Update[01/20/10] | Hermes Date Codes: Each year a Hermes bag was made is represented by a letter.

Shapes utilized for dating: Hermes uses geometric symbols to decipher alphabet cycles. 

 A-N framed with a square: 1997 - 2010

 A-Z framed with a circle: 1971 - 1996
 A-Z no shape: 1945 - 1970

Below is an image of a Hermes date code: The letter "M" framed by a square = 2009 

Below is an image of a Hermes date code: The letter "I" framed by a square = 2005 

More on Hermes date codes: Always check the date stamp located under the strap, and make sure
that the date on the strap is consistant with what the seller is presenting. Hermes uses letters in
alphapbetical order to date the bags. The list shows the year made, and the letter that would be
stamped on the bag based on that year. At the top of every list (below) is the shape that the letter would
be framed inside: 

Hermes Date Code List 

No Shape Circle Square

 1945 A  1971 A  1997 A

  1946 B  1972 B  1998 B
 1947 C  1973 C  1999 C
 1948 D  1974 D  2000 D
 1949 E  1975 E  2001 E
 1950 F  1976 F  2002 F
 1951 G  1977 G  2003 G
 1952 H  1978 H  2004 H
 1953 I  1979 I  2005 I
 1954 J  1980 J  2006 J
 1955 K  1981 K  2007 K
 1956 L  1982 L  2008 L
 1957 M  1983 M  2009 M
 1958 N  1984 N  2010 N
 1959 O  1985 O  2011 O
 1960 P  1986 P  2012 P
 1961 Q  1987 Q  -
 1962 R  1988 R  -
 1963 S  1989 S  -
 1964 T  1990 T  -
 1965 U  1991 U  -
 1966 V  1992 V  -
 1967 W  1993 W  -
 1968 X  1994 X  -
 1969 Y  1995 Y  -
 1970 Z  1996 Z  -

Hermes logo: Located on the front/outside of the bag. Everything should line up even and centered.
Notice the space within the yellow lines (below). The same amount of space remains on each side of
the yellow lines regardless of what part of the logo is being tested. The top HERMES stamp is centered
within the bottom MADE IN FRANCE stamp. This is demonstrated by the outer yellow lines. And the
middle PARIS stamp is centered within the top HERMES stamp, as demonstrated by the inner yellow
lines. And because we know the top HERMES is centered within the bottom MADE IN FRANCE stamp,
by extension the middle PARIS stamp is also centered within the MADE IN FRANCE stamp. Always
make a note to check on the Hermes embossed stamp impression. Make sure that everything is
properly centered. Any uneven, crooked or lopsided stamp impression is an automatic red flag. 
Hermes Stitching: Hermes stitch lines should be flawless, as every Hermes bag is hand made and
hand sewn. There should not be any out of place stitches, out of order, crooked seams or irregular
stitch patterns on an authentic Hermes handbag. When inspecting a Hermes handbag, follow the stitch
lines carefully with your finger (you may wish to use soft gloves) and look for any crooked or out of
order stitches within the seam line. Any indication of sloppy stitching is an automatic red flag. 

Below is an example of fake Hermes stitching: Notice the out of place single stitch lines in the
bordering seams. Since we know authentic Hermes bags are all hand stitched, then it is easy to infer
that a bag with stitches that are out of whack is probably fake. It is easy when using a sewing machine
and rapidly putting down hundreds of stitches, to have some areas come out irregular. But the Hermes
bags are not made with a sewing machine, so every stitch has a human factor, meaning every stitch is
scrutinized, and carefully sewn in, one by one. Thus the hand sewn stitch lines should be nearly
perfect. And if anything looks sloppy, then it is most likely a phony Hermes bag. 

Note: The areas in the phony Hermes (above) where single stitches fall out of line. An authentic hand
sewn Hermes would not have out of order stitches, creating a seam line that is irregular. 

Hermes Hardware: Authentic Hermes hardware, or metal accents on their handbags should always be
a genuine precious metal. Because of this, the metal on the handbags is heavier than a normal metal
accent found on a less premium handbag brand. The use of precious metals also means that the metal
on an authentic Hermes handbag will not tarnish. Always check the quality of the metal on the handbag,
if it feels light and of low quality, then that should raise an automatic red flag. 

