Ultimate Guide to Authenticating Hermes Bags (II)

1. Hardware Logo Authentication

Genuine Hardware Logo

• Engraving is clean and precise, with sharp edges and a polished base.

• Handcrafted detailing ensures refined finishing, including beveled edges for a natural luster.

Replica Hardware Logo

• Typically laser or CNC-engraved, lacking post-processing refinement.

• Shallow engraving with no base treatment; edges appear rough and unpolished, resulting in a dull finish.

2. Stitching Comparison

Genuine Stitching

• Hand-stitched with subtle variations in depth and tension, showcasing artisanal craftsmanship.

Replica Stitching

• Machine-stitched with uniform spacing and depth, appearing overly rigid and artificial.

2.Micro-authentication of Gold Foil Stamping

Genuine Gold Foil Stamping:

• The gold foil is fully saturated, with crisp edges and consistent font size/width.

• Though closely spaced, characters remain distinct with minimal bleeding.

• Tactile raised impression is noticeable when touched.

Logo & Year Stamp Analysis:

• Authentic Hermès stamps are hand-applied letter by letter, resulting in:

  • Precise, evenly spaced characters

  • Clean edges without gold foil overflow

• Replicas typically show:

  • Machine-stamped uniformity with visible pressing marks

  • Even "high-end" fakes exhibit blurred edges and excessive foil bleeding when examined closely

3.Hardware Inspection

The metal fittings on a bag are critical for authentication and should be the main focus when submitting photos for remote verification. Smaller hardware details are especially telling of a bag's craftsmanship and must never be overlooked.

1. Major Hardware Components:

Hermès Magnet Test

• Authentic: The main clasp typically shows little to no magnetic reaction and will not stick to a strong magnet.

• Fake: Counterfeit clasps are often magnetic and will be strongly attracted to a magnet—a major red flag for replicas. The same applies to other buckle hardware, making this a key indicator of inauthenticity.

4.Zipper Details

Zipper Pull:

• Authentic: Hand-engraved markings appear clear from a distance but show slight irregularity in alignment upon closer inspection. Each individual letter, however, remains sharp. Stamping leaves visible metal distortion around the edges due to the pressing process.

• Fake: Laser-engraved markings appear as dotted patterns under magnification, resulting in an uneven base with uniform depth. Unlike genuine pieces, counterfeit stamping produces a flat, smooth base with no metal displacement.

5.Feet (Base Studs)

• Authentic:

  • Shape: Trapezoidal with straight, angled edges (not rounded).

  • Surface: Shows fine hairline scratches—even on brand-new bags.

• Fake:

  • Shape: Slightly "puffy" or rounded, lacking the crisp trapezoidal edges.

  • Surface: Often too smooth or inconsistently finished.