How to Authenticate Hermes Bags
Since Hermès is the most expensive handbag designer, it's not surprising that there are many fake Hermes bags out there. Weed out replicas with this authentication guide that covers hardware and stamping features. These tips can be applied to many bags including Birkins, Kellys, Herbags and more.
Main Hermes Paris Stamp
Before we say anything, let's get your first impression. Of the stamps above, which one belongs to an authentic Hermes Birkin bag?
If you're familiar with Hermes, then you probably said the first left-most stamp is authentic. This is correct.
Hermes Paris stamps are usually very clean and neat. We picked one of the messiest Hermes Paris stamps we've ever seen to use in this example. Hermes has also used a multitude of different fonts over the years, so recognizing incorrect font requires a lot of expert knowledge based on the year of manufacture and bag style. So, don't feel bad if you got this wrong.
So, what's so wrong about the stamping on the black and red bag?
The stamping on the black bag suggests that it was pressed in. For silver or gold font, you will never see stamping so deeply depressed.
On the red bag, the silver ink is very spotty, and the Hermes Paris stamp is placed too far away from the stitching at the top.
Easy Facts and Tips on Hermes Paris Stamping Authentication
- Experts will look at the font of the stamping, but this is difficult to do for most as it has changed very frequently.
- Stamping is usually very clean and perfect.
- Bags made with exotic crocodile, alligator and lizard leathers will also have an additional marking, like **, □, ^, -, or =.
- Hermes has lots of symbols. Some bags made for people associated with Hermes have a shooting star symbol, and some special order Hermes bags have a horseshoe stamp next to the Hermes Paris stamp.
- Know where the Hermes Paris stamp should be located on the bag. For instance, for Hermes Birkin and Kelly bags, the Hermes Paris stamp is usually located very close to the top edge of the bag. Many counterfeits place the stamp too low.
- The stamp will be silver, gold or an imprint. If it is a metallic color, it will match the hardware color for that bag.
Blind Stamp
The blind stamp shows the year of manufacture and the craftsman. So, which is the fake blind stamp?
If you say the light blue bag is the counterfeit, you are right!
Again, Hermes authentication is tricky. Authentic stamping can be sometimes crooked, placed in different spots, and font and font size has not been consistent through the years.
Given our expert knowledge, we know the Q in the square (symbolizing 2013 for the year of manufacture) should be smaller on the blue bag.
- Contrary to popular belief, not all authentic Hermes bags have blind stamps.
Zipper
Hermes has distinct zippers. Which of these is the replica zipper?
Sorry. Trick question. Both zippers are authentic Hermes zippers.
Easy Facts and Tips on Hermes Zippers
- There are several variations of zippers that Hermes has used. They vary based on the bag style and year of manufacture. A vintage bag's zipper will be very different from a more current handbag's zipper.
- The zipper pull is horizontal to the teeth; it should not hang down.
- If "Hermes" is imprinted on the zipper pull, the bottom of the word will be towards the leather attachment.
Lock
Many Hermes bags don't come with locks, but for those that do, it's an easy inspection point that a lot of fakes don't pass. So, is the silver or gold lock the fake?
This one was easy, right? The lock on the right is a horrible copy! Can you believe that people try to sell stuff like that as authentic designer goods?!?
Easy Facts and Tips on Hermes Locks
- There are several variations of lock imprints that Hermes has used.
- Font will always be clean and crisp.
- Lock number will match the number on the accompanying keys.
- If a bag made of exotic leather like ostrich and croc has a lock, the lock body will be covered in the same exotic leather, hiding any lock markings.
- Counterfeitors use lots of different lock and key numbers, but 121, 212, and 102 are used very frequently on fakes.
Hardware Plate
This hardware part can be found on Birkins and Kellys, 2 of the most popular Hermes bags. Which one is the fake?
The fake hardware is the silver one. The font is ever so off from anything that Hermes ever produced. And, you can also tell in the background that they really messed up on the leather finish. What leather is that supposed to be, togo, epsom? All people really familiar with Hermes will agree that the leather grain looks disastrous!
Easy Facts and Tips on Hermes Hardware Imprints
- There are several variations of fonts that Hermes has used based on year of manufacture and bag style.
- Font will always be clean and crisp. Fonts on more recent bags are very thin.
- Hermes metal is incredibly resistant to color fade or change.
- Non-gold hardware will not have a gold-plating stamp.
To make this authentication guide useful to most, we focused on easy key features that counterfeits often goof up on. Proper and thorough authentication requires inspection specific to the bag style, year and make, and many additional features are also reviewed.
Don't worry though. We've got you covered. If you need a professional screening, you can always rely on Lollipuff's authentication service.