$5 scores antique(?) Gucci kelly bag

[gino22]

TS saw a beat up leather bag with a missing key and threw it into the junkpile, priced accordingly. Knew it was old and couldn't complain for $5. Keeping my fingers crossed for a big return. Copying over my post from a purse forum below:

I believe I have a Gucci bag from the 1930s-1940s. It is somewhere between a "Kelly" and "Doctor" design. Materials and craftsmanship are superb throughout and I am confident it is authentic. I found a few black Gucci bags from the 1960s that are somewhat close, but do not have the shopping knight or "G. Gucci" markings. They are also quite different structurally.

The inner zipper reads "SLID" or "SLIO", but have not found any information on this brand online.

The key tag has separated from the handle (you can see where it was tied on) and has an interesting sheathed design. You can push it all the way into the leather sheath so it looks like a tag, pull on the end of the hidden key to expose, then pull the leather ties to retract.

Wondering if any of you experts can help me better place the era. Pics below:

 

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[tamrock]

Such quality and craftsmanship I see on that item. If that was produced like that these days it would cost quite a bit I would think? I would have purchased that for 5 bucks without thinking twice. My guess by what I see it was made in the time you mention. I think with the right buyers informed that item is available it could bring some serious money if exposed to the international market. How much you thinking you want out of it? I see SLID on the zipper pull and my guess it's the manufacturer of the zipper. Good old luggage like a vintage Hartmann will have that type of heavy constructed zipper on them, as they are much better then cheap zippers. Thing like what you have were built to last and hold up.

 

[gino22]

Such quality and craftsmanship I see on that item. If that was produced like that these days it would cost quite a bit I would think? I would have purchased that for 5 bucks without thinking twice. My guess by what I see it was made in the time you mention. I think with the right buyers informed that item is available it could bring some serious money if exposed to the international market. How much you thinking you want out of it? I see SLID on the zipper pull and my guess it's the manufacturer of the zipper. Good old luggage like a vintage Hartmann will have that type of heavy constructed zipper on them, as they are much better then cheap zippers. Thing like what you have were built to last and hold up.

It is unlike any luxury item I've ever handled. Run of the mill handbags and luggage from that era put today's luxury offerings to shame, so 70+ year old Gucci is really a sight to behold.

I am at a loss as to how to market this. The online market for vintage Gucci is pretty soft, but this is not typical vintage Gucci. Much closer to a vintage Hermes Kelly bag, which consistently get $2000+: http://www.ebay.com/itm/HERMES-KELL...D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557


There really isn't much information about early Gucci bags out there. I know they were founded in 1921 (the "21" stamped inside the bag?) and began making handbags in the 1930s when their luggage business took off. This could be one of their very first handbag designs. No way to be sure without evidence; hopefully Gucci will get back to my email with more info.

 

[Baltimore]

What a cool find, definitely keep us updated!

 

[gino22]

Gucci expert on Purseforum identified it as being from 1947-1953 (when "G. Gucci" signature was used and three stores were listed - Rome, Florence, Milan). Not the first Gucci bag ever made, but almost as good - evidently very scarce, and the basis for today's Gucci "Lady Lock" line, which retails for $2500-$3500.

Gucci - lady lock leather top handle bag 331829CLG0F1000

"the lady lock top handle bag is characterized by its feminine lock closure, a detail pulled straight from the gucci archives."

Evidently my bag is the item "straight from the archives." Looking like my biggest score to date.

 

[Baltimore]

How do you think you're going to go about selling it?

 

[gino22]

How do you think you're going to go about selling it?

This will be a tough one, because it's one of those things that lots of people will pay good money for, but a handful of serious collectors will go absolutely crazy over. So I have to make sure it's up to snuff for those one or two collectors. Emailed Gucci asking if they can a.) perform authorized service on the bag and b.) provide some documentation from the Gucci archive re: my purse. Ideally, the bag is at least treated and certified by Gucci so there is some kind of paperwork. Once it is in better condition, I will drum up interest on the relevant purse forums and hopefully get a few cash offers. If no one bites, I'm thinking eBay with an $800 start. This is all contingent upon what can be done to improve the condition of the bag.

 

[TreasureHunters]

Awesome find! Please keep us updated!

 

[gino22]

Just brought it in to my local Gucci store for repair. It has to be sent off to their repair center in NJ for evaluation. Not sure what to expect as far as a repair quote, but will probably be pricey. Might as well go through with it - want to have the option to put it in a high end consignment shop, and the repair pedigree will definitely help its case in that environment. Will have to wait on a quote to be sure.

 

[diggummup]

Just brought it in to my local Gucci store for repair. It has to be sent off to their repair center in NJ for evaluation. Not sure what to expect as far as a repair quote, but will probably be pricey. Might as well go through with it - want to have the option to put it in a high end consignment shop, and the repair pedigree will definitely help its case in that environment. Will have to wait on a quote to be sure.

Looking forward to any updates on this awesome bag.

 

[Tallone]

Wow! Good eye to pick that out of a junk pile.