Hermes Date Stamp Guide: How to Read Year Codes and Avoid Fakes

Hermes Date Stamp : Decoding the Secrets of Genuine Hermes Products

The Hermes date stamp is one of the most frequently referenced details when assessing a vintage Hermès bag. Found inside the bag, this stamp can indicate the production year and provide insight into its origin. However, while useful, a date stamp alone is never sufficient to confirm authenticity.

In this guide, we explain how Hermes date stamps work, how to read year codes correctly, and how they should be used alongside craftsmanship, materials, and construction details when evaluating a genuine Hermès bag.

Understanding the Hermes Date Stamp

The Hermès date stamp is a code imprinted inside the bag that provides information about its production period. Depending on the era, the stamp may appear as a letter, a letter within a shape, or a numeric format. These markings are used by Hermès for internal production reference and can help indicate an approximate time frame when the bag was made. Because Hermès has changed its stamping systems over the years, date stamps must always be interpreted in context and never used as the sole indicator of authenticity.

Date stamps should always be assessed alongside other indicators used to spot a fake Hermes bag.

Deciphering the Year Codes 

Hermès has used several different date stamp systems to indicate production years. In earlier periods, letters were used, sometimes enclosed within shapes, while later bags may feature numeric formats. For example, certain letter stamps correspond to specific years, but similar letters can appear across different eras depending on the stamping system used. For this reason, year codes should always be cross-checked with construction details, materials, and craftsmanship characteristics of the bag.

Identifying the Artisan

Following the date stamp, Hermès bags may include additional letters or numbers used for internal production reference. These markings are not publicly traceable to individual artisans and should not be interpreted as maker identification. Instead, they are believed to assist with internal quality control and production tracking. Because Hermès does not disclose detailed information about these codes, they should never be relied upon to determine authenticity on their own.

Unraveling the Workshop Location

The final element in the Hermes date stamp is a code that indicates the workshop location where the bag was manufactured. This detail is a testament to the brand's commitment to traditional craftsmanship and may also hold sentimental value for avid collectors. While often discussed by collectors, workshop codes are not publicly documented by Hermès and should not be relied on in isolation to determine authenticity.

Verifying Authenticity with the Hermes Date Stamp

The Hermes date stamp is an invaluable reference point when verifying the authenticity of Hermès products, particularly in the second-hand market. By cross-referencing the date stamp with known production timelines and construction characteristics, collectors can better assess a bag’s authenticity. 

Why a Hermes Date Stamp Alone Does Not Prove Authenticity

While the Hermès date stamp can help indicate production era, it does not confirm authenticity on its own. Counterfeit bags frequently copy correct date stamps while failing in stitching quality, leather finish, edge paint, or hardware weight.

A genuine Hermès bag is identified through overall consistency — including craftsmanship, materials, proportions, engraving quality, and wear patterns — with the date stamp serving only as one reference point.

Conclusion:

Understanding the Hermes date stamp helps collectors and buyers better contextualise a bag’s production era and provenance. However, date stamps should always be assessed alongside craftsmanship, materials, and construction details. When buying vintage Hermès, a holistic evaluation is essential to reduce the risk of counterfeits and misrepresentation.