Hermes Stamp Symbols & What They Mean - Academy by FASHIONPHILE (2024)
Hermes bags are nothing short of extraordinary.
In fact, Hermes goes so far as to stamp their (uber exceptional) bags that rank sky-high in the world of ultra-luxury. A stamp of transparency if you will. We’re talking about the most prestige of their prestige offerings, and the status of these pieces is never ever up for debate – with the exception of every inauthentic variety that tries to slip through the cracks.
Since Hermes is one of the most expertly-skilled purveyors of luxury goods and apparel in the world, leathers, and exotic skins to no surprise, still reign supreme if you’re a true collector. Pretty sure Cardi B would agree given her extensive (and continuously growing) collection of exotic Birkins and rare Kelly bags. She totally doesn’t have a problem; she has a collection, of course!
Due to its range of ultra-luxury materials used, the storied French house incorporates unique foil stamps throughout their high-value pieces to help identify the unique material present (and also, sometimes the bag type). These symbols, no doubt, are indicative of Hermes’ vast portfolio of quality-produced and hard-to-find pieces.
From the rarest Birkin to the most sought-after Constance, every stamp tells a story. Not to be confused with date codes, otherwise known as “blind stamps”, which help confirm the year of manufacture (those have their own unique location on the bag – more on that another time). At the end of the day, these seemingly minor but important markings most definitely help confirm the integrity of your bag and justify its value too.
Ok, so what exactly are the symbols, and what does each one represent? Read on to find out more in this (not so secret) guide to Hermes stamp symbols.
As an avid enthusiast and expert in the world of luxury fashion, particularly Hermes, I bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to shed light on the intricate details that make Hermes bags truly extraordinary. My expertise is rooted in a deep understanding of the brand's history, craftsmanship, and the meticulous processes involved in creating these iconic pieces.
Hermes is renowned for its commitment to unparalleled quality and craftsmanship, making each bag a symbol of luxury and prestige. The brand takes pride in its transparency, going to great lengths to distinguish its authentic products from imitations. The stamping of their bags is a testament to this commitment, serving as a mark of authenticity and quality that sets them apart in the ultra-luxury market.
The use of leathers and exotic skins further elevates Hermes bags to the pinnacle of luxury. Drawing from my extensive knowledge, I can attest to the fact that genuine collectors recognize the supreme status of these materials in the world of luxury fashion. The mention of Cardi B and her notable collection of exotic Birkins and rare Kelly bags adds a real-world dimension to the brand's desirability and exclusivity.
One distinctive feature that sets Hermes apart is the incorporation of unique foil stamps on their high-value pieces. These stamps serve a dual purpose, helping to identify both the material used and, at times, the specific bag type. This attention to detail is a hallmark of Hermes' dedication to producing quality and hard-to-find pieces.
It's crucial to note the distinction between these foil stamps and date codes, also referred to as "blind stamps." While blind stamps confirm the year of manufacture, they have a separate location on the bag. I'll delve into the intricacies of date codes at another time, as they play a different but equally significant role in establishing the authenticity and provenance of Hermes bags.
The symbols on Hermes bags are not merely decorative; they are a language of their own, telling the unique story of each piece. From the rarest Birkin to the most sought-after Constance, every stamp contributes to the narrative of the bag's origin and materials used. These seemingly minor yet significant markings are a crucial aspect of confirming the integrity of your Hermes bag and justifying its substantial value in the world of luxury fashion.
Now, let's unravel the mystery behind these symbols and explore what each one represents in this comprehensive guide to Hermes stamp symbols.
For those manufactured from 1971 to 1996, you will find a series of letters with an accompanying circle. The Hermes bags manufactured from 1997 to 2014 will contain a series of letters and a square symbol. The Hermes bags made from 2015 up to now only contain a series of letters.
Every genuine Hermès bag produced receives an embossed stamp signifying the year of its manufacture and another identifying the artisan or team of artisans who created it. The Hermès date stamp, naturally, is the one that specifies the year of its manufacture.
The very foundation of the Hermès logo design lies in its equestrian origins. The horse and carriage emblem serves as a nod to the brand's inception as a saddlery manufacturer. This ingenious move ensures that, despite its evolution into a luxury brand, Hermès remains deeply connected to its heritage.
Appearing as a little dot, these pores are what give Hermès Crocodile Porosus its name. An Hermès Bag in this species are marked with a ^ next to the Hermès logo, whereas Hermès Crocodile Niloticus (Nilo for short) is marked with a = and are sourced from North Africa.
The authentic Hermès logo is clean, clear, and precise. It reads "Hermès Paris Made in France" in an elegant and simple font. The letters are evenly spaced, with no spelling mistakes or irregularities. In contrast, fake Birkin bags often have logos that are blurry, uneven, or poorly stamped.
Do Hermès bags have a serial number? Hermès bags do feature a serial number system to classify their products as Chanel does, with Hermés it is called a “Blind Stamp”, sometimes these stamps are barely visible to the eye. However, Hermès do not provide an authenticity card with their bags.
A stamp on a piece of postage (including letters) indicates money paid toward the postal service's charge for delivering that piece of mail. Stamps often clearly indicate their denomination (the amount money they represent), but since 1975, some stamps do not.
The Bougainvillea color is one of the rarest Hermes colors and can be described as a light tone of red with raspberry and pink undertones. This particular color is extremely difficult to find elsewhere and is a very hard color to obtain on a Clemence leather.
A plate number is a number printed in the margin of a sheet or roll of postage stamps, or on the stamp itself, which shows the printing plate used to print the stamps. This strip from a sheet of US stamps from 1895 shows they were printed with plate number 170. A plate number is the serial number of a printing plate.
Orange is one of the most popular Hermes's colours, it can also be found in its logo. The choice of the color orange for Hermes is directly linked to its history. Hermes brand was born at the beginning of 1800. Thierry Hermes, a German and Protestant man, moved to Paris with his family.
The choice of orange as the colour of Hermes is a combination of practical considerations, historical ties to equestrianism, and the strategic development of a strong brand identity.
caduceus, staff carried by Hermes, the messenger of the gods, as a symbol of peace. Among the ancient Greeks and Romans it became the badge of heralds and ambassadors, signifying their inviolability.
The horseshoe symbol indicates that the bag is a special order (SO) and is often referred to as an HSS (horseshoe stamp) item. To just about every Hermes connoisseur, the rarity and intrigue of these bespoke bags never gets old.
The caduceus is also the magic wand carried by Hermes (the Romans knew him as Mercury), the messenger of the gods. The caduceus probably was first used as a medical emblem in the 16th century. In its earliest form, the caduceus appeared as a forked rod, the prongs knotted or crossing to form a loop.
The stamping system was only enacted in 1945. From 1945 to 1970, the stamp featured a single alphabetical letter in chronological order; “A” for bags made in 1945, “B” for bags made in 1946, and so on.
Introduction: My name is Frankie Dare, I am a funny, beautiful, proud, fair, pleasant, cheerful, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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