This very rare vintage Alligator
Chanel bag has a resale price tag of $8,995.50Something that I can almost never pass up at thrift stores are vintage and antique purses.
Some vintage and antique purses don't hold a lot of value, but some are very valuable.
I have not personally come across a shoulder bag worth the value pictured above, but I have come across a few that I paid no more than $4.00 for, and resold for between $50.00 - $100.00.
The above picture is of an "After Five," vintage purse from the 1960's that, (depending on the overall condition,) can be resold for around $50.00 - $60.00. Link to Similar Purse For Value
The way that I estimate the value is:
Looking for the name brand inside of the purse.
Searing for the purse by using the brand-name and the characteristics, such as unique latches etc...
If the exact purse can not be located, look for very similar purses under the same name-brand, and estimate based on the prices of those purses.
Examine the purse and list any or all scratches or other damage and adjust the value depending on how well preserved the purse is.
The above purse is one that I came across recently at a small trift store. I'm still searching for information on it. The tag inside says, "Miss Louis." The only purses that I have found so far that contain the name Louis, are Louis Vuitton purses.
I'll upade when I get it narrowed down.
These are just a few that I've purchased for resale. The most valuable vintage bad that I've found was sold for $120.00 a few years ago. It was a 1950's Bienen Davis purse, similar to the one pictured below.
If you are always on the watch for a good resale handbag here is a link that covers serval antique bags and vintage bags that are very valuable.