Need help: Era, locale, and approximate value of suit?

• Mar 20, 2013

• #1

dakotanorth

Practically Family

Messages

543

Location

Camarillo, CA

Hello all,
It has been quite a while, but I wanted to tap into the expertise in this forum.
I picked up this suit a few weeks ago. Marc suggests it is 1930's, probably German or Swiss origin.
I trust his judgment but I figured I would take a vote and see what everyone else thinks.
The pictures aren't great but hopefully they are enough.

The jacket does have a belt back- it is only sewn on the side seams, then it hangs loose across the back.

Also, what is this suit worth, approximately? It is NOT mint, but for pricing exercise, let's say it is.
It's about a size 36 or 38, tweed wool, and yes it is that "cinnamon powder" orange color.
Roughly 34 in waist, about "average" length.

 

• Mar 20, 2013

• #2

DamianM

Vendor

Messages

2,055

Location

Los Angeles

it looks 30s and its worth what someone is willing to pay for it

 

• Mar 20, 2013

• #3

GoldenEraFan

One Too Many

Messages

1,164

Location

Brooklyn, New York

Definitely no later than the '30s. I'd imagine a suit like that would fetch a pretty penny.

 

• Mar 20, 2013

• #4

Fastuni

Call Me a Cab

Messages

2,277

Location

Germany

Lovely European sports suit.
Certainly German, Austrian or Swiss in origin - could also be Scandinavian or any other European country influenced by German tailoring. By laws of quantity it is very likely German.
Date? Mid-30's to early 40's.

As to the price, Damian is right - whatever one is willing to pay.

 

Last edited: Mar 20, 2013

• Mar 20, 2013

• #5

dakotanorth

Practically Family

Messages

543

Location

Camarillo, CA

Thanks everyone,
I have a good idea what to aim for in terms of price- if people give me a "kneejerk" reaction then I know I'm too high on that price.
It's a stunning suit, that's for sure! The jacket is basically mint too.

 

• Mar 20, 2013

• #6

DamianM

Vendor

Messages

2,055

Location

Los Angeles

what it really has going for it are the button patch pockets and that's really cool

 

• Mar 20, 2013

• #7

herringbonekid

I'll Lock Up

Messages

6,016

Location

East Sussex, England

dakotanorth said:

Also, what is this suit worth, approximately?

Click to expand...

put in on ebay and find out.

 

• Mar 21, 2013

• #8

M

mimesis2nemesis

One of the Regulars

Messages

131

Location

Down the Memory Lane

I must say... That is a really beautiful suit! Any chance you could post pictures of the back?

 

• Mar 21, 2013

• #9

dakotanorth

Practically Family

Messages

543

Location

Camarillo, CA

back of the suit?

I can, possibly tonight after I get home from work. Funny but the back is actually rather plain.
The belt on the back hangs loose from side seam to side seam. No buttons or whatnot.

 

• Mar 21, 2013

• #10

dhermann1

I'll Lock Up

Messages

9,154

Location

Da Bronx, NY, USA

I would guess, and DON'T HOLD ME TO IT, from other similar suits I've seen, it would go for at the very least $200, and possibly up to $500 or $600. My guess would be about $350, if I had to name a single price. There was a very nice wool tweed from around 1938 that went for a cool thousand recently. All depends on the mood of the Ebay gods.

 

• Mar 22, 2013

• #11

reetpleat

Call Me a Cab

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2,681

Location

Seattle

Well, firstly, I am by no means, an xpert on anything. But I like to think I know American. European is a bit different. My point is, I would want to have it in hand and really handle and look cloely to say the age. Do not underestimate the possibility of someone in the 50s. 60s, 70s or maybe even 80s to do a tailored suit in custom style. but I think it is older.

It is pretty cool, regardless of age. But I would say that such a small size, and lacking a vest, would harm the value a bit. I would guess between $250 and $400. The thing is, I think buyers are incredibly cheap and shortsided. (And I don't just say this as an ebay seller) I know that some people are on afied budget, or have wives, or can not justify certain expenses. But, let's face it. If this suit fut you, and you were un chic type who would actually wear it, how could you justify not digging deep and coming up with a thousand bucks for it? You can not replicate it for less, and you will likely not see another for any less. But, I don't think it will bring as much as it should. So I predict the price above.