Partagas Serie D No. 4 bands

[Arctic Dude]

I originally posted the following on the Suspect Cigar thread...

“At some point I thought I came across some discussion re: the bands on this cigar having some kind of maker's mark on them from the printer. This, I thought I remember hearing, was a way to help distinguish the real deal D4's from their cheeky counterfeit cohorts?!?!  Anyone else hear this...or just more hogwash???”

However, the few responses seem to be about whether or not it is worth it to counterfeit D4’s and not really much about the actual bands. Is there only one printer/supplier for all recent Habanos releases?? Has anyone heard about any specific printer’s marking on the D4 band?? 

Thanks...Happy Friday (or whatever day it is where you are)!! 

[NSXCIGAR]

Dutch company Vrijdag produces all the bands for Habanos and has since at least 2009. Their printer's mark is the small "V" located on the end of the bands which is unseen when on the cigar. This is generally not reproduced on fakes and its presence would be a good indication that the band is genuine, however a genuine band doesn't preclude a fake cigar. Acquiring genuine bands is often not that difficult as well--I wouldn't rely solely on the band to determine a cigar's authenticity. Any and all packaging must be examined and the cigars themselves.

I have seen counterfeit D4 and P2 in my life. All the global brands are liable to be faked. Non-global brands are rarely faked these days. I have seen in my life fake Diplomaticos, Bolivar, Por Larranaga and Trinidad although it's rarer these days.

[Arctic Dude]

Thanks @NSXCIGAR!! I get all my smokes from here now so I, personally, am not worried about fakes. A friend had mentioned the “v” (or some such marking) and I thought I had remembered hearing something about it. Just wanted to check with the far more experienced and knowledgeable minds here!!!