Monday, March 15, 2010

French Lace

My mother was a dressmaker when she was younger. Many of her friends were dressmakers too, and they often gave her leftover fabrics, notions, trims and in this case lace. She gave me this box of lace about 30 years ago and I had always planned to make myself something special. Well, it's just not going to happen. The only thing I know about this lace is what my mom told me back then, it's French and it's expensive.
At this point I think I would like to sell this stuff but I have no clue as to it's value. I have searched online but I cannot find anything quite like it or as wide. Does anyone out there know of a way I could find out what I have and what it's worth? Does anyone have an opinion as to where I should sell it, Etsy or Ebay?

10 comments:

Shana Putnam said...

Some of that would look really pretty on a fabric postcard with maybe some really pale fabric flowers for spring

patty a. said...

On etsy you can set your own price, but ebay you take a chance with how much you would get for it. Maybe put a few pieces on each and see what happens.

Unknown said...

Beautiful.

Can you send me a photo so I can ask my aunt? She worked with lace in the past. So maybe she knows more about it.

I would wait with selling until you know something about it.
When it's valuable an action or maybe selling to a shop will bring more money.

Joanne Olivieri said...

You can have it appraised by an antique dealer or someone who specialized in fabric then you could sell it on Ebay.

Dotti said...

Barbara, I think you need to speak to a textile curator. Start by calling a museum in your area for leads. Having it appraised is going to cost $$$. If you end up getting a price from an antique dealer...I'd list this as the starting price on an auction site.

jodi french paper arts said...

i would not cut into it yet. some french alencon lace is worth a fortune. it looks like you have very finely made high quality lace.

Lucky you!

Ann said...

I was going to suggest the same thing that Poetic shutterbug did. I would definitely have it appraised before I tried to sell it anywhere.

Anonymous said...

I agree about not cutting into it. If it were my lace, I wouild avoid ebay, and check antique dealers first. Lessons learned in the past - best to hold onto something until I know more about it.

Audrey said...

Lucky you! You have a precious item on your hands. I too would start with an antique dealer or alternatively see if you can find a very experienced dressmaker in your area who may also have some ideas.
Audrey

Anonymous said...

Are you kidding! Don't you dare sell it! That lace is exquisite! Display it in your house somewhere...but just don't sell it!