Master the Hermès Blind Stamp: Date Code Locations & Expert Tips
A Comprehensive Guide to Hermès Date Code (with Authenticity Tips)
Imagine holding a stunning Hermès bag—its sleek leather and iconic design screaming luxury. But is it real? Hermès date codes are your first clue. These tiny stamps reveal when the bag was made and help you spot fakes. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Hermès date codes—where to find them, how to read them, and how to use them to authenticate your bag. Let’s get started!
1. What Are Hermès Date Codes?
Hermès date codes, often called "blind stamps," are small markings that show the year a bag was crafted. They’re like a secret code for collectors and buyers. Why do they matter? Because they’re a quick way to check if a bag’s story adds up—especially when you’re dropping big money on a Birkin or Kelly. But heads up: they’re not the whole picture for proving authenticity. Let’s dive deeper.
2. Where to Find Hermès Date Stamps
Finding the date stamp can be tricky—it’s not always in the same spot. Depending on the bag’s style and age, you’ll need to know where to look. Here’s a simple list:
Birkin and Kelly bags: Check the strap(pre-2016).
After 2016, look on the left side of the interior.
Evelyne bags: Inside the closure strap.
Mini Kelly: Inside, next to the pocket.
Mini Lindy: Inside the interior pocket.
Constance: On the interior divider’s upper corner, below the stitch line.
Tip: These stamps can be hard to spot. Grab a flashlight or check in bright light to make it easier!
3. How to Read Hermès Date Codes
Hermès uses letters and shapes to mark the year a bag was made. It’s simple once you get the hang of it. Here’s how it works:
1945–1970: Just a letter, no shape, A-Z.
1971–1996: Letter inside a circle ‘O’, A-Z.
1997–2014: Letter inside a square ‘☐’, A-R.
2015–now: Just a random letter, no shape (2014 was a mix of square and no shape).
Each letter matches a year. For example:
“A” with no shape = 1945
“A” in a circle = 1971
“A” in a square = 1997
After “Z,” the alphabet restarts with tweaks. Some bags, like the Evelyne, might have special stamps—like “JO” in a rectangle instead of “O” in a square.
Need help? Check a Hermès date code chart for the full list of letters and years.
4. Authenticity Tips Using Date Codes
Verify the era match: A pre-1997 bag showing a square stamp is suspicious; likewise, a post-2016 Birkin with no interior left-side stamp raises a red flag.
Cross-reference specs: Search online for your bag’s model, size, leather, color, and claimed year—if Hermès never produced that combination, it’s likely counterfeit.
Look beyond the code: Combine date-stamp checks with hardware engraving quality, stitching consistency, leather grain, and provenance documents for a full authentication picture.
5. Ready to Go Deeper? Learn at AuthClass
This guide covers the fundamentals, but true mastery comes from hands-on practice and insider secrets. At AuthClass, our six-module Hermès Authentication Course dives into every detail: from logo stamps and hardware engraving to zipper analysis and final exam drills. Enroll today to transform your passion into professional-level skills and earn your official AuthClass certification.
Official Website: https://authclass.com
Enroll Now: https://authclass.com/courses/hermes-authentication-course
