Decoding the Hidden Language of Hermès Special Stamps
Why Do Some Hermès Birkin Bags Have Special Stamps?
Have you ever wondered about the tiny stamps on Hermès Birkin or Kelly bags and what they signify? These aren’t random marks, certain Hermès bags feature special markings that denote the use of leathers or production details. Let’s decode what these stamps mean and how they help authenticate these coveted pieces.
What Are Hermès Special Stamps?
Unlike many luxury brands, Hermès is transparent about its materials, using special stamps (not part of its standard date code) to distinguish exotic leathers, bespoke orders, employee-sale items, and even craftsman-owned creations. You’ll find these discreet marks embossed next to the “Hermès – Paris – Made in France” branded logo inside the bag.
Types of Special Stamps and Their Meanings
1. Square ☐
The square symbol denotes American alligator skin, sourced chiefly from freshwater farms along the Mississippi River. Known for its durability, this leather can last decades with proper care. Aside from the stamp, Hermès artisans also leave a visible umbilical scar in the bag’s center flap—a deliberate mark to showcase authenticity.
2. Caret ^
A caret (“^”) indicates Crocodile porosus, sourced from Asia and Australia, known for smaller, highly defined scales with tiny pores at former hair‐follicle sites. The Porosus crocodile is available in matte and shiny (“lisse”) finishes and is among Hermès’s most coveted exotic skins.
3. Double Dots ..
Double dots mark Nile crocodile skin, distinguished by larger, slightly rectangular scales and visible pores from saltwater habitats. Niloticus skins lend themselves to larger bag sizes and are rarer (and pricier) than Porosus variants.
4. Dash –
A simple dash signifies the Nile monitor lizard, whose tiny, uniform round scales absorb dye brilliantly—often resulting in vibrant Hermès hues. These lizards inhabit West Africa and are the second-largest reptiles of the Nile system.
5. Equal Sign =
The equal sign represents the Asian water monitor, also called the Ring lizard, noted for its round, ring-like color patterns on small, square scales. Hermès often uses these skins for bold, patterned exotic pieces.
6. Horseshoe
The horseshoe mark (HSS) appears next to the logo on bespoke Hermès bags commissioned by VIP clients, certifying their exclusivity and personalization. These pieces—crafted to unique specifications—often feature one-of-a-kind color combinations and materials.
7. Shooting Star
A shooting star signals a craftsman’s personal creation—bags that the artisan was permitted to keep. Encountering one of these extremely rare bags is a true Hermès find.
8. S Employee Stamp
A debossed “S” (sometimes with extra characters) indicates an item sold at Hermès employee-rate pricing―a subtle clue that this piece passed into an insider’s hands.
How to Authenticate Your Hermès Birkin Using Stamps
1. Locate the Stamp: Look under the flap or on the interior panel where “Hermès – Paris – Made in France” is embossed.
2. Identify the Symbol: Compare the small symbol next to the logo against the list above.
3. Cross-Check Materials: Verify scale pattern, pores, and texture match the stamped symbol (e.g., umbilical scar for alligator, defined pores for Porosus crocodile).
4. Consult Experts: If in doubt, deeper authentication tips—such as stitching style and hardware fonts—are covered in AuthClass’s full online course at AuthClass.
Why Learn Hermès Authentication?
Mastering Hermès authentication can open doors for collectors, resellers, or those looking to start a consignment business. Special stamps are just one piece of the puzzle—authenticating a Hermès bag requires understanding date codes, leather textures, stitching patterns, and more. With the luxury resale market growing, the ability to spot genuine Hermès bags is a valuable skill that can protect investments and build trust with clients.
Deepen Your Skills with AuthClass
If you’re passionate about Hermès and want to master Hermès authentication, enroll in the online course at AuthClass, which is powered by the world’s leading Legit App authentication team. It offers a comprehensive, self-paced program designed by industry experts. Through tutorial videos, online quizzes, and a final exam, you’ll gain the skills to authenticate Hermès bags and other luxury goods. Upon completion, you’ll receive a physical certificate, making it ideal for aspiring resellers or consignment store owners.
Visit authclass.com to start your journey into the world of luxury authentication.
