Hermès bags are renowned for their craftsmanship, luxury, and timeless appeal. For buyers and collectors, ensuring a bag’s authenticity is crucial. One of the best ways to authenticate a Hermès bag and understand its age is by decoding its bag stamp. These stamps, often referred to as the blind stamp or date code, contain key details about the bag’s production, including the year and location of manufacture. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to decode these stamps to verify the authenticity of your Hermès bag and determine its year of production.
1. Understanding the Hermès Bag Blind Stamp
The blind stamp is a discreet marking found inside most Hermès bags. It is an essential feature for verifying the authenticity of a Hermès item. The blind stamp contains two key pieces of information:
- The Year of Production: A letter-based system is used to indicate the year the bag was created.
- The Production Location: A symbol or letter that reveals where the bag was made.
The blind stamp is usually located inside the bag, often near the interior pocket or the flap. It may also be found on the inside of the bag’s flap or under the hardware.
2. Decoding the Year of Production
To understand the year of production of your Hermès bag, you need to decode the letter system used for the year stamp. Hermès assigns a letter of the alphabet to each year in a 26-year cycle, starting with A. For example, the letter A represents the year 2011, B represents 2012, and so on.
Here’s a breakdown of the Hermès Year Code System:
- A = 2011
- B = 2012
- C = 2013
- D = 2014
- E = 2015
- F = 2016
- G = 2017
- H = 2018
- I = 2019
- J = 2020
- K = 2021
- L = 2022
- M = 2023
- N = 2024
The letter will be embossed near the interior of the bag, often in a small, discreet manner. The year represented by the letter tells you when your Hermès bag was made. This system is consistent across all Hermès bags, including the iconic Birkin, Kelly, and Constance lines.
3. Identifying the Location of Manufacture
Another key feature of the Hermès blind stamp is the production location. This marking tells you where the bag was crafted. While Hermès produces bags at various locations, some of the most common ones include:
- Paris: Bags made at the Hermès flagship store in Paris are marked with a “P.”
- Fauvernay, France: Some bags are stamped with “Fauvernay,” indicating they were crafted in the heart of Hermès’ leather workshop.
- Switzerland or Other Locations: Bags made outside of France may have their specific location or symbol stamped.
The location stamp may appear next to the year stamp, and its design will vary depending on where the bag was made.
4. How to Find the Hermès Bag Stamp
Locating the blind stamp inside your Hermès bag is relatively easy, though it requires close inspection. Here’s where you should check:
- Inside the Bag: Typically, the blind stamp is embossed inside the bag, near the top edge or the interior flap.
- Near the Interior Pocket: In some cases, the stamp can be found close to the inner pocket of the bag.
- Underneath the Hardware or Lining: On certain bags, the stamp may be hidden under the hardware or lining, so you may need to look carefully.
5. How to Decode the Blind Stamp for Authentication
The blind stamp is one of the most effective ways to verify the authenticity of a Hermès bag. If you’re purchasing a pre-owned bag, ensure that the year and location markings are consistent with the bag’s age and design.
- Verify the Date Code: Ensure the date code corresponds with the expected year of manufacture. For instance, if you’re buying a 2018 Birkin, the blind stamp should feature the letter H for 2018.
- Check the Location: Confirm that the location marking matches the bag’s style. For example, some bags from the 1990s will only be marked with Paris.
- Look for Consistent Craftsmanship: The blind stamp should be cleanly embossed with sharp, clear letters. Any signs of sloppiness or irregularities in the stamp could indicate that the bag is not genuine.
6. Understanding Other Authenticity Markings
In addition to the blind stamp, some Hermès bags feature other markings that can further authenticate the item:
- Artisan’s Initials: Some bags may feature the initials of the artisan who crafted them. These initials can often be found near the blind stamp.
- Serial Numbers: Occasionally, a serial number or code may be included to indicate batch production.
7. What If the Blind Stamp is Missing or Unclear?
In some rare cases, an Hermès bag may not have a blind stamp, particularly with older or vintage bags. However, this is uncommon in newer bags. If you find that the blind stamp is unclear or worn, it’s best to rely on other methods of authentication, such as verifying the bag’s overall craftsmanship, material quality, and stitching.
Decoding the Hermès bag stamp is an essential step in determining both the year of production and the authenticity of your bag. The blind stamp and date code offer vital clues about your bag’s history and quality. By understanding how to read these markings, you can ensure that your Hermès bag is authentic and accurately priced. Always inspect the bag carefully to check for the year and location codes and to verify the craftsmanship. If in doubt, consider seeking the expertise of a professional authentication service.
