Austrian Crocodile Valise, ca. 1900

Appraised on: August 21, 2010

Appraised in: Washington, District of Columbia

Appraised by: Karen Augusta

Category: Rugs & Textiles

Episode Info: Washington, Hour 1 (#1516)

Originally Aired: May 23, 2011

IMAGE: 1 of 2  

Appraisal Video: (2:04)

GUEST: It's either crocodile or alligator. Crocodile, I guess, bag that was my grandfather's, I think. Found it in my father's attic in 1989 and have kept it under a sideboard for everyone to look at and to collect dust.

APPRAISER: Well, it's definitely crocodile. And you can tell because the size of the scales and the color. This is the center back of the crocodile and it's very unusual to see a piece of crocodile luggage with the spines, the whole back. And the piece is marked. Let's flip this around. Carefully. Okay. And if we open it up, right here there's a little insignia that says, "W.B." from New York. And then below it it says, "Made in Austria." And the inside is in incredible shape. It's beautiful leather. It's possibly pigskin, I think. And the two pockets are really nice features. And I would date it anywhere from 1890 to 1905. This is a handmade piece of luggage. And it's heavy. The Austrians were known for the luxury crafts that they made at the time. It would have been a really costly piece. This type of a valise is extremely rare. Because of its age and slight wear, but extraordinary shape and patina, I would say that at auction this would sell for between $3,000 and $3,500 at least. It's a really great piece and I hope you don't let it collect any more dust.

GUEST: Well, I certainly will take better care of it than I have.

APPRAISER: Oh, good.