hermes kelly date creation | authentic Hermes kelly bags

The Hermès Kelly bag, a symbol of timeless elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship, is more than just a handbag; it's an investment, a statement, and a piece of art. Each meticulously crafted Kelly tells a story, and part of that story is encoded within a discreetly placed date stamp. This seemingly small detail is a powerful tool for authentication, allowing seasoned collectors and discerning buyers to understand the bag's history, its year of manufacture, and even the atelier where it was brought to life. Understanding the Hermès Kelly date creation system is crucial for anyone interested in authentic Hermès Kelly bags, Birkins, or any Hermès leather good.

This article will delve into the intricate world of Hermès date stamps, specifically focusing on the Kelly bag. We will explore the history and evolution of the date stamp system, decipher the codes, pinpoint the location of the stamp, and equip you with the knowledge to confidently identify authentic Hermès Kelly purses and understand the date creation of your coveted treasure.

Hermès Kelly Bag Identification: More Than Meets the Eye

The Hermès Kelly bag is instantly recognizable by its trapezoidal shape, single top handle, two side straps, and signature touret closure. However, beyond the aesthetic appeal, several factors contribute to authentic Hermès Kelly bag identification. These include:

* Craftsmanship: Hermès is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship. Look for impeccable stitching, perfectly aligned hardware, and flawless leather.

* Leather Quality: The leather used for Hermès bags is of the highest quality. Feel the suppleness, examine the grain, and observe how the leather ages. Common leathers include Togo, Epsom, Chevre, and Box Calf.

* Hardware: Hermès hardware is typically made of palladium or gold-plated metal. The hardware should be heavy, durable, and stamped with the Hermès logo.

* The "Hermès Paris Made in France" Stamp: This stamp is located inside the bag, usually in gold or silver depending on the hardware. The font should be consistent and clear.hermes kelly date creation

* The Date Stamp: This is the primary focus of this article and will be discussed in detail below.

* The Artisan's Stamp: A small, often difficult-to-spot, stamp indicating the artisan who crafted the bag. This stamp is typically a letter or a combination of letters and numbers.

These elements, combined with an understanding of the date stamp system, will significantly enhance your ability to identify authentic Hermès Kelly bags.

Hermès Date Stamps: A Historical Overview

The Hermès date stamp system has evolved over the years, with different methods used to denote the year of manufacture. The earliest Hermès bags, predating the 1940s, generally did not have date stamps. The formal system began in 1945, offering a traceable lineage for each bag. The evolution of the date stamp system can be broadly categorized into three periods:

* 1945 - 1970: Letter Stamps (Without Shapes): During this period, the year was indicated by a single letter. For example, "A" would represent a specific year. These letters were stamped directly onto the leather, without any surrounding shapes.

* 1971 - 1996: Letter Stamps Inside a Circle: In 1971, Hermès introduced a circle around the letter. This system continued until 1996, with each letter within a circle corresponding to a specific year. This change made it easier to distinguish the year and added a layer of sophistication to the stamping process.

* 1997 - 2014: Letter Stamps Inside a Square: In 1997, the circle was replaced by a square. This system continued until 2014, maintaining the letter-year correspondence but altering the surrounding shape.

* 2015 - Present: No Shape (Random Serial Number): From 2015 onwards, Hermès transitioned to a system using a combination of letters and numbers without any surrounding shape. This is generally referred to as a "random serial number." While it doesn't directly indicate the year in the same way as previous systems, it still serves as a unique identifier for each bag. The first part of the alphanumeric code is the workshop code. The second part is the bag production number and the last part is the atelier code.

Decoding the Hermès Date Stamp: Birkins and Kellys Hermes Date Stamp

The date stamp is your key to understanding when your Hermès Kelly bag was created. Here's a breakdown of how to decipher the code:

* 1945 - 1970 (Letter Only): Consult a Hermès date stamp chart to determine the year corresponding to the single letter. For example, "E" might indicate 1965. Note that the letter sequence is not always chronological due to re-use of letters.

* 1971 - 1996 (Letter in a Circle): Again, refer to a Hermès date stamp chart. Locate the letter within the circle and identify the corresponding year. For instance, "Z in a circle" might signify 1996.