Hermès bags are more than just luxury accessories—they're timeless pieces crafted with meticulous detail and precision. If you've ever wondered how to spot the year a Hermès bag was made, one of the first places to look is at the Hermès stamp. These discreet codes offer a peek into the history and authenticity of each bag. Here’s a guide to understanding Hermès stamps and decoding the year of your Hermès bag.
What Are Hermès Stamps?
Hermès stamps are small markings or codes impressed on each bag, providing insight into its production year, origin, and authenticity. Hermès has used various stamping methods over the years, making it easier for collectors and buyers to verify a bag's provenance.
Each Hermès bag is made in France, but beyond the “Hermès Paris Made in France” embossing, there are additional codes and markings you might notice:
- Craftsman Code: A unique identifier of the artisan who created the bag.
- Date Stamp: A letter encased in a shape, which denotes the year of production.
Deciphering the Date Stamp
Hermès uses a letter-based system to indicate the year a bag was produced. Since 1945, Hermès has assigned a letter for each year, cycling through the alphabet every 26 years. For example:
- From 1945 to 1970, bags featured letters A to Z (without shapes).
- In 1971, the cycle began again, but with a circle around the letter. This system continued until 1996.
- In 1997, Hermès began using a square around each letter, continuing this way until 2014.
Since 2015, Hermès returned to letters without shapes around them, with the current year stamps continuing this series.
A Quick Reference for Hermès Date Stamps:
Here’s how the Hermès stamp system has evolved over recent decades:
- 1945 - 1970: Letters A–Z (no shapes)
- 1971 - 1996: Letters A–Z (in a circle)
- 1997 - 2014: Letters A–Z (in a square)
- 2015 onward: Letters only, no shape
For example, a bag with the letter "T" inside a square was made in 2014, while a bag with a standalone "T" was produced in 2023.
Additional Stamp Indicators
Apart from the date stamp, Hermès also includes a unique craftsman code that identifies the artisan responsible for the bag’s creation. While this may not reveal additional information about the date, it’s a testament to Hermès’ dedication to craftsmanship and traceability. Hermès bags are crafted by a single artisan, making each piece a singular work of art.
How to Locate Hermès Stamps on Your Bag
Hermès stamps can be found in discreet places on the bag, often hidden under flaps or inside the bag’s structure. For instance:
- On Birkin Bags: The date stamp is typically found on the back of the closure strap.
- On Kelly Bags: It’s often located under the flap near the top edge.
If you’re considering investing in a Hermès bag, learning how to read these stamps is invaluable. Not only does it provide assurance of authenticity, but it also offers a window into the heritage and history of your bag.
Conclusion
Hermès stamps are like a hidden language, communicating the origins and authenticity of each bag. By understanding these markings, you can confidently identify the year a Hermès bag was made. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, knowing how to decode these subtle clues will deepen your appreciation for the timeless allure of Hermès bags.
