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Longaberger baskets have become a cornerstone of the basket-making business. Every basket-maker (including Longaberger's competitors) knows what a Longaberger basket is and how much customers value them. So treasured are these baskets that thousands of people around the world collect them, keeping them, trading them, or giving them as gifts to their loved ones. Often, collectors hold onto them with plans to hand the baskets down to future generations. This article takes a closer look at the basket behind the company.
How Are Longaberger Baskets Made?
Longaberger baskets are handcrafted and made from high-quality maple hardwood. They're built to be durable. Rather than mass-producing these baskets to meet demand, The Longaberger Company carefully handcrafts them. The baskets are also hand-woven and represent a staple of American craftsmanship. One of the reasons why fans of Longaberger baskets collect them is because of their beauty, durability and timeless style.
The Style And Design Of Longaberger Baskets
Part of the attraction of collectors to Longaberger baskets is due to the baskets' individuality. Because they are handcrafted and hand-woven, each basket has a slightly unique look and feel. In fact, each basket is dated and signed by the basket-maker once it is finished. As the seasons change, so do the colors of the baskets. Also, collectors enjoy that Longaberger baskets are created to instill different aesthetic flavors. For example, the American Craft Traditions baskets are designed with the rich colors of Maine while the American Work Baskets are woven with a style that instills a Native American and Shaker nostalgia.
Longaberger Basket Collector Prices
The secondary collectors' market for Longaberger baskets has established standards that define the value of the baskets. The factors that can impact a basket's value include the year the basket was made, the condition of the basket and the basket's stain. Other factors that help collectors assign a value include which collection or line of Longabergers the basket is from and what kind of signature the basket carries.
Older baskets typically carry a higher value than newer models. The year is stamped on the baskets' underside. If a Longaberger has a stain that is no longer available (such as the Classic stain), collectors are likely to place a premium on the value of that basket. If the basket is in poor condition, it will generally be worth less than a similar basket in better condition. Because a Longaberger's condition can have a major impact on its value, collectors should examine them closely in bright light that can easily show blemishes.
Many collectors also place a premium on baskets that carry the signature of a member of the Longaberger family. The names of each family member who wove the baskets are well-known to experienced collectors. While Dave Longaberger's signature is most highly-valued, "Grandma Bonnie's" signature is also coveted by most.
Longaberger baskets are designed with such a unique flavor and individuality that collectors often spend significant time and effort locating and buying them. Auctions run constantly on eBay and similar websites as collectors scurry to snatch up these baskets. In many ways, this collectors' market assures that the The Longaberger Company and its baskets will be held in high regard for many years to come.
Scott Bailey is an avid collector and writer. Scott writes about various collectibles. For more info on Longaberger collectibles, or to obtain one for yourself, please visit http://CollectorBasket.com
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Article added to SearchWarp.com on Wednesday, January 09, 2008 View other articles written by Scott Bailey(291)
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