To the untrained eye, Hermès stamping will appear ambiguous and even irrelevant, but in reality, each stamp tells a unique story. Hermès refers to these markings as ‘blind stamps’. Essentially, it’s a code that indicates the date the handbag was manufactured and can be used to determine the authenticity of each Hermès bag.
The iconicity of Hermès has been retained throughout its 180-year tenure as the leading luxury fashion brand. So, here, we’ve curated this guide to share the secrets of the brand’s stamping.
Hermès blind stamps refer to the logo embossed in gold or silver print. Below, we’ve broken down the core leather blind stamps. It’s important to note that alongside letters/shapes, there can be additional numbers which signify the section of the atelier in which the bag maker works.
Alphabet Hermès Stamping
Hermès Circle Stamping
Hermès Square Stamping
When analysing Hermès blind stamps, it’s important to know that you may come across unique stamps.
The shooting star, situated under the stamp, signifies a product that was created for a Hermès craftsman’s personal use. Whilst a debossed ‘S’ indicates that an item has been purchased at a discounted employee rate.
Hermès Shooting Star & S Stamps
Exotic Stamps:
Annually, Hermès release a cult collection of exotic designs, crafted in an array of rare, scaled leathers.
The prestige of these leather types is made apparent in the blind stamps:
The Square (☐):
This symbol is used to identify an item as being made using Alligator Mississippiensis.
The Carat (^):
This pointed symbol is added to an item when Crocodile Porosus is used.
The Double Dots (..):
The shortened ellipsis symbolizes when an item is made using Crocodile Niloticus.
The Dash (-):
This unassuming dash symbolizes when Varanus Niloticus Lizard is used.
The Equal Sign (=):
The equal sign is used to represent when Varanus Salvator Lizard has been used to create a particular item.
Hermès Exotic Stamping
When looking for the date stamp, the first places to look are:
· The inside of the bag
· Under the tab (depending on the model)
· On either side of the strap
Each type of Hermès handbag has its specific area where the code can be found, however, these will change depending on the year they were manufactured.
For example, the date stamps on the Hermès Birkins and Kellys can often be found on the interior panel of the bag or the exterior arm. The Constance stamp is commonly found on the middle interior panel.
Where To Find Hermès Stamps
If you spot a horseshoe to the left of the stamping, then you’re in the company of a bespoke Hermès. The horseshoe is displayed on each custom Hermès product and signifies the brand's heritage of saddle crafting.
It demonstrates the owner is recognised by Hermès as a top collector and that the item fits their specific requirements. The process of deciding and crafting your specifications with the Hermès artisans will take months or in some cases even a year.
Hermès Horseshoe Stamping
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