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How to Identify an Authentic Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas. Since 1854, Louis Vuitton has been in the business of manufacturing and distributing high-end, couture accessories. One of his most popular purses is the Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas. You can find what seem like Louis Vuitton purses everywhere you go these days, but chances are, only a small percentage of them are authentic. Most of the purses are knock-offs or copycats. If you are interested in purchasing a Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas handbag but are concerned about authenticity, you're not alone. It's difficult to keep track of the tell-tale signs of knock-offs. Telling the fake Louis Vuitton from the real McCoy takes a good eye, some patience and a little product knowledge.

Look to see if your Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas purse comes with a yellow authenticity card, a tag or canvas sample swatch attached anywhere to the item. Louis Vuitton has never used a yellow card, nor has it ever attached tags or canvas swatches to any item in any of their lines. If your purse has any of these items, it's a fake.

Look at the handle of your purse. Louis Vuitton never covers the handle with tissue paper or plastic.

Look at the leather details on the purse. It should be a pinkish-flesh color when new and a light, honey brown when aged. It should never be yellow or dark brown. Any leather trim will also have yellow stitching.

Check to see if your purse has a base or bottom that has been sewn on. Authentic Louis Vuitton purses are usually made from one single, unbroken piece of leather or canvas.

Look very closely at the seams of the purse. Are any of the "LV" monogram symbols cut off? Louis Vuitton never cuts into the "LV" on a monogram canvas item. Regardless of where the individual monogram symbols appear on an item, they should all be whole. One possible exception is on the Ellipse.

Turn the handbag around and look at the back. The monogram symbols should be upside down. If they're not, the bag is not an authentic Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas.

Warning

Don't believe an item is an authentic Louis Vuitton just because a seller asks a lot of money for it. Even a trusted, established seller can get taken now and then. Always do your own inspection of the monogram canvas. Sometimes sellers on eBay either don't know how to photograph an item in a way that allows you to examine it properly, or they are trying to prevent you from doing so. If you see an item on eBay you're interested in, but you aren't satisfied with the available photo(s), ask to be shown additional photos. A seller with an authentic product won't mind.