Privé Porter’s Guide To: Decoding Hermès Stamping — The Secret Language of Authenticity
For over 180 years, Hermès has built its reputation on craftsmanship, secrecy, and an obsessive attention to detail. From the finest leathers to the rarest exotics, every Hermès bag tells a story — one written not in words, but in stamps.
At Privé Porter, we believe understanding Hermès stamping is essential for every collector. These subtle symbols — often called blind stamps — hold the key to a bag’s history, authenticity, and artistry. Whether you’re investing in a Birkin, a Kelly, or a Constance, decoding these marks is how true Hermès connoisseurs separate myth from mastery.
What Is Hermès Stamping?
Each Hermès bag bears a unique set of blind stamps discreetly embossed into its leather. These marks reveal the year it was crafted, the material used, and sometimes even the artisan or atelier responsible for its creation.
Unlike logos or serial codes, Hermès stamps are hidden — found under the tab, inside the flap, or along the strap, depending on the model. This secrecy is part of what makes Hermès authentication so nuanced and, at times, misunderstood.
Privé Porter’s authentication experts inspect these stamps closely when verifying every bag we source. For us, the language of Hermès is one of precision, patience, and provenance.
The Date Code System
Hermès uses a letter-based dating system to indicate when a bag was produced.
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From the 1940s through 2014, letters were often enclosed in shapes (circles or squares) to mark production years.
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In more recent pieces, Hermès dropped the shapes entirely, embossing just a letter — sometimes followed by a craftsman’s code.
For example:
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A Square N indicates 2010.
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A T (no shape) corresponds to 2015.
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A Y represents 2020.
At Privé Porter, we cross-reference each Hermès date stamp with official production archives, ensuring that the bag’s details — stitching, hardware, and materials — align with the era it claims to be from.
🐊 The Exotic Story: Stamps for Scaled Leathers
Hermès’ exotic creations — from Niloticus Crocodile to Alligator Mississippiensis — feature additional stamps that identify their species.
| Stamp Symbol | Leather Type |
|---|---|
| ☐ | Alligator Mississippiensis |
| ^ | Crocodile Porosus |
| .. | Crocodile Niloticus |
| - | Varanus Niloticus Lizard |
| = | Varanus Salvator Lizard |
Understanding these markings is vital for anyone purchasing an Hermès exotic bag, especially in today’s high-value resale market.
Every Hermès exotic handled by Privé Porter is double-authenticated — first by our in-house experts, then by trusted third-party specialists for full CITES compliance.
✨ Special Hermès Stamps: The Hidden Icons
Hermès has a few stamps reserved for collectors and insiders:
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The Horseshoe — Indicates a Horseshoe Stamp Special Order bag, created exclusively for top clients who design their own custom Hermès piece.
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The Shooting Star (★) — Marks a bag made for an Hermès craftsman’s personal use.
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The “S” Stamp — Signifies an item purchased at an employee discount.
These discreet emblems are the ultimate hallmarks of exclusivity. At Privé Porter, we’ve placed numerous Horseshoe Special Orders for our global clientele — each one an extraordinary expression of personal style and Hermès heritage.
🧵 Where to Find the Stamp
Each Hermès model has a specific location for its blind stamp:
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Birkin / Kelly: Inside panel or exterior arm (Mini Kelly is along the interior pocket)
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Constance: Middle interior panel
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Evelyne / Lindy: Under tab or on strap
Finding it takes skill and familiarity. Many first-time buyers miss it altogether — another reason to work with a trusted Hermès specialist like Privé Porter when verifying authenticity.
Why Hermès Stamping Matters
A single missing or mismatched stamp can signal an altered or counterfeit piece. As resale prices for Hermès Birkins and Kellys soar well past retail, understanding these codes isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Privé Porter has authenticated thousands of Hermès handbags, tracing every bag’s origin through its stamp, year, and atelier. This chain of custody protects collectors and preserves Hermès’ legacy of precision and perfection.
Privé Porter’s Expertise in Hermès Authentication
At Privé Porter, we don’t just sell Hermès — we safeguard its integrity. Every bag we handle undergoes a multi-stage authentication process that includes blind stamp verification, leather analysis, and provenance review.
Whether it’s a vintage Kelly Sellier, a Niloticus Himalaya Birkin, or a modern Horseshoe Mini Kelly, we ensure every client receives complete confidence with every purchase.
Contact Privé Porter
For Hermès authentication services or to source a verified Birkin, Kelly, or Special Order piece:
📧 sales@priveporter.com
📱 Call/Text +1 (305) 432-1285
🛍 priveporter.com
📸 Follow @priveporter
Privé Porter — the world’s most trusted source for rare and authenticated Hermès handbags.