Hermes metals:

 24K plated gold

 Silver palladium
 Ruthenium [Burnished]
 Guilloche [Diamond cut pattern HW palladium]

Below is an image of fake Hermes hardware: Note the gold color is wearing off in the areas that are
slightly worn [the tarnish starts at the bottom left corner or the metal and runs along the edge to about
the H in Hermes. The silver that is starting to show through the gold is evidence that the Hermes
hardware is counterfeit]. An authentic Hermes metal accent should never tarnish. 
Hermes zippers: An authentic Hermes zipper pull should not flop down, or hang down at a 90 degree
angle from the zipper line. An authentic zipper pull should remain parrallel to the zipper line. A hanging
zipper pull is always a red flag. The zipper mechanism itself is a high quality design, one that is set up
to lock (or hold) the zipper pull in a parrallel postition. This keeps the zipper pull from dangling around,
and remaining stiff and in place. 

Below is an image of an authentic parrallel zipper pull: Notice the zipper pull does not hang down,
droop or flop. Also notice the mechanism itself. The high quality of this zipper is obvious within the
intricate design. This is not a zipper that would be found on a lesser brand, or most counterfeits. Again
like the stitch lines, it is in the tiny details that Hermes sets itself apart from everyone else. Also note the
Hermes logo is etched on the zipper itself.

Below is an image of a Hermes H logo on a Kelly Zipper end: Note the color is consistant even
under the spots that are slightly worn. 
Below is a real vs fake Hermes zipper: 1|30|2013

In the above example we can clearly spot the difference between the real and the fake zippers. In this
case the fake has the leather zipper pull attached at the wrong area because the entire structure of the
zipper is incorrect. Also note the stitch lines in the authentic compared to the fake. The authentic has
smaller stitch lengths and thereforemore stitches per inch.

Hermes Handbags - ebay 

Hermes Birkin  
Hermes Crocodile Handbags  
Hermes Handbags From $1000-2500  

Hermes Bags by Price

Hermes Handbags From $2501-5000  

Hermes Handbags From $5001-7500  
Hermes Handbags From $7501-10,000  
Hermes Handbags From $10001-15,000  
Hermes Handbags From $15,001-20,000  
Hermes Handbags From $20,001-25,000  
Hermes Handbags From $25,001-50,000  
Hermes Handbags From $50,001-100,000  
Hermes Handbags From $100,001-500,000  

Update[01/18/10] |Hermes Birkin, Kelly, leather info: 

 Birkins sizes: 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45cm. The size 45 Birkin is generally used for trips and has
longer straps. The Haut au Courries [High belt] is Hermes bag that is similar. This handbag is
slightly taller, but showcases straps that are shorter. The "High belts", or the Haut au Courries
handbags are manufactured in sizes 27, 32, [37]. The High Belt is also part of the Hermes
Birkin family tree.
 Kelly sizes: 20, 25, 28, 32, and 35 cm.
o Kelly bag two techniques:
o Rigide: Exterior (outer) stitching. The rigide Hermes Kelly is generally more costly.
o Souple: Interior stitching. This Kelly handbag has a more distressed, or a softer leather.
All leather options are available, along with HW, and shoulder strap.
 Leather: Hermes utilizes both texured and smooth leather styles. A common Birkin leather
is Togo [textured calf leather (also scratch resistant)]. For smoother leathers, Hermes uses goat
leather and more exotic like croc etc.
 Some Common Hermes leathers:
o Togo {calf]
o Ogo
o Clemence
o Natural Barenia
o Chevre [goat]
o Box [smooth,shiny]
o Chamonix
 Discontinued Hermes leathers:
o Veau Graine Lisse [pressed, textured]
o Courcheval [pressed, textured]
 Newer Hermes
o Swift
o Rodeo

Within this guide you will find that we have illustrated some details about authentic Hermes handbags  
that will assist you (the shopper) in blocking out as many fakes as possible from your potential buying
pool. However, this is in no way a complete (or final) summary of all details crucial to Hermes, but it
should provide enough information to increase your chances of identifying the counterfeit signature/s.

Some Hermes authenticiy points:

 Lock and Key: An authentic Hermes Birkin or Kelly has an engraved lock and key set. The lock
will have Hermes etched on the bottom, and the keys will be numbered to match the number of
the lock. Note: There are a few vintage Hermes bags with lock and key sets, that will also have
Hermes etched on the reverse side.
 Hermes dustbags: Contemporary Hermes dustbags are a tan herringbone toile.[However, this
information is subject to change as Hermes launches new lines].
 Hermes Dustags:
o Vintage dustbags: Tan [velour]
o Mid: Orange [heavyweight cotton flannel]
o Contemporary: Tan [herringbone toile]
 Tags: Hermes bags do not come with a paper tag. Any Hermes with a paper tag should raise a
red flag.
 Hermes will never use a metal nameplate inside the bag.
Check the feet on the bottom of the bag. They should not wobble or screw off easily.

