IS IT A REISSUE OR IS IT A 2.55?

Let me start by saying that every reissue is a 2.55 but not every 2.55 is a reissue!

The original 2.55 Flap was first created by Coco Chanel in February 1955. As well all know that’s where the flap took its name from. The 2 for February and 55 for the year 1955.

zeko's

It was the first handbag that was carried on the shoulder, before that it was unacceptable and inadequate for a woman to do so ( among many other things that were unacceptable for women to do before and maybe now?? ) anyways, the original design of the 2.55 wasn’t the same as now, the chain was made of One cable links chain strap, the links were small and oval, not like now with thicker and woven links twisted together forming that rope Bijoux chain that we all know.

zeko's

The original Mademoiselle lock was also smaller and thinner and didn’t have the word CHANEL engraved on the lock.

Later on, some feet were added to the bottom of the bag but they were removed later.

zeko's

The design changed again and a push-lock replaced the Mademoiselle lock but that was also removed as well.

zeko's

During WW2 there was a shortage of all hardware because metal was in high demand for war. So to adjust to that and to continue production of the 2.55 Coco Chanel added leather to the chain so she can cut on the use of hardware on the chain. ( that’s why the woven chain has one cable chain strap to this day, it was the modified version of the original 2.55 strap due to war).

But this also didn’t last for long, postwar Chanel resumed making the Chain with full metal on the 2.55 but the woven chain was not discontinued.

zeko's

Now the Re-issue came in when Mr.Karl brought back the 2.55 to light again in 2005 (Métiers d’arts show), If you notice before 2005, most of the 2.55s are either flaps with Bijoux chain and CC turn-lock or a Mademoiselle lock and leather woven chain strap. Look up Chanel 2.55 series 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 seven digits serial numbers, it’s hard to find one flap that’s has a full Bijoux chain and Mademoiselle lock together. And the reason for that is that Mr. Karl changed the look of the lock on the 2.55 from the Mademoiselle lock to the CC lock.