Vintage or not, here's how to tell in one second: If there's a hallmark: vintage. If there's no hallmark: not vintage.
Pictured below, is a vintage Chanel tote. Note the hallmark in the top left hand corner of the CC logo:
What's the deal with the Chanel 24k gold hallmark?
The hallmark is essentially a small indicator on the metal hardware commonly associated with pre-2008 Chanel gold hardware. Its position can vary, often near the top left, top right, or bottom right of the CC logo.
Why does it matter?
Collectors use the hallmark as one clue when dating a Chanel bag, because Chanel stopped using real 24k gold-plated hardware around late 2008.
At MGFT, we use 2008 as the cutoff year for vintage. The hallmark makes this an easy visual indicator.