Below is an image of Hermes handbag feet:

 Hermes soap: The Hermes soap that is used to clean saddles, does a great job on leathers.
 Hermes soap name: [Pain de Savon Glycerine], [Savon H a la Glycerine (Sodium Soap)]. It
measures roughly 14cm, the color is translucent beige/yellow.

REF: Purseforum.com

Hermes Leather is of an extraordinarily high quality calf. And there is a noticeable difference between
lower quality leather and high quality Hermes leather colors, and that difference is generally identified
within the crease pattern of the texture. Genuine quality calf will have a crease pattern that is highly
detailed and consistent with natural hide that will feel soft on contact and have a distinct smell. Cheaper
leathers, or even counterfeit leathers will have a less detailed creasing pattern that will generally feel
more stiff and have a less desirable or possibly synthetic smell. Unfortunately the feel and the smell
cannot be determined from an image on ebay. Fortunately, the texture will reveal counterfeit signatures,
and the texture can be scrutinized from an online image.

Below is a fake vs. real Hermes leather comparison:

 
[Fake Orange leather]: The image on the left is the fake Hermes leather patch, and here you can
clearly see that the crease pattern is slightly less detailed than the authentic on the right.

[Authentic brown leather]: This is an authentic patch of Hermes leather that does an efficient job of
demonstrating the fine detail of a high quality calf. The brown leather has more creases streaming
through the leather that create more tiny protruding bumps. This increased amount of creases tells us
that this leather will be softer as there are more comprised areas of resistance. Whereas the counterfeit
leather has less 'folding' areas which will give the fake a stiffer feel.

Below is an authentic vs. fake Hermes dustbag comparison:

[Point 1]: The carriage in the authentic Hermes dustbag is much more sleek looking than the
counterfeit version on the right. The track that the two wheels are sitting in is thinner than in the
counterfeit version, and the lines in general are more finely constructed when compared to the thicker
and less elegant lines in the fake dustbag.

[Point 2]: This comparison concerns the tip of the carriage whereas the authentic Hermes comes to a
fine point and the fake has a more dramatic curve and a blunted tip. Such lower quality artistic problems
are common when dealing with counterfeit luxury items.

[Point 3]: This comparison of the man concerns the his overall posture. In the authentic version he
seems to be leaning back slightly and looking up toward the head of the horse. In the fake on the right
the man appears to almost be slouching staring strait ahead into the throat of the horse. The authentic
Hermes dustbag is clearly a more elegant and fine image than the counterfeit dustbag.

Authentic Hermes dustbag string:

Hermes dustbags should generally have these brown 100% cotton pull strings.

Plastic on handles of fake Hermes handbag:

[Error detail]: Plastic wrap on the handles is generally considered an automatic counterfeit signature.
This is a detail that applies to most luxury designer brands. There are however exceptions to this rule,
but these exceptions if they apply to the brand are rare and would require unique purchasing
circumstances that most shoppers would not find themselves in.

Hermes label stamps are an important area of study when attempting to detect counterfeit signatures.
There are distinct points concerning different attributes of the label stamp and the surrounding label
area that we will focus in this section of the Hermes guide. The points of interest are:

 1. [Stamp quality]: This refers to the quality of the stamp impression itself. Authentic Hermes
should have a crisp and clear stamp.
 2. [Logo font]: The stamp impression should conform the specific Hermes authentic font. Any
deviation from the rigid font style should always raise red flags.
 3. [Stitch line]: The stitch line point of interest concerns the seam line directly above the stamp
impression. The detail that is important is the number of stitches that are counted in the length
of the stamp. Fake Hermes will often times have a slightly differing number of stiches per label
than the authentic bags. This is also a universal tool for spotting fake textile merchandise .

