Every time you pick up a Hermès item, you’ll see that it is marked with a small stamp. This Hermès stamp is a unique print that will answer your questions:
Although these stamps have never been officially announced by Hermès, research over the years has revealed that there are certain patterns the stamps follow.
This article will guide you into the mysterious world of Hermès stamps. By learning how to read them, you will be able to unlock the true value and history of your Hermès items.
It will not be a mere identification of the date of manufacture, but will be the beginning of a new dialogue with Hermès that will lead you to the journey the piece has taken and the emotions of the craftsmen who created it.
Please note that the stamp information introduced here was not officially announced by Hermès, this information is for your reference only.
| February 10, 2025 Update: The Hermès stamp for 2025 is 'K'. |
The unique code embossing on each Hermès item, known as the “date stamp” or “blind stamp” is a small stamp specifying the year of manufacture, the atelier, and the artisan involved.
Below is an example of the stamp on a Bolide.
The stamp on a Bolide is often stamped on the back of the tab at the end of the zipper. In this little space, the history of the item is condensed. (The details of the location of the stamp on other product models are described later on in this article.)
In a typical stamp pattern, a letter indicating the year is engraved in the upper left corner. For example, “A” is engraved to indicate that the item was manufactured in 2017. To the right or below it is an accompanying stamp indicating the craftsman or atelier responsible for its manufacture.
There is an interesting debate regarding the stamp of the craftsman. It is generally said to represent the initials of the craftsman, but in fact there are cases where this is not the case. Furthermore, there is an anecdote that some old Hermès products are engraved as a proof that it was made in a particular atelier by a craftsman in training.
Thus, while there is a mysterious aspect to stamps that indicate craftsmen and ateliers, there are certain rules that apply to stamps that indicate the year of manufacture. In the next section, we will show you how to decipher the codes that mark this period of time.
The Hermès stamp indicates the year of manufacture. This small mark tells the year of birth of your beloved Hermès item.
We invite you to have your Hermès item in your hands at your leisure here. The information below will take you on a journey to uncover the secrets of when your treasured item was born.
According to our investigation, the oldest stamp confirmed is a “T,” which is said to indicate that it was manufactured in 1964. From there, it is followed by a “U” in 1965 and a “V” in 1966. Until 2014, the stamp progressed in alphabetical order. However, from 2015, as if to signal a new beginning, a unique order has been adopted, departing from the alphabetical order.
This is a very interesting change, as it seems to embody the spirit of Hermès, which always continues to innovate while respecting traditions.
These stamp information, however, are not officially announced by Hermès. Mystery and elegance have always pervaded the world of Hermès. In fact, depending on store availability, the stamp of products sold in each year may differ slightly.
Therefore, please enjoy the information presented here as a rough guide only.
The world of Hermès stamps is like a fascinating treasure hunt. For instance, there are interesting similarities between the stamps from 1964-1970 and those from 2015 onward.
Whereas the alphabets from other years are surrounded by circles or squares, the stamps from 1964-1970 and 2015 onward are not surrounded by anything. This “unframed” stamp is a very interesting point, as it seems to symbolize the fusion of innovation and tradition in Hermès.
Because of such similarities, it is very difficult to distinguish between these date stamps. In order to accurately identify the age, it is necessary to make a comprehensive judgment based on multiple factors such as the atelier and craftsman's stamp, year, design features, and materials used.
At XIAOMA, our expert appraisers, who have 10 to over 30 years of experience, will evaluate the value of your precious Hermès item. Please feel free to contact us anytime with any questions you may have.
From 1971 to 1996, the year of manufacture is engraved as an alphabet inside a circle frame.
It begins with an A and continues to a Z.
From 1997 to 2014, the Hermès stamp changed into an alphabet inside a square frame.
This era begins with the letter A and ends with the letter R in 2014. The square frame seems to represent the solid quality and tradition of Hermès.
From 2015 onwards, Hermès has once again wind up innovation. The brand has moved away from the boundaries and into a free-form alphabetical stamp.
This new era, which began with the “T,” has been a series of unpredictable developments. Particularly noteworthy are the “T” in 2015 and the “X” in 2016. These are testament to the fact that Hermès has always exceeded expectations.
Even more interesting is the story behind the 2015 “T” selection. Some believe it may have been to avoid confusion with the “S,” which stands for reduced price items.
This unpredictable stream of stamps has created a new pleasure among Hermès lovers. It has become an annual event to predict what will come next year.
We, the staff of XIAOMA, also enjoy this prediction. In fact, at the end of this article, we will announce our stamp forecast for the year 2025!
※February 10, 2025 Update: The Hermès stamp for 2025 is 'K'.
After reading this far, you may have developed a new interest in the stamps on your Hermès items. If you have begun to wonder about the story that the stamp tells and the true value of the item, then you are already in the beginning of a new dialogue with Hermès.
XIAOMA's online appraisal service will help you carefully unravel the charm and value hidden in your collection. Our experts in assessing Hermès items will evaluate the true value of your precious items.
