help with dating *very* old item

[blubirdboutique]

Hello all

I have a woman who wants to sell me her great, great, great! grandmother's early 18th century German coat. It's a circular heavy coat with an embroidered floral design. I have absolutely no idea what this kind of thing would be worth. I tried doing a bit of research online and couldn't really find any type of concrete answers. Is something like this worth money, or is it more of an heirloom type piece? Museum maybe? I just don't really know where to look for answers and thought maybe someone here might have some good advice. This is way beyond my experience unfortunately.

Thanks!

 

[pastperfect2]

If it is that early a textile, I would suggest taking photos and contacting textile museums. I see you are in NY, there should be many textile appraisers available in the city. They will need to handle it in person. She most likely needs to pay for an appraisal, but it will be worth to know.

Hollis

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

Hi,

Ditto on that above advice. 18th century clothing does indeed have value and if very scarce, and if the coat is in decent shape and a stylish design, you may have gold there. Are sure you do not mean 19th century?.. that is from the early 1800's? Early 18th century would be from 1700-1750 and extremely rare, and not only as clothing but for the actual textile/fabric/trim itself.

If you can post a photo that would be best, as I, or some of the folks here might be able to better tell the age/era of it. If you can show the lining also? If it is something her great-great-great grandmother actually wore, we might be looking at late 1800's clothing. Also, in the early 1700's (18th century) women were not wearing heavy coats, they wore more capes, shawls, and or jackets for the most part. But we would love to see it!

 

[Jonathan]

Really need a pic to help you any further...

 

[blubirdboutique]

I'll definitely post a photo... I haven't actually picked it up yet. I'm just concerned that I don't under or overpay her for the item because I have no idea what it's worth. Thanks!