Below is a fake vs. real Hermes leather comparison:

  

 1. The stamped logo impression on the fake bag is clearly a lower quality impression than that
of the authentic Hermes on the right. Here we can see that the letters are much less clear and
crisp in the leather. Also note the leather crease patterns are less complex than the authentic
leather. More on Heremes leather can be found here.
 2. The Hermes font in the fake stamp impression has some slight differences than the
authentic font on the right. The most noticeable of those differences is the 'R' in Hermes. When
compared, the fake's R appears to have a wider 'loop hole' than the authentic font. As well as
an overall different shape altogether. (Also notice the distance the fake stamp is from the stitch
line above). The fake logo is clearly positioned much lower than the authentic stamp.
 3. The stitch line has been partitioned (marked with yellow lines) by using the width of the
stamp as a reference point. This way both stitch lines can be accurately compared against the
same baseline. In this case we find that the counterfeit Hermes has nearly five stitches (4.85) in
the label partition compared to the authentic Hermes that has slightly over six stitches (6.1).
This difference does not seem like much, but it is an indication of a possible counterfeit
signature. More on using stitches per inch (SPI) methodology below.

Below is an real vs. fake Hermes Dustbag stitching comparison:

[Stitching]: What we did in this example is create partitions every 5 stitches of the fake Hermes
dustbag and apply that distance to the authentic Hermes dustbag. This way we can compare the stitch
counts per partition and look for inconsistencies. What we find is that the authentic dustbag has more
stitches per partition than the fake. This is a good indicator of a possible counterfeit signature.

[SPI filter]: The stitch count method, (we call this the stitches per inch (SPI) filter), is a universal method
applicable to all textile based goods. We have created a SPI calculationto better gauge these values.
To better understand the technical aspect of what we are talking about, you may want to take a
look here at the SPI argument. (If not, you should simply come away with the understanding that the
stitch counts do matter, and further, that these values can often help us identify counterfeit items). Here
are the results of the SPI calculation using the values obtained from the fake and authentic Hermes
dustbag image.

 [Fake Hermes stitch count(average)]: (5+5+5)*1/3 = 5

 [Authentic Hermes stitch count(average)]: (6.33+5.98+5.89)*1/3 = 6.06

If we take the value of 5 for the fake dustbag and the value of 6.06 for the authentic and we enter these
values into the SPI filter, we find that the fake is rejected.

Based on the average authentic value of 6.06, the SPI calculator gives us an acceptable stitch range of
5.05 to 7.27 stitches per partition. This means that we should expect the stitches per partition to fall
within that range. Here we find that the fake (5) just misses the lower bound (5.05). This is very close.

(i) This test is not a 100% conclusive proof. Rather, this type of testing can provide us with some red
flags, in which we would proceed with caution if we were considering purchasing this handbag. And
certainly continue to scrutinize the other details of the handbag.

(ii) If we use the values from the example at the top of the guide, (from the label stamp comparison
section), which gave us 4.85 for the fake, and 6.1 for the authentic, we find that the fake is also rejected
from the filter. The range given in this case runs from 5.08 to 7.32, in which the fake label's stitch value
(4.85) misses the lower bound (5.08).

Real vs. fake Hermes strap - stitch count

[Straps] The stamps on the authentic black Hermes strap represent: 1) on the left side the date code
letter which gives the year of manufacturing, and 2) on the right side is the craftsman ID number,
(Hermes are all hand made). For more detailed information on what the stamps on the straps signify
go here.

Concerning the stitch counts, we can clearly see that the authentic stitch count, (if we count the stitches
that run between the metal rivets), we find that the authentic black strap has 15 stitches, and the fake
orange Hermes strap has 12. Here again we find that a lower stitch count is found on the fake strap
when compared to the authentic strap.

In this guide we have illustrated some details about Hermes that will help you weed out the fakes. This
is in no way a conclusive or complete guide to every detail about Hermes, but it has enough information
to highly increase you chances of spotting the fake Hermes handbags. Combining some of these brand
specific points with the universal tells we have listed should help keep you insulated from many of the
fake Hermes handbags in the open market.
<="" a="" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-
variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto;
text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-
spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(247, 244, 247);">Note: Many
of the images we show to highlight a specific tell, also have another tell within the same photo. When
this occurs we will try to point out the secondary tell also. However, on occasion we may miss some of
the secondary tells in the photos. So we encourage you the reader to inspect the images for other tells
to help increase your spotting skills. 
<="" a="" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-
variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto;
text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-
spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(247, 244, 247);">We
recommmend that you read our tutorialSpot Fake Handbags first, to learn the universal tips essential to
build a foundation for spotting fake handbag tells. Then reinforce that foundation with the brand specific
tells we highlight here.

  As we get more details we will add them. Also, if you the reader have anything else to add, please
email it to us, we will be glad to add it to the site. If we use your tip we will refrence you and add your
web/blog link if applicable.