Do you want to explore the special story of your Hermès items with us?
▶︎DM us on Instagram here.
The charm of Hermès not only lies in its outstanding craftsmanship, but also in the rarity and quality of the materials used. From here, we will take you to the world of Hermès stamps on items made from special materials.
“Exotic leather” stands at the top of the Hermès line. As the name suggests, it refers to rare and fascinating animal hides such as crocodile, lizard, ostrich, and elephant.
Items made of these materials have a special stamp that speaks of their rarity and value.
Porosus, the most precious among Hermès leathers. It is the leather of the Irie crocodile, which is protected by the Washington Convention.
Its beautifully arranged scale pattern is truly an art created by nature. The “Λ” stamp is a mark that certifies this exquisite material.
▶︎ Click here to see the items made of Porosas.
This material, named after the Nile River, is the top of the “Himalaya” series, the finest products of Hermès. It boasts qualities approaching those of the Porosus, as evidenced by the “⚫︎⚫︎” stamp.
One theory is that it may have come into use as a replacement for Porosus at a time when overhunting of Porosus was banned by the Washington Convention.
▶︎Click here to see items in which Niloticus was used.
Alligator is also a type of crocodile, but smaller in size. Its scales are less symmetrical than those of crocodiles, but it has a wider range of uses and can be considered an alligator material that is easy to use in everyday life.
Hermès items made of alligator are stamped with “◻︎”.
▶︎Click here for items made of alligator:
This material is made from Southeast Asian lizards and is characterized by its fine and beautiful scales. Hermès items using lizard are imprinted with “ー”.
▶︎Here are items in which Lizard is used
Furthermore, Hermès' creativity is endless, such as “⚪︎” for Caiman (a type of alligator) and “=” for Ring Lizard (a type of monitor lizard).
These special stamps are the secret language of the Hermès world. Each one speaks of the rarity of the material, the craftsmanship, and the philosophy of Hermès.
If you are interested in learning more about Hermès exotic leathers, please take a look at the article sections below.
▶︎ Hermès Exotic Leather Guide
The appeal of Hermès is not only in its sophisticated design and exceptional quality. This is a group of special stamps that tells a unique origin or a special story of the item.
If you find a horseshoe stamp on your Hermès, it is absolutely a dream bag. This stamp is a sign of a special order. It is an exceptional item where everything from the color, materials, stitching, and hardware has been customized to the owner's wishes.
▶︎ Click here for special order items
The privilege of the special order is only given to customers who have “purchased more than tens of millions of yen per year”. It is truly an ultimate luxury in the world of Hermès.
To learn more about this fascinating world, please see the following detailed article.
▶︎ Special Orders Explained - What the Hermès Horseshoe stamp Indicates
Items with the shooting star-shaped stamps are said to have been created especially for Hermès employees.
In the past, they were highly valued because of their rarity, but in recent years, the appeal of the item itself tends to be more important than its mystique.
The S stamp is said to indicate items sold at a reduced price.
Sometimes can be mistaken for a 1989 production year stamp.
You may be wondering “Where is the stamp on my Hermès?”
Here are some of the hidden locations of the stamps on typical Hermès items such as the Birkin, Kelly, Constance... Please note that the world of Hermès is profound, and not all items may necessarily be exactly as shown here. However, the information presented here is based on items actually handled at XIAOMA.
If you would like to know more about the story behind your Hermes, or would like to know more about the location and meaning of the stamp, please use XIAOMA's convenient online appraisal service. Our Hermès experts will help you unravel the secrets of your precious items.
▶︎Simply send us a DM on Instagram here to get started.
The Birkin is the most iconic piece of Hermès.
Since 2015 (from the T stamp): the stamp is hidden on the left side inside the bag.
Before 2015: the stamp is hidden behind the front belt.
This change in stamp position has become a part of the history of the Birkin itself.
Which era does your Birkin belong to? Just with the location of the stamp, you can understand the time that the bag has been around.
▶︎Please visit this page if you are looking for a Birkin
The Kelly bag shines in the history of Hermès. The location where the stamp is hidden follows the same transition as that of the Birkin.
From 2015 onwards (from the T stamp): it is hidden on the left side inside of the bag.
Pre-2015: the stamp is hidden behind the front belt.
▶︎Visit this page for Kelly bags
The Kelly Doll is an adorable gem of Hermès. On the Kelly Doll, the stamp is engraved on the inside of the gusset of the bag.
▶︎Visit this page for Kelly Dolls
The Constance bag is loved for its elegant and functional design. The stamp on the Constance bag is engraved on the top of the divider that appears when the lid is opened.
▶︎Visit this page for Constance bags
The Picotin is a lovely yet functional tote bag. The stamp on the Picotin is engraved on the belt inside the bag.
▶︎Visit this page for Picotin bags
Also known as a “shoulder Birkin,” the Jypsiere has a very casual design. The stamp on the Jypsiere is engraved on the back of the front closure belt.
▶︎Visit this page to see Jypsiere bags
The Bolide is deeply rooted in the history of Hermès as the first bag with a zipper. The stamp on the Bolide is engraved on the back of the tab at the end of the zipper.
