Hermès stamps are a unique identity mark that allows products to be traced back to their origin, ensuring the authenticity and value of the brand. In our previous article, we taught you how to read Hermès’ year stamps and where these stamps are hidden. This article will serve as an extension of the Hermès stamping theme, and today we will share two important stamping elements— the craftsman stamp and other special stamps.
2 | The Formation of Hermes Blind Stamp
Hermès stamps are important marks used to indicate product information, which mainly includes the following components:
Date Stamp
Craftsman Stamp
Special Stamp
Location of the Stamps
The location of Hermès stamps varies depending on the type of product and is usually hidden in less noticeable places:
Birkin and Kelly bags: Located on the leather inside the flap, near the metal clasp.
Wallets: Found on the edge of the leather lining.
Other small leather goods: Can be found in a corner of the interior.
3 | Craftsman Stamp
Hermès craftsman stamps are unique identification marks that indicate which artisan or workshop produced a specific item. Since every Hermès product is handmade by highly skilled artisans, this craftsman stamp serves as a traceable mark that reveals the identity of the artisan or the workshop behind the creation.
This stamp is typically found alongside the date stamp and is part of Hermès’ stamping system. The craftsman stamp usually consists of a combination of letters, numbers, or symbols that represent the code for that particular artisan or workshop. This stamp is a crucial element of Hermès products, highlighting the uniqueness of each piece and reflecting the brand's commitment to craftsmanship and quality.
For collectors or buyers, understanding the craftsman stamp, just like the date stamp, is an important aspect of verifying the authenticity of Hermès products and tracing their history.
4 | Exotic Leather Stamp
Everyone dreams of owning a special Hermès handbag, as these leathers make the bags more unique, rare, and luxurious. Hermès uses the finest leathers from around the world, carefully selected from Australia to the Amazon. If you're not quite sure how to distinguish special leathers, we have a simple guide to help you identify them easily.
Crocodile Porosus “Λ”
(bagsattire.com)
This is one of the rarest types of crocodile skin. Its small, symmetrical scales are beautiful, and the surface features tiny pores, making it quite distinctive. The skin of this crocodile is very smooth, making it particularly suitable for large-sized Birkin or Kelly bags. There are two finishes available: matte and shiny, with the shiny finish being finely polished.
Crocodile Niloticus “..”
It has larger and asymmetrical scales compared to the Crocodile Porosus, making them hard to distinguish without markings. It also comes in both matte and shiny finishes, with rich colors after polishing. While Crocodile Niloticus skin is generally more durable, its water stains are permanent. Typically, Crocodile Niloticus is cheaper than Crocodile Porosus, but the matte Crocodile Niloticus used for the Himalaya bag is an exception. The Himalaya bags utilize a dense dyeing technique that showcases natural shades of brown, gray, and white, making them one of the rarest collectibles in the world.
Mississippiensis Alligator “口”
Mississippiensis Alligator has larger, square-shaped scales and a rougher texture on the spine. While the pores between the scales are not visible, the skin feels thicker and more durable. This type of crocodile skin is available in both matte and shiny finishes.
Lizard Niloticus “—”
(sleekpackshop.com)
This type of lizard is very rare and has a strong glossy finish. Due to its size, lizard skin is typically used only for small bags and trims. It is quite delicate, prone to drying out, and requires careful maintenance.
Lizard Salvator “＝”
(emier.com)
This rare and valuable lizard from Southeast Asia is not commonly found. Hermès typically does not over-process it to preserve its natural texture. The scales of the Salvador Lizard are hexagonal and are often used for gradient-colored items, making it one of the rarest types of lizard skin. The Ombre Lizard Birkin and Kelly bags are among the rarest styles made from lizard skin, often referred to as the Himalaya of lizard leather.
Ostrich “No stamp”
Ostrich leather is the easiest special leather to recognize, as it has no markings. The round pores are hair follicles, and the more there are, the more valuable the leather becomes. Hermès uses common ostriches from South Africa, and this leather changes color over time, making it quite unique.
5 | Horseshoe Stamp
(janefinds.com)
If your Hermès item has a horseshoe stamp, then it is a truly enchanting custom piece. This stamp symbolizes special customization, representing that every detail—from color and material to stitching and hardware—is meticulously tailored to the owner's specifications.
Hermès custom bags are made according to customer requests, allowing for choices in color, leather, metal accessories, stitching, and style. This exclusive experience is primarily reserved for VIP customers, who typically have strong purchase histories and loyalty to the brand, often visiting the stores regularly.
Each year, Hermès accepts custom orders twice, with each store having a limited number of orders. After placing an order, it must be approved by the store manager before being sent to Paris for review. Occasionally, orders may be rejected. Once successfully reserved, customers must patiently wait for six to eighteen months; if they choose rare leather, the wait could extend to three years.
About ten years ago, Hermès began stamping each custom bag with a horseshoe-shaped logo (HSS). This mark not only looks beautiful but also signifies the bag's rarity and the owner's unique identity.
Previously, there were almost no restrictions on color choices for custom bags, but as demand has increased, options have become more limited. Most VIP customers can now select a maximum of two colors—one for the exterior and one for the interior. The stitching color can either match the leather or be in contrasting shades.
As for leather options, Hermès offers a wide variety, including Epsom calfskin, Togo calfskin, goat skin, Clemence leather, Swift calfskin, and the newly introduced Taurillion Novillo calfskin. Dual-tone ostrich leather is relatively rare, while crocodile and alligator skins are the most sought-after.
6 | Shooting Star Stamp
It is said that items with shooting star stamps are specially made for Hermès internal staff or craftsman’s personal use. In the past, these items were highly regarded for their rarity, but in recent years, people have placed more emphasis on the intrinsic appeal and stories behind the items rather than their mystery.
7 | S Stamp
The "S" stamp indicates discounted items or sale products sold at special sales events. It can sometimes be confused with the manufacturing year of 1989.
