In an era of hyper-realistic counterfeits, the luxury market has become a minefield of uncertainty. The emotional and financial risk of purchasing a replica undermines the very essence of luxury: the legacy of craftsmanship.
"We built CLB XXIII to be the safe place to buy luxury goods."
Our master authenticators perform a multi-sensory forensic analysis on every piece that enters our archive, ensuring the provenance and structural integrity of the artifact.
Our 4-Point Standard
Sourcing
We only acquire pieces from vetted private collections and trusted institutional partners with fully verifiable ownership histories. Every provenance chain is documented before we take possession.
Physical Inspection
Structural analysis of leather grain, textile weight, and stitching density using high-magnification optics. We measure against documented brand production tolerances - not generic checklists.
Hardware Verification
Exhaustive review of zippers, engravings, and logo stamps cross-referenced against our proprietary master database of 200+ brands across multiple production years and model variants.
Final Quality Check
A second, independent expert conducts a blind verification - without access to the first inspector's findings. Both verdicts must align before the CLB XXIII authentication seal is issued.
The CLB XXIII Promise
We stand behind the items we sell.
If you have concerns about the authenticity of a product purchased from CLB XXIII, you may request a review. If, upon inspection, an item is determined by our team to be not authentic, we will provide a full refund. Every item is also covered by a 14-day free return window - shop with complete confidence.
Inquiries
Each brand leaves behind traceable physical signatures that counterfeiters consistently get wrong.
On a Hermès Birkin, we verify the blind stamp (a letter code indicating the year and atelier), the saddle stitch count per inch (which varies by leather type), and the weight and texture of the hardware - authentic palladium hardware has a specific density that brass plating does not replicate.
On Chanel, we examine the hologram sticker series number against the card, the quilting symmetry at the seam (authentic bags mirror-match the diamond pattern), and the CC lock alignment.
These are not visual checks - they are measurable, documented tolerances specific to each production year.
Yes - and it happens frequently. A certificate alone proves nothing. Counterfeit operations routinely produce certificates, dust bags, receipts, and even branded boxes. This is why we do not accept seller-provided documentation as evidence of authenticity.
Our authentication is based entirely on the physical item. We cross-reference serial numbers, date codes, and hardware against brand production records, and for watches we verify movement serial numbers against manufacturer databases.
A certificate we issue is generated after the item passes inspection - it is an output of authentication, not an input.
Every major house makes incremental changes to hardware, linings, stitching, and packaging - sometimes seasonally. A 2003 Louis Vuitton Speedy has different heat stamp characteristics than a 2019 version.
Authentication requires knowing the production timeline for each model. We maintain version-specific reference records for over 200 brands so that an item is evaluated against what that exact model should look like in that production year - not a generic standard.
An authenticator who applies a single checklist across all years will miss era-specific tells that experienced resellers exploit.
We authenticate categories where counterfeiting is most prevalent and where buyers face the highest financial risk:
- - Handbags and small leather goods (Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Bottega Veneta, Dior, Celine)
- - Fine watches (Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet)
- - Fine jewelry (Van Cleef, Tiffany, Bulgari)
- - Designer footwear (Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Common Projects)
We do not authenticate categories where counterfeit risk is low or where physical inspection is insufficient. We list exactly what we authenticate and do not overpromise coverage.
Every item goes through four sequential stages - none are skipped regardless of item value.
Stage 1 - Intake & Condition Logging
The item is received, weighed, and photographed under controlled lighting from 12 fixed angles. Condition is documented in writing before any inspection begins. Time: 1 business day.
Stage 2 - Primary Inspection
A category specialist evaluates the item against our brand- and year-specific reference database. This covers hardware tolerances, stitching density, serial and date code formatting, lining materials, and closure mechanisms. Time: 1–2 business days for standard items, up to 5 for pieces above $10,000.
Stage 3 - Independent Second Review
A second authenticator - who has not seen the first specialist's findings - conducts their own inspection and submits a separate verdict. Both verdicts must agree for the item to pass. Time: 1 business day.
Stage 4 - Result & Documentation
Every item is logged and fully documented. Total standard window: 4–5 business days. We do not compress Stage 2 or Stage 3 to meet faster turnaround requests.
CLB XXIII
Authentication Guarantee
& Full Policy
CLB XXIII Authentication Guarantee
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Multi-point physical inspection by trained authenticators
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Material, stitching, and tag verification
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Condition graded using internal standardized criteria
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Ships sealed and tracked
We stand behind the items we sell.
If you have concerns about the authenticity of a product purchased from CLB XXIII, you may request a review. If, upon inspection, an item is determined by our team to be not authentic, we will provide a full refund.
For your peace of mind, this piece was physically authenticated at our CLBXXIII flagship location (Beavercreek).
Shipping
Processing and Delivery
We aim to ship every order within 24–48 hours of purchase. Delivery times shown at checkout are estimates from the date of dispatch. In any event, orders are delivered within 30 days of us accepting your order.
Insurance and Signature
Every shipment is fully insured by CLB XXIII while in transit. Select items - typically higher-value pieces - require a signature on delivery. Once the package is signed for, responsibility for the item passes to you.
If you've specified a recipient other than yourself (for example, a gift), a signature at that address is accepted as proof of delivery.
International Orders
Customs, duties, and import charges are the customer's responsibility and are not included in your order total. CLB XXIII is not liable for delays caused by destination customs clearance.
Delays Outside Our Control
If a shipment is delayed by an event outside of our control, we'll contact you as soon as possible and take steps to minimize the impact. You're also responsible for ensuring the shipping address on file is correct.
Returns
14 day - return window
Every piece we carry is individually sourced, inspected, and authenticated in-store before it's listed. Because of this one-of-one sourcing model, we do not accept change-of-mind returns or exchanges.
We want you to buy with confidence - so please reach out with any questions about condition, sizing, or authenticity before placing your order. Our team can send additional photos, measurements, or detailed condition notes on request.
Authenticity Guarantee
If any item is ever proven to be not authentic, you receive 100% of your money back. No time limit, no exceptions.
Every piece passes in-store authentication by our team before listing. If a third-party authenticator ever determines an item is not genuine, contact us with the documentation and we'll refund the full purchase price.
Before You Buy
Call Us
Walk through the item on the phone
Visit a Store
See it in person at Kenwood or Fairfield Commons
Request More Photos
Additional angles, details, or serial numbers
Damaged or Wrong Item Received
If your package arrives damaged or contains the wrong item, contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos. We'll resolve it directly.