Every Hermès bag has a story. From the first stitch to the last detail, each one shows the brand's care and skill. But many people miss a small code inside. This is the Hermès blind stamp.

This stamp tells you when the bag was made, what materials it used, and which artisan worked on it. If you collect Hermès or plan to buy your first one, this guide will help you understand more about your bag.

Let’s look at what the blind stamp means and why it is important.

What Is the Hermès Blind Stamp

The Hermès blind stamp is like an ID for your bag. It is a small code pressed into the leather. Bags made after 1945 have this stamp.

The stamp has two parts. One part is the date stamp, which shows the year the bag was made. The other part is the craftsman code, which shows who made the bag.

It is called a blind stamp because it is pressed into the leather without any color. You need to look closely to see it.

Hermès Blind Stamp Format

Hermès Date Stamp Chart from 1945 to Now

Hermès changes how it writes the date code over time. The style of the stamp tells you the year the bag was made.

Here are the four main styles:

From 1945 to 1970, the stamp was a single letter with no shape around it.
From 1971 to 1996, the letter had a circle around it.
From 1997 to 2014, the letter had a square around it.
From 2015 to now, the stamp has only a letter with no shape and it is not in order.

This helps you find out the bag’s age. It also helps you know if a bag is real or not. Please note that Hermès does not share information about craftsman codes. These codes are used internally and are only known to Hermès employees.

Hermès Date Stamp Chart(1945-Present)

Why the Hermès Blind Stamp Is Important

The blind stamp does more than tell the year. It helps you check the color, material, and who made the bag. This can help you trust what you are buying.

1. It helps with authenticity

Each Hermès artisan has a special code. If you know the code, you can check if the bag really came from Hermès. This is useful when buying or selling, especially if the bag is old.

2. It helps with color

Some Hermès colors look very close. For example, Aztec and Celeste both look like light blue. If you only look at them, it is hard to tell which one is which. The stamp tells you the year, and you can check which color came out that year.

3. It helps with materials

Hermès stops using some leathers after a while. Also, older bags may look different as they age. So it can be hard to tell which leather was used. The stamp gives this info, so you know what the bag is made from.

Where Is the Blind Stamp Located

The stamp is on the bag, in a spot that is hard to see. The place where you find it depends on what bag you have and when it was made.

Birkin and Kelly bags

• Before 2016, the stamp was behind the sanglon strap.

• After 2016, it moved to the inner edge of the bag opening. You need to open the bag wide to see it.

Garden Party and other models

In other models, the stamp can be inside the bag, near the bottom, or inside the zippered pocket.

Tips for finding the stamp

Some tips may help you find the stamp easily. You can use soft light or a small flashlight. Look at the inside edges. Be gentle when checking. Hermès always hides the stamp.

Hermès Blind Stamp Location Examples (Left: Kelly Pochette, Middle: Bolide, Right: Garden Party)

Hermès Material Stamps and What They Mean

Some Hermès bags with special leather have extra symbols near the Hermès logo. These signs tell you what kind of material or leather the bag uses. 

Here is a list of symbols and what they mean:

These signs help you know if a bag is rare. For example, a horseshoe means the bag was made for one special customer. These bags are more valuable.

Hermès Material Stamp Chart

Every Hermès bag has a story, and the stamp helps tell it. This small mark shows when the bag was made, what it is made of, and who made it.

If you want to buy a Hermès bag or collect more, this guide will help you make smart choices. Knowing the stamp gives you more trust in what you are buying.

Keep this guide close when you shop or check your own bag. Small details matter, and Hermès puts meaning into every one.