Authenticity
Our Two-Step Authentication Process
At Hard To Find Vintage, authenticity is at the heart of everything we do. Every handbag undergoes a thorough two-step authentication process before it becomes part of our collection, combining our own expertise with independent third-party verification.
We’re here to change the narrative around vintage designer, replacing uncertainty with confidence, transparency and trust.
Entrupy Verified
Every eligible handbag in our collection is authenticated through Entrupy, an independent third-party authentication service specialising in luxury goods. Entrupy uses advanced AI-powered technology and microscopic imaging to examine the physical characteristics of each item. These images are analysed against a comprehensive database of authenticated genuine and counterfeit luxury goods to determine authenticity.
Each authenticated piece is accompanied by its corresponding Entrupy Certificate of Authenticity; a unique verification reference and scannable QR code, allowing you to independently verify the authentication directly through Entrupy.
Simply scan the QR code to access the item's verification information through Entrupy's own platform. This means you never have to rely solely on our word.
Why We Use Independent Authentication
We believe authenticity should be something you can verify, not simply something you're asked to trust.
That's why we combine our own detailed inspection process with independent Entrupy authentication. Entrupy operates separately from Hard To Find Vintage and is not affiliated with the luxury brands whose products it authenticates, providing an additional, objective layer of verification.
The result is a two-stage authentication process designed to give you as much confidence as possible in every purchase.
Step One: Our In-House Assessment
Our team carefully examines each handbag against the characteristics and authentication markers relevant to its specific brand, model and production era.
This includes assessing:
- Serial numbers, date codes & heat stamps - checking format, placement and characteristics against the brand and production period.
- Hardware & detailing - examining materials, weight, engravings, finishes, zips and other hardware details.
- Stitching & construction - assessing stitch consistency, spacing, thread, construction techniques and overall craftsmanship.
- Materials - examining leather, canvas, lining and other materials for characteristics consistent with the original piece and its era.
- Branding, logos & typography - checking proportions, spacing, placement, embossing and other brand-specific details.
- Overall construction - considering the silhouette, structure, proportions and craftsmanship of the handbag as a whole.
- Accompanying documentation - where applicable, reviewing authenticity cards, receipts, dust bags, boxes, care cards and other original accessories. These are considered alongside the physical characteristics of the bag rather than used as sole proof of authenticity.
We take a holistic approach because no single detail should determine whether a vintage handbag is genuine. The age, model and production period of each piece are taken into consideration throughout the assessment.
Step Two: Independent Entrupy Verification
Following our in-house assessment, the handbag undergoes authentication through Entrupy.
Entrupy uses high-resolution microscopic imaging and AI-powered technology to analyse the item's physical characteristics and compare them against its database of verified authentic and counterfeit examples.
Where Entrupy determines that the item is authentic, an Entrupy Certificate of Authenticity is issued for that specific piece.
This gives every eligible handbag a second layer of authentication from an independent specialist, alongside our own assessment.
Credible. Verifiable. Transparent.
Our approach combines careful in-house expertise, independent technology and transparent documentation to ensure that every Hard To Find Vintage piece is offered with confidence.
Because when you're investing in a rare vintage designer handbag, knowing it's authentic is non-negotiable.
Our Commitment to Authenticity
Authenticity is fundamental to Hard To Find Vintage. While we take extensive measures to ensure the accuracy of every authentication, no authentication process can be considered infallible. Should an item ever be independently proven to be inauthentic please contact us at hardtofindvntg@gmail.com.
Disclaimer
Hard To Find Vintage is not affiliated with any brands sold.