▶︎Visit this page for Bolide bags
The Bolide 1923 is a reissue of the original 1923 Bolide design, but with even more functionality; its stamp is engraved on the inside pocket.
▶︎Visit this page for Bolide 1923 bags
The Lindy is a perfect blend of the creativity and practicality of Hermès designs. The stamp on the Lindy is engraved on the back of the clasp belt (front right side).
▶︎Visit this page for Lindy bags
The Mini Lindy is a more adorable size of the Lindy bag while keeping the same design. The stamp of the Lindy Mini is engraved on the inside side pocket.
▶︎Visit this page for Mini Lindys
The Evelyne is another casual style bag design of Hermès, its stamp is engraved on the inside of the base of the strap.
▶︎Visit this page for Evelyne bags
The Herbag is a bag model that combines Hermès practicality and playfulness. The stamp on the Herbag is engraved on the back of the bag's back leather area.
The Garden Party embodies Hermès sophisticated casual style, its stamp can be found on the strip of leather in the center of the gusset.
▶︎Visit this page for Garden Party bags
The Bean Soufflet is very popular for its design and practicality. The stamp can be found on the billfold behind the coin case or on the gusset of the coin case.
▶︎Visit this page for Bearn Soufflet wallets
The Bearn Compact is a highly practical mini wallet. Its stamp is on the storage pocket behind the coin purse.
▶︎Visit this page for Bearn Compact wallets
The stamp of a H watch is engraved on the back of the band, this is the stamp of the band. The year of manufacture of the watch can be found on the warranty card.
▶︎Visit this page for Hermès watches
There are still many mysteries in the world of Hermès and the stamp is one of them.
In this section, XIAOMA answers your frequently asked questions.
A1: Yes, they do indeed exist.
Based on the experience of XIAOMA, we have confirmed the following cases where the stamp could not be found.
In addition, some small items do not have a stamp for design reasons. For example, for the popular “Rodeo” charm, the stamp is usually engraved on the back of the saddle, but sometimes there may not be any
A2: Not necessarily.
Certainly, rare stamps, such as the horseshoe stamp (special order items), are one factor that increases an item's value. However, this alone does not determine a high value transaction.
The appraised value is judged comprehensively from multiple perspectives, including the item's condition, market demand, and overall rarity. The true value of a Hermès product lies in the overall appeal of the item, not just the stamp.
If you would like to know more about the value of your Hermès products, please use XIAOMA's online appraisal service. Our experts will be happy to give you a detailed appraisal.
▶︎Simply send us a DM here on Instagram to get started
A3: It is difficult to make a 100% judgment based on the stamp alone.
However, it is possible to obtain some basis for judgment from the condition of the stamp. For example, the following characteristics may be seen on a counterfeit.
However, we cannot immediately conclude that a product is a counterfeit just because these characteristics are observed. This is because even genuine Hermès products may have slight individual differences due to it being hand-stamped.
If you are concerned about authenticity, please consult with XIAOMA. Our appraisers, with their many years of experience and expertise, will carefully verify every detail of your Hermès bag.
▶︎Send us a DM here on Instagram anytime
For many years, stamps indicating the year of manufacture have changed in alphabetical order, but in recent years, this rule has been broken, and unpredictable developments are being seen.
What surprises does Hermès have in store for us in 2025?
The staff of XIAOMA have gathered their insight and experience to make bold predictions.
Prediction No. 1: “S”
Reason: It has not been used since 1989 and is likely to be revived.
Prediction No. 2: “V”
Reason: Not used since 1992. It is also highly likely based on the recent stamp pattern.
Prediction No. 3: “R”
Reason: Has not been used for 11 years and is expected to reappear.
Other interesting predictions:
These predictions reflect the history of Hermès, the latest trends, and our intuition.
But Hermès always exceeds our expectations, and we are excited to see how the 2025 stamp will surprise us.
What are your predictions? We would love to hear from you.
▶︎Connect with us on Instagram
※February 10, 2025 Update: The Hermès stamp for 2025 is 'K'.
Through this article, we have been able to introduce a part of the hidden code of Hermès.
Although this information has not been officially announced, we are convinced that there are certain rules, especially in the stamp that indicates the production date.
Have you found the stamp on your Hermès items? Do you wonder “Is my bag's stamp actually special?”, “What is the value of this stamp?”.
If your curiosity has been aroused, this is the beginning of a new interaction between you and Hermès. XIAOMA will do our best to support you at this exciting moment.
Our appraisers with over 30 years of appraisal experience will carefully unravel the story behind your precious Hermès item.
Its history, rarity, and above all, the special bond that connects you and Hermès. We will comprehensively assess all these factors and tell you the true value of your item.
The Hermès stamp is more than just a symbol. It is the thoughts of craftsmen passed down through the history, the philosophy of the brand, and your precious memories. It is an irreplaceable treasure.
Want to explore the special story your Hermès tells? Join us on the exciting Hermès journey!
