How to Identify a Nantucket Basket Purse

What to look for in a Nantucket basket purse

1. Using the magnifying glass, look on the bottom of the basket purse for the creator's signature and date that it was made.

2. Using the magnifying glass, count how many staves the purse has. The Nantucket purse is only made with an odd number of staves.

3. Look at the front catch on the purse. The catch shouldn't be made from anything other than reed (not wood), and the latch should be bolted on. (Refer to the pictures in the book to compare).

4. Notice the price that's on the Nantucket basket purse. The normal price range for an authentic Nantucket purse ranges from $110.00 to $125.00 per inch (the long dimension of the opening).

5. Look to see how many of these purses are for sale where you are at. An authentic Nantucket purse is not mass produced; they are individually made and special ordered only.

References

• "Lightship Baskets of Nantucket;" Martha R. Lawrence; 1999
• Personalized handbags by Nantucket Basketworks of Cape Cod

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Tips

Be aware of where you're purchasing this basket purse at. Nantucket basket purses are not sold on all online venues, souvenir gift shops, gift basket shops or flea markets. The authentic Nantucket basket purses can only be purchased by calling the company direct.

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Warnings

Look for the names "Farnum" or "Barlow". This is a sign that the purse is a re-creation and not the real thing.

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