap, where should it be? Is this important for checking the bag?
I mean where should be the top horizontal line of the leather tag ? Does it close the whole two GG monogram letters? Or does the top line of the leather tag be over just the serifs of the Gs? Or under the serifs of the Gs?
Thank you very much…
Hi! You’re welcome! I am not sure of what you are referring to, but in case, is this what you like to point out (not touching the GG):
https://cdna.lystit.com/photos/16fb-2014/05/07/gucci-beige-original-gg-canvas-messenger-bag-product-1-19761721-4-266467869-normal.jpeg
I have also seen a Gucci GG Dipped bag with the leather tag in front of the bag touching the GG, and these should be fine:
https://cdnc.lystit.com/photos/c361-2014/11/17/gucci-brown-original-gg-canvas-messenger-bag-product-1-25536222-0-768971207-normal.jpeg
Yes ! I exactly want to find out this ! 🙂
Is this ok touching or not touching the GG for authentic ones?
Hi! I think this should not be a problem. There are variations on the placement of this rectangular tag.
Take for instance this photo:
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/Oi4AAOSwmblZwokj/s-l1600.jpg
I have looked at the other details of the bag (especially the serial number and the leather tag inside) and things look good. =)
So I understand that placement of the tag also can change for the same models… Right?
For example, different Gucci GG Dipped bags can have different placement of the tags?
What do you think about the bag in the link below?
https://www.modacruz.com/bej-gucci-capraz-askili-canta-canta_5062231
It would be helpful to see the leather tag inside to be sure.
I’m about to pay 200 for a Gucci bag. I was wondering if I could send you a photo so you could tell me what you think?
Hi! Please post photos of the bag so we can have a good look. Cheers!
Hello,
I’m a bit overwelmned by all the small details and I am not sure if I have a winner or loser haha. Can you all help?
https://www.marktplaats.nl/a/sieraden-tassen-en-uiterlijk/tassen-damestassen/m1302917045-gucci-matelasse-nude-tas-original.html?c=8c285449651fa109c354bbabe740c1b&previousPage=lr
Hi Carmen! I would be needing clear and close up photos of this Gucci Marmont (serial number and leather tag). Thanks!
Hello! I want to buy the Gucci briefcase. But it seems to me that the leather stripes at the front sewed asymmetrically. Can you please help me with that? Thanks!
https://ibb.co/iEkOEp
https://ibb.co/mN43fU
https://ibb.co/nO1S79
https://ibb.co/mXBzLU
https://ibb.co/mHfyEp
https://ibb.co/dqoPn9
https://ibb.co/eOAFup
https://ibb.co/hMQgZp
Hi! I am inclined to think that this Gucci bag with serial number “200180 200047” is fake.
Curious as to whether the following bag is genuine?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Gucci-Baby-Diaper-Bag-Brown-GG-Monogram-Please-Read-Description/164247495627?hash=item263de9e3cb:g:1KoAAOSwDFxe5ok~
Hi Christine! You may try BAGAHOLIC101’s Gucci bag authentication service for only a minimal fee of US$ 5 with a quick turnaround.
You may send the photos and your authentication request at contact@bagaholic101.com
More information here: https://bagaholic101.com/gucci-authentication-service-by-bagaholic-101/
Cheers!