Brand and Vintage Item Value Lookup
Takes what a worker can see on an item (tags, labels, marks, condition, construction) and turns it into a research plan and a price recommendation worksheet.
Before and after
Worksheet 1: Plaid jacket (donated by Gavin Kaplan)
Item and marks (as written): Men's large wool plaid jacket. Woven tag reads "Pendleton" and "Virgin Wool". Faded tag, no readable RN number. Metal zipper, no brand stamp.
What the marks suggest: The woven tag and the wool label point to a wool jacket from the brand named on the tag. The faded tag and unstamped zipper do not tell us the age, and they do not prove the jacket is genuine.
Research checklist:
- Search the exact tag wording and compare the tag style to photos in brand tag guides.
- Look at sold listings (not asking prices) for plaid wool jackets in men's large with a similar tag.
- Check the stitching, lining, and button quality against the sold listings you find.
- Look for any other tag or label inside the pockets or under the collar.
Comparables provided: $48 and $62 (sold, good condition, one marketplace and one auction site).
Price range with the math: Midpoint of the two comparables is ($48 + $62) / 2 = $55. The jacket has a small moth hole, so we recommend pricing below the midpoint. A range of $35 to $45 keeps it under the sold comps and above the usual $18 to $30 outerwear rule because of the brand.
Recommended route and reason: We recommend listing it online. The sold comps are well above what the same jacket would likely bring at our usual outerwear price, and the condition issue is small and can be shown clearly in photos.
Condition notes: One moth hole on the left sleeve, about the size of a pencil eraser. Lining is good. No odor. Mention the hole in the listing and photograph it.
Needs a professional: None for pricing. We cannot say the jacket is authentic from the tag alone.
Local rules: This jacket was donated. Please confirm any tax or resale rules for donated goods locally.
Worksheet 2: Green glass vase (consigned by Frank Fitzgerald)
Item and marks (as written): Small green glass vase, about 9 inches tall, heavy base. Bottom ground smooth, no pontil scar. Paper sticker worn, only "Mur" readable. No chips, one faint scratch near the base.
What the marks suggest: A heavy base and ground bottom describe how the vase was finished. They do not name a maker. "Mur" is only part of a word and we cannot say what it stands for, so we should not guess a maker or country.
Research checklist:
- Try to read more of the sticker in strong side light or with a magnifier, and photograph it.
- Search glass maker mark guides for ground and polished bases in green glass of this height.
- Look for etched, molded, or engraved marks on the base and sides.
- Find sold listings for green glass vases of similar height and weight, once a maker is identified.
Comparables provided: None yet.
Price range with the math: We cannot set a range without comparables. The consignor's ask is $85. If it sells at $85, the store takes 40 percent, which is $85 x 0.40 = $34, and Frank Fitzgerald receives $51.
Recommended route and reason: We recommend holding the vase for further research before pricing. A partial sticker is not enough to price on, and an appraiser may be worth asking if a maker is identified and the piece looks valuable. Frank Fitzgerald asked to be called at 312-555-0194 before going lower than $85, so do not drop the price without calling him.
Consignor agreement: Please follow the written consignment agreement with Frank Fitzgerald. The 40 percent store share is the only split term given, so we have not assumed any other terms. Please confirm any consignment, tax, or resale rules locally.
Condition notes: One faint scratch near the base. Note it on the tag and in any listing.
Needs a professional: If the research points to a named studio or collectible maker, we recommend a qualified glass appraiser before setting a final price.
Questions for the owner
- What is the store's pricing policy for consigned items you are holding for research, and for how long can we hold the vase?
- Can the Pendleton jacket be photographed and listed today, and who is handling the listing?
- Do you want the moth hole mentioned in the listing title or only in the description?
- Any more of the "Mur" sticker visible under better light?
What it does
Takes what a worker can see on an item (tags, labels, marks, condition, construction) and turns it into a research plan and a price recommendation worksheet. It helps the store decide whether to put the item on the floor, list it online, or send it for expert appraisal. It does not give a guaranteed value.
Use it when: Use when a thrift store worker or owner needs help figuring out whether a donated or consigned item is a notable brand or vintage piece and how to research and price it, such as: what is this worth, is this vintage, look up this brand, price check this item, or is this worth listing online.