How to Identify a Longaberger Basket by the Tag

Handmade Longaberger baskets are both used and collected.

Longaberger baskets are not only beautiful, functional baskets but they are also collectibles that often gain in value as they age. The Longaberger family business began with Dave Longaberger and five weavers, and continues with family members -- Tami and Rachel as of 2010 -- in charge. The popular line of baskets is available through home consultants who assist hosts with parties, and through the Internet.



In addition, hundreds of older Longaberger baskets are listed by Internet auction sites where enthusiasts compare prices, sell and shop to add to their collections.

Things You'll Need

• Basket
• Internet access

Instructions

Identify Longaberger by the Tag

1. Verify the identity of a basket by reading the printed label, usually attached to the top border of the basket. This label is metal and fastened permanently. Genuine Longaberger labels include the name, the identity of the collection if the basket belongs to a collection, the year it was sold and the style of the basket. Paper tags are also attached to new baskets but are rare on used ones.

2. Examine the bottom of the Longaberger basket for a stamp "LONGABERGER BASKETS, handwoven, Dresden, Ohio, USA." The company takes pride in making their products exclusively in America.

3. Find a signature or an initial also on the bottom of the basket. Some baskets are signed by family members who work at weaving; other baskets are initialed by the employees who have woven that basket. Having a family member's signature increases the value of the basket.

4. Estimate the value of the Longaberger basket by first judging its condition. Determine if it is broken, missing a handle, faded badly, scratched or crushed. Any damage will decrease the value. If it is part of a collection, this may raise the value provided the issue was limited to one year or one season.The older the basket in excellent condition, the more valuable it will be.

Tips & Warnings

• To learn more about the value of a basket, you may need to compare the basket with photographs of Longaberger baskets. The publisher of the only Longaberger authority, the Bentley Guide, provides a subscription service on the Internet. For about $30 as of October 2010, this service makes extensive photographs and price guides accessible to collectors.

References

• Porch Swing Memories: What is my Longaberger Basket Worth?
• Longaberger: Our Company
• Bentley Guide: Inventory Online