Hermès bags are among the most sought-after luxury items in the world. Famous for their luxurious appeal, timeless design, and quality, these bags feature special marks, referred to as blind stamps or date stamps, that add to their prestige. One such mark is the I blind stamp." But what exactly is the Hermes I blind stamp, and why is it so important? Let's explore this.
Which Year Does the Hermes I Blind Stamp Belong To?
A blind stamp is a symbol used by Hermès to show the year when the bag was made. Since 1940s, Hermès uses a letter system where each letter stands for a specific year. Such measures were introduced by a range of luxury bag brands to prevent counterfeiting.
As the Latin alphabet only contains 33 letters, at some point in history Hermes started to repeat the letters, pairing them with a geometric form.
Over the years, Hermès has used the I stamp 3 times:
- I square stamp belongs to 2005
- I circle stamp belongs to 1979
- Regular I stamp belongs to 1953
Now let's take a closer look
I Square Stamp (2005)
If you bag has an I Square stamp, the letter "I" means that the bag was made in the year 2005.
The Blind Stamp can appear in different places on the bag. Usually, it is hidden on parts of the leather that are not immediately visible.
On Birkin and Kelly bags, this 2005 I stamp is always located on the 'sangles':
Note that there are always other symbols, which represent the mark of a specific craftsman who manufactured the specific bag.
You'll find the I blind stamp on all types of Hermes leather goods (including their most prominent bags and leathers) and on various types of leather. Look at this authentic mini Kelly in suede leather, which is not typical for Hermes items.
That's what a date stamp looks like on a vintage suede Kelly bag:
I Circle Stamp (1979)
Now there's another "I" Blind Stamp, which is a Circle "I."
This date stamp belongs to much older items, specifically marking those produced in 1979.
The Circle "I" stamp symbolizes a different era in Hermès' history, dating back to a time when the fashion house was already well established but before the Birkin, one of the most popular Hermes bags, was introduced.
Any item bearing the Circle "I" stamp will predominantly be found on Kelly, Constance, vintage Hermes bags and small leather goods.
Finding the I Circle stamp is a bit more sophisticated. For instance, on an Hermès Kelly bag from this era, you will typically find the Circle "I" stamp on the sangles. The sangles are the slender, strap-like extensions that wrap around the front of the Kelly bag, offering a discreet yet definitive placement for the blind stamp.
However, on Hermès Constance bags from 1979, the Circle "I" stamp will be located on the leather zipper puller. Understanding where to find these specific stamps allows collectors and enthusiasts to verify the authenticity and age of vintage pieces accurately.
Vintage Hermes I Stamp (1953)
Finally, there's an I blind stamp from 1953. Due to the age and the condition of the items from that era, it's highly unlikely to find an item like this in resale. However, as handbag professionals, we want you to be aware that this kind of I stamp also belongs to authentic Hermes bags.
Summary
Learning to to read Hermes date stamps is crucial for anyone interested in Hermès bags. It does more than just show the year of manufacture; it stands for authenticity, high quality, and lasting value. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, knowing about the Blind Stamp can help you appreciate and trust in owning one of these luxury items. When you find an Hermès bag with an "I" date stamp, you’re seeing more than just a letter; you're recognizing a piece of top-notch skill and timeless elegance.
Now that you understand what the Hermes I blind stamp represents, you can better appreciate the care and craftsmanship that goes into every Hermès bag.
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