Are you a Hermès lover or looking to buy your first Hermès bag? Many questions must pop up in your head to ensure that this is an original Birkin, Kelly, or other. But how to be certain? One of the methods: check Hermès Stamps, also known as Blind + Stamp Symbols.
Each stamp is unique and can provide different information: the year it was made, the letter or symbol representing the craftsman, and sometimes markings indicating the material and size. When investing in a luxury bag, paying attention to these small details can make all the difference in finding a truly exceptional piece.
So, if you want to know more about stamps and how to be aware of them. Then continue to read an article we created especially for your needs. Let's spill the beans of stamps together!
Blind Stamp
Date Code(Stamp) + Craftsman Code(Stamp) = Blind Stamp
The Blind Stamp gets its mysterious name because it is hidden and difficult to discern. Don't worry if you don't find it at a glance...The location of the stamp can vary greatly between different Hermes handbag models. So, you have to become a bloodhound for a while.
How to find Blind Stamp?
- Check hardware or inside the bag on the side (as a general rule in Birkin and Kelly).
- If you didn't find it – do a quick research on the relevant handbag model and check where the stamp should be.
Where are Date Stamp and Craftsmans Stamps?
Date Stamp
The Date Stamp on your Hermès handbag can tell you when it was made and help you confirm its color and leather. The system uses single letters in alphabetical order, often surrounded by a shape.
- 1945 to 1970 - no shapes were used
- 1971 to 1996 - circle shape
- 1997 to 2014 - square shape
- 2015 to 2023 - no shape again
But some years have their peculiarities.
If you're trying to figure out when your Hermès handbag was made, this chart can help!
Hermes Date Stamp
Other numbers or letters near Date Code – Craftsman indicators. Read about them in the next section.
Craftsman Stamp
It is a part of Blind Stamp. Each craftsman leaves a signature on the created piece. Now our heads are spinning: sometimes it’s a symbol, other times extra letters, numbers, and so on!
For example, from 2015 onward, Hermès has used a more strict Blind Stamp system in an L LL NNN LL format. The first letter is the Date Stamp, and the following letters/numbers are Craftsman Stamps.
Note: Craftsman Stamps are used for the repair. So Hermès can determine who was the craftsman behind.
Examples of Craftsmans Stamps
Stamp Symbols
Hermès is known for using ultra-luxury materials in their high-end handbags, and they sometimes incorporate unique foil stamps to signify rare pieces. These additional symbols can seem confusing or randomly put. What does the horseshoe or square even mean?
But ok, what exactly do symbols identify?
- exotic textiles
- special orders
- craftsman personal product.
Take a look at a list to know exactly what each stamp means.
Hermes Stamp Symbols
Unique Anomalies
- 2011 Double-Blind Stamp
Some bags, including the Evelyne and the Double Sens, left the atelier with a “JO” in a rectangle rather than an “O” in a rectangle.
- 2014 R Without Shape
Later in 2014, production no longer had a surrounding shape because of the early Blind Stamp system renovation.
- From 2015 Hermès started to use kinda chaotic system
It was done to throw off counterfeiters.
So, now when you can read Hermès Blind Stamps, identify Symbols and search for anomalies – check on your own. It can be an exciting adventure to appreciate Hermès history and the uniqueness of each bag.