Hi Chrishinz~
First, for anyone reading this who might not realize it, I’d like to
make it clear that there is a difference between alligator and
crocodile leather. The leather of crocodile has tiny indentions that
you won't find on alligator. For the novice the difference between the
two leathers can be very difficult to see, even in person.
From your photographs, it’s a little hard to make out the leather's
details, but it seems to be alligator. But even if it’s crocodile, the
values I've given will apply.
Your vintage alligator purse has several things going for it:
• It appears to be in excellent condition
• You know it’s history
These are things collectors love.
It’s also made in a classic, timeless style. Some collectors will like
this, but many collectors are looking for more unique items from such
relatively recent eras as the 1970s. However, a timeless purse will
attract buyers who are interested in having a purse for everyday use.
As with all prices given in value guides, on television shows, or
through auction firms, the values I mention here are only *estimates.*
They will vary according to the condition of the purse (any amount of
damage, no matter how small, reduces the value), and according to what
area of the country or world you are selling in.
That said, alligator and crocodile purses are fairly desirable right
now, whether or not they are “designer.” Please note that the highest
rates are going to 1950s alligator/crocodile bags.
Here is a purse very similar to the one you have, and from about the
same era, selling for $80:
http://estate.goantiques.com/detail,amber-brown-alligator,97519.html
Another example, this one from eBay, sold for about 42 pounds:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3430185100&category=3006
Here’s a similar item that sold for about $44:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3430849277&category=3006
In the higher range, here’s a bag that’s a bit older (and therefore
more collectible in many people’s eyes) selling on eBay for about $102
(the auction has not yet closed):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3430566510&category=3006
And another eBay auction, now at $152 (not yet closed):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3430565213&category=3006
Lastly, here’s a purse from the 50s selling for over $300:
http://www.lapochette.com/day25.html
These are just a few examples of the values I have run across.
Given the values I’ve cited here, and seen elsewhere, a reasonable
amount to expect this purse to draw on eBay would be $80—150. If you
were able to sell it through a dealer, a reasonable sale might be
$100—$250, depending upon market conditions. If you’re able to target
the high-end market, you may be able to sell the purse for as much as
$300+, but such instances are typically rare.
As for where to sell the purse, I’d recommend an eBay auction if you
want to sell the purse immediately. Or, find an Internet vintage
clothing dealer to buy it, or sell it through. I can recommend several
dealers to you, but please do remember that you’ll receive less than
the estimate above, since the dealer must get a commission or a cut.
Dealers you might contact about selling your purse:
The Croc Doc Shop
http://www.thecrocdocshop.com/company.html
La Ponchette
http://www.lapochette.com/
Vintage In Style
http://www.vintage-instyle.com/vintageleather.html
You may also wish to explore the dealers listed at this resource for
antique and vintage fashion collectors, The Vintage Connection:
http://www.geocities.com/vintageconnection/VintageConnection--LinksSale.html
Good luck!
Kriswrite
Research Strategy:
Researcher’s personal knowledge of the vintage clothing field/market
eBay search for “crocodile purse” and “alligator purse” |
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