Collecting Longaberger Baskets for Beginners

Posted by leothelion

April 24, 2008

Longaberger baskets are the most collected baskets in the baskets collectibles industry. Every basket collector immediately recognizes a Longaberger basket. These baskets have become the ubiquitous basket representing the entire basket market.

Millions of basket collectors from around the world collect them and decorate their houses with them. Collectors hold basket parties where collectors gather to socialize and share their love for baskets. This love for baskets has created a very lucrative second hand market for these collectibles.

These handcrafted baskets are made out of beautiful maple hardwood. The Longaberger Company is known for their quality of workmanship. Each basket is hand woven and is a piece of art. To basket collectors the beauty of the design and materials of these baskets stands out above the rest.
While each basket is recognizable as a basket handmade by The Longaberger Company, each also has a unique design setting it apart from the others. These baskets have different colors and different shapes.

The secondary market for baskets is a thriving business. Thousands of baskets are auctioned online at stores like ebay. Thousands more are sold over Craigslist and USFreeads. Don’t forget the brick and mortar world. You can find great deals on used Longaberger baskets at flee markets and yard sales. You never know when you will find a valuable discontinued basket.

So what determines the value of baskets? Typically the baskets that were sold in the past are more valuable than currently sold baskets. Each of these basket has its year of production stamped on the bottom of the basket. By looking at these dates, you can find some great vintage baskets. Additionally, over the years Longaberger have created specialty baskets like the Presidential Inauguration baskets. These baskets are highly sought after.

Therefore, the value of these baskets is determined by many of the same factors as any other collectible. Look for scarce baskets. If there aren’t many models of that basket being sold today, these baskets will be of higher value. Look for quality. People want to buy baskets that are in good shape. The better the shape the more valuable. Look for autographs. Many baskets are signed by members of the Longaberger family. These signed baskets are very popular with collectors.

I hope that this article will help you in your journey to collect these beautiful baskets. Finding a vintage Longaberger basket is a great feeling. You will be delighted to find one of these baskets and bring it home.

Find out more about Longaberger baskets at http://basketscollectibles.info/. Longaberger baskets collectibles are truly works of art.

Collecting