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.
Over the decades, Hermès has used different formats: from simple letters to circled or squared symbols, and more recently, to complex codes. Here’s everything you need to know to find, read, and interpret your bag’s date stamp.
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. These pieces are considered early vintage and require expert evaluation for authentication.
2. Single Letter (1945–1970)
The code consists of a single, unframed letter discreetly stamped on the bag, corresponding to a specific year based on an alphabetical system established by Hermès.
3. Letter in a Circle (1971–1996)
The date stamp takes the form of 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.
5. New Coding System (2015–Present)
Format: A complex alphanumeric code (letters and numbers)
Details: Introduced to increase anti-counterfeiting measures, this system includes discreet codes that are more difficult to interpret without Hermès internal documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where to Find the Hermès Date Stamp
The Hermès date code location can vary based on the model. Common areas include:
- Behind the strap
- Under the flap
- Inside the bag lining
- Near a seam or beneath a leather tab
Some bags may also feature a craftsman’s ID or workshop code near the date stamp.
Why Hermès Date Stamps Matter
Understanding your bag's Hermès date stamp does more than confirm its authenticity -it can also provide insight into the bag's leather type, color availability, and rarity.
Hermès often used specific materials and limited color releases during certain years. For collectors, this information enhances both the historical and market value of the piece.
How do you read a Hermès circle or square stamp?
From 1971 to 1996, Hermès used a letter inside a circle to represent the year of production. From 1997 to 2014, a letter inside a square was used instead. Each letter corresponds to a specific year based on Hermès' internal reference chart.
What if a Hermès bag has no date stamp?
Bags made before 1945 typically have no date stamp. That doesn’t make them inauthentic - it simply means other indicators, such as stitching, hardware, logo placement, and leather quality, must be used to evaluate the piece.
Is the date stamp enough to confirm authenticity?
While the date stamp is an important detail, it is not sufficient on its own to guarantee authenticity. A full evaluation includes examining the leather, brand markings, stitching, and overall craftsmanship. We recommend always consulting a professional authentication service.
Can you identify the artisan or workshop from the stamp?
Yes. Many Hermès bags include a workshop code or craftsman’s ID near the date stamp. This additional marking can help trace the origin of the bag and confirm it was made in an official Hermès workshop.
