All Topics

Essential Hermès terminology and vocabulary defined – quota bag, HSS, Sellier, Retourne, blind stamp, clochette and more.

What is a Hermès quota bag? How the Birkin and Kelly purchase limit works, why the quota exists, and how quota bags differ from browsing bags.

A Hermès blind stamp locator guide – what the stamps are, where to find the logo, date code and craftsman marks, and how to read them.

How the Hermès alphabet date code works – the letter-and-shape system, how it evolved, and how to use it to date and authenticate a bag.

How the Birkin weight test aids authentication – the substantial heft of a genuine bag, why fakes feel light, weight by size and leather, and its limits.

Real vs fake Hermès hardware font – how genuine engravings differ from counterfeits in letterform, precision and depth, and how to verify them.