Hermes Tutorial Sections: 

Hermes Part one 

Hermes Part two 
Hermes leather | dustbags 
Hermes label | stitching 
Hermes colors ← 
Hermes lock 

Hermes Colors: 

 Colors: Reds, greens, oranges, browns, yellow etc. The most popular Birkin colors are gold
(rich tan), black, and Blue Jean (sky blue).

Hermes colors (primary etc): 

 Rouge Hermes: Deep wine red, blue/pink undertone

 Rouge Vif: bright cherry or lipstick red, raspberry pink undertone
 Vermillion: Bright tomato red with orange undertone
 Brique: Brick Red
 Braise.

Hermes Blues:

 Blue Jean: bright sky blue, (depending on leather texture[comes off as bright, on Clemence,
pale on Epsom leather]).
 Indigo: Dark Navy Blue
 Ink: [blue-black]
 Thalassa: Mediterranean Sea Blue [same family as Blue Jean, but deeper]
 Blue Roi: Bright royal blue [exotic leathers give it a denim-blue look]
  Turquoise: Bright green-blue
 Blue sapphir.

Hermes Greens:

 Vert Anis: Bright Apple green

 Chartruese: Green with yellow undertone.
 Forest green
 Jade.
 Olive.

Hermes Oranges:

 Classic orange: Classic Hermes color [bright tangerine]

 Potiron: Less bright orange (brown undertones)[dark on Chevre leather, bright on Togo,
Clemence leathers]

Hermes Pinks and Purples: 

 Fuchsia: Rich, bright pink.

 Cyclamen: Mixture of lavender and pink
 Violet: Bright purple
 Raisin: Dark purple bright [lighter than violet]

Hermes color pics:

Hermes leathers:
The Hermes locking mechanism is another area that the counterfeiters will often times get incorrect.
Hermes is hand made with top quality materials and their locking mechanisms reflect this. The
counterfeiter will attempt to cut corners, even when producing a fake Hermes, and these corner cutting
attempts will leave signatures of their phony origin. The higher quality locks will when compared to
lower quality locks will reveal obvious differences, not to mention handling these locks in person would
'feel' different as well.

Below is a real vs fake Hermes lock (key hole):

[Hermes lock]: The authentic lock key hole on the left hand side is clearly distinct from the fake in the
shape of the key hole as well as the HERMES font etched into the lock. The fake lock etching is
appears in comparison to the authentic lock, not to mention the fake font itself is different than that of
the authentic lock.

Below is a fake Hermes with plastic wrap on the handles:

The plastic wrap identification is generally a universal indicator of counterfeit merchandise when
concerning designer handbags and other luxury items. This is a rule of thumb guideline that if you
encounter a handbag with plastic wrapping on the handles that this detail should be an immediate red
flag. There are exceptions to this rule, but these cases are rare and most likely will not be not be
encountered by the majority of shoppers. So we have good reason to suspect that if we stumble upon a
handbag with this type of wrapping that we should beware.
Hermes Handbags - ebay

Hermes Birkin  
Hermes Crocodile Handbags  
Hermes Items Under $1000 

Hermes Bags by Price

Hermes Handbags From $1000-2500  

Hermes Handbags From $2501-5000  
Hermes Handbags From $5001-7500  
Hermes Handbags From $7501-10,000  
Hermes Handbags From $10001-15,000  
Hermes Handbags From $15,001-20,000  
Hermes Handbags From $20,001-25,000  
Hermes Handbags From $25,001-50,000  
Hermes Handbags From $50,001-100,000  
Hermes Handbags From $100,001-500,000  

Hermes Tutorial Sections:

Hermes Part one 

Hermes Part two 
Hermes leather | dustbags 
Hermes label | stitching 
Hermes colors 
Hermes lock ← 

KIM KARDASHIAN are o geanta Hermes “pictata” de fiica ei!

Publicat: Marţi, 11 Noiembrie 2014, 16:40 Cum e sa-ti personalizezi o geanta de firma in valoare de
cateva mii de dolari cu mazgaliturile “abstracte” ale fetitei tale in varsta de nici doi ani? KIM
KARDASHIAN este la a doua geanta personalizata. Kanye West i-a facut-o cadou pe prima cu ocazia
Craciunului 2013 – o geanta Birkin decorate de George Condo. Acum, are un Hermes manjit artistic de
fiica ei, North West!