HERMES DATE CODE (BLIND) STAMP GUIDE
Hermes dates the bags with letters in alphabetical order, often with a shape around them. Between 1945 and 1970, there were no shapes. From 1971 to 1996, there was a circle shape. From 1997 to 2014, they were square. Between late 2014 until recently (2023), no shape was used. If there are other numbers or letters next to the blind stamp, they show where the bag maker works in the atelier.
Use the following chart to figure out when your Hermes handbag was made. On Kelly and Birkin bags, the stamp is embossed on the strap or upper interior panel. Start by observing the date code's shape, then use the column to determine the production date based on the letter displayed inside the shape.
| 1945 A | 1971 A (in circle) | 1997 A (in square) |
| 1946 B | 1972 B (in circle) | 1998 B (in square) |
| 1947 C | 1973 C (in circle) | 1999 C (in square) |
| 1948 D | 1974 D (in circle) | 2000 D (in square) |
| 1949 E | 1975 E (in circle) | 2001 E (in square) |
| 1950 F | 1976 F (in circle) | 2002 F (in square) |
| 1951 G | 1977 G (in circle) | 2003 G (in square) |
| 1952 H | 1978 H (in circle) | 2004 H (in square) |
| 1953 I | 1979 I (in circle) | 2005 I (in square) |
| 1954 J | 1980 J (in circle) | 2006 J (in square) |
| 1955 K | 1981 K (in circle) | 2007 K (in square) |
| 1956 L | 1982 L (in circle) | 2008 L (in square) |
| 1957 M | 1983 M (in circle) | 2009 M (in square) |
| 1958 N | 1984 N (in circle) | 2010 N (in square) |
| 1959 O | 1985 O (in circle) | 2011 O (in square) |
| 1960 P | 1986 P (in circle) | 2012 P (in square) |
| 1961 Q | 1987 Q (in circle) | 2013 Q (in square) |
| 1962 R | 1988 R (in circle) | 2014 R (late 2014 no square) |
| 1963 S | 1989 S (in circle) | 2015 T (no surrounding shape) |
| 1964 T | 1990 T (in circle) | 2016 X (no surrounding shape) |
| 1965 U | 1991 U (in circle) | 2017 A (no surrounding shape) |
| 1966 V | 1992 V (in circle) | 2018 C (no surrounding shape) |
| 1967 W | 1993 W (in circle) | 2019 D (no surrounding shape) |
| 1968 X | 1994 X (in circle) | 2020 Y (no surrounding shape) |
| 1969 Y | 1995 Y (in circle) | 2021 Z (no surrounding shape) |
| 1970 Z | 1996 Z (in circle) | 2022 U (no surrounding shape) |
| 2023 B (no surrounding shape) |
There are other shapes that Hermes uses to mark their handbags. These shapes are often found next to the embossed "Hermes, Paris, Made in France." To the untrained eye, these shapes may seem out of place or random. Ever wonder what the horseshoe on a Birkin Bag is all about? Don't know what the square on your Hermes Kelly Bag means? Read on to find out how to break the Hermes code!
The carat (^): The point up symbol shows that an item was made with Crocodile Porosus (Saltwater Crocodile).
The Double Dots (..): The double dots shows that an item was made with Crocodile Niloticus (Freshwater Nile Crocodile).
The square (☐):: The square symbol shows that an item was made with Alligator Mississippiensis (American Alligator).
The Dash (-): This simple dash shows that an item was made with Lizard.
The Equal Sign (=): The equal sign shows that Lizard has been used to make something.
The Horseshoe: Ah, the horseshoe! This symbol shows that an item has been custom made for a very special client. Each custom Hermes item will have a horseshoe stamped on it as a sign.
The Shooting Star: This stamp isn't as common, and it means that a Hermes Craftsman made something for their own use.
The Employee Stamp: It can be different, but an item that was bought at a discounted employee rate will usually have an embossed or black stamped S.
Being a smart consumer is essential given the increase in demand for luxury items in order to avoid being taken advantage of by counterfeiters! Keep in mind that a date code does not imply that an item is a genuine Hermes. Yet, it is a fantastic place to start when buying things online.
Want to skip the hassle? Luxybit has your back! Our team uses over 23 years of experience to verify the authenticity of every item listed on our website. We offer only the best deals with up to 80% off retail prices, free shipping, and a generous 30-day return window.
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