Want to know when your Hermès bag was made? Since 1945, Hermès has used various symbols and stamps. We’ve put together a detailed guide to help you understand the bag you’re about to purchase. In this article, you’ll learn how to easily interpret the Hermès date stamps.
Unlike many other brands, Hermès doesn’t advertise itself with large logos, nor does it provide labels or authenticity cards. All the information about the bag is hidden in special symbols pressed into the leather, known as "blind stamps." This article will discuss an important aspect of Hermès bags—the date stamps—and how to identify the bag using these stamps, along with where to find them!
2｜What is Hermes Date Stamp
The date stamp represents the craftsmanship symbol of Hermès and serves as one of the key authentication points. The date stamps on the bags are symbols and letters engraved by different artisans during the production process, carrying significant artisanal meaning. These symbols not only indicate the bag's production year, code, and model but also significantly impact the bag's value, status, condition, and material, often being regarded as a critical point for authentication.
Typically, the location of the date stamp varies by era and bag type. It is usually found on the back of the front strap, but due to the increasing issue of counterfeiting, since 2015, these date stamps have gradually been moved to the inner edge of the bag. This change helps to more effectively prevent imitation.
3｜The Importance of Date Stamp
The date stamp is crucial for authenticating Hermès bags! For those looking to buy a second-hand Hermès bag, this stamp serves as a reliable method for verifying authenticity. It includes a specific code that indicates the year of manufacture. By comparing the date stamp with Hermès’ coding system, you can confirm whether the bag’s age matches the claimed production year. If the date stamp is correct, it significantly increases the likelihood that the bag is genuine, providing peace of mind for buyers and enhancing the value of the transaction!
Moreover, the date stamp not only aids in authentication but also plays a vital role in determining the market value of the bag. Hermès bags are often seen as investment pieces, and their market value can fluctuate based on various factors, with age being a significant one. Older Hermès bags, especially rare or limited editions, can sometimes be worth more than new ones. The manufacturing year indicated by the date stamp helps you accurately assess the bag's value in the second-hand market. Collectors and resellers rely on this information to set and negotiate prices, ensuring that each bag's value is properly recognized!
(source: purseblog)
4｜The Location of Date Stamp
In fact, only Hermès leather products have date stamps. For example, fabric bags do not have any stamps but come with special labels instead.
Another reason a Hermès leather product might not have a stamp is if it was released before 1944. During that time, Hermès did not use any stamps on its bags and accessories.
Finally, stamps may fade, especially in very old Hermès items.
When examining Hermès bags, the date stamp for larger bags is usually found on the back of the metal hardware, on the edges of the interior compartments, or at the bottom. These locations are not very obvious, so you need to pay extra attention!
For smaller leather goods, the stamp might be located inside the zipper compartment, behind the leather tag, or at the bottom of the interior. These areas are also quite hidden, so being meticulous is essential! I hope everyone finds their dream bag!
5｜Date Stamp Letter and Corresponding Years
First, let’s introduce the relationship between the production years and the date stamps! In general, we can summarize five different eras of Hermès and their corresponding date stamp formats.
Phrase 1: No Stamps (1922-1944)
In this first period, from the establishment of the Hermès leather goods department in 1922 until 1944, Hermès bags had no date stamps at all. It was only after this period that the date stamping system began to appear.
Phrase 2: Single-Letter Stamps (1945-1970)
In 1945, the second period began, marking the first appearance of date stamps, which consisted of a single letter. This system continued until 1970. Most stamps during this time were just a single letter without any other Hermès symbols.
Phrase 3: Letter in a Circle (1971-1996)
During the third period, Hermès decided to keep the letter system but added a circle around the letter. Bags produced between 1971 and 1996 can be identified by this encircled letter. Later, Hermès also began adding other symbols next to the letter.
Phrase 4: Letter in a Square (1997-2014)
Next came the period from 1997 to 2014, where the circular stamp was replaced with a perfect square. Bags from this era typically feature a square letter stamp, which may also have additional symbols nearby.
Phrase 5: Simplified Stamping System (2015-Present)
Starting in 2015, Hermès entered the fifth period, where the stamping system became more simplified. The first letter indicates the production year, while the subsequent letters and numbers represent the craftsman stamps. This design means that the date stamp no longer has accompanying symbols.
Additionally, to combat counterfeiting, Hermès intentionally made the order of the letters unpredictable. They no longer follow the alphabetical order but mix letters from the beginning and the end, making it difficult for counterfeiters to anticipate. For example, they skipped the letter S in 2015 and B in 2018—really clever moves by Hermès!
It’s worth mentioning that since 2015, the date stamps no longer have an outer frame. The font has become bolder, often paired with special symbols like dots and lines, which adds a unique touch!
6｜Table of Hermès Date Stamps and Corresponding Years
7｜Seond-Hand Consignment
If you’re unsure about the year of your Hermès handbag, welcome to Ones Vintage! We can help you inquire about and appraise your handbag. Whether it’s a vintage piece or the latest model, even if you’ve lost the authenticity card or have missing accessories, Ones Vintage offers consignment services for your bag.
We will actively inspect and authenticate your handbag, and as long as it meets our buying standards, we will provide you with an offer.
Additionally, we regularly launch sales promotions and cashback events, so feel free to come to Ones Vintage to sell your pre-owned products! If you have any more questions or need further clarification, don’t hesitate to let us know!
