Know Your Hermès: Decoding Date Stamps
Looking to authenticate your Hermès bag or determine its year of production? The Hermès Date Stamp — also known as a Blind Stamp or H Stamp — is a discreet code introduced in 1945 to help the brand identify when and where a bag was crafted.
Why the Date Stamps are Important
Hermès Date Stamps are important for buyers because they are used in authenticating bags and are also very helpful when identifying types of leathers used, as Hermès used certain types of leathers at precise periods in time.
Where to find your Hermès date stamp (Blind Stamp)
The location of the Hermès date stamp depends on the bag model. It is typically heat-embossed in one of the following areas:
- Behind the strap
- Under the leather flap
- Inside the lining
- Near a seam or beneath a leather tab
Some bags also include a craftsman’s ID or workshop code, offering additional insight into the origin of the piece.
Hermès date stamp timeline: Circle, Square & Modern codes
Hermès has used different coding formats over the decades. Here's a breakdown of the Hermès date code system by era:
1. No Date Stamp (Pre-1945)
Hermès bags produced before 1945 generally do not have any date stamp.
2. Single Letter (1945–1970)
The first introduced date indicator consists of a single, unframed letter discreetly stamped on the bag, corresponding to a specific year based on an alphabetical system established by Hermès. Starting in 1945, a bag from this year would be recognized by an 'A' stamp, following the alphabet until 'Z', which stands for 1970.
3. Letter in a Circle (1971–1996)
From 1971, Hermès starts the alphabet anew, this time with a letter enclosed in a circle, indicating the year of manufacture.
4. Letter in a Square (1997–2014)
Starting in 1997, Hermès began using a letter enclosed in a square to designate the year of production, again following the alphabet.
5. New Coding System (2015–Present)
From 2015, Hermès introduces a complex alphanumeric code (letters and numbers) to increase anti-counterfeiting measures. This system includes discreet codes that are more difficult to interpret without Hermès' internal documentation.
At ReSee, authenticity is the cornerstone of everything we do
We understand that luxury handbags are more than just accessories - they are investments, cultural icons, and symbols of craftsmanship. Whether you're shopping for a classic Hermès Birkin, a vintage Chanel Timeless, or a unique Dior Saddle Bag, our promise is simple: every handbag we offer is an authentic item, meticulously verified by our team of experts
