Is this $1 Purchase an Authentic Item?

[Bergheimhunter]

I purchased this gold tone, three tiered, chain belt for $1 at a thrift store today. I noticed the Chanel logo and scooped it up, but I was shocked when I looked it up after getting to my car. These things are selling on Ebay for $200-$300 and I just found one exactly like mine listed for $850 on a site called 1stdibs.com.

I know nothing about luxury items like this. How do I go about authenticating it? It is nice and heavy and doesn't seem like a cheep knock off, but I have no idea.

As always, I so appreciate any advice or suggestions you guys are willing to share.

Thanks!

 

[palidin20603]

Can you post the ebay sold listing? Is this supposed to be 14k gold?

 

[Bergheimhunter]

No, it is not supposed to be 14k gold. Just gold tone. Here is the one I found online that looks just like it (not on ebay): Vintage Chanel Gold Chain Belt with Chanel Logo Dangle at 1stdibs

There are many similar chain belts on Ebay's sold list, but I don't think I ever found one exactly like it: vintage authentic chanel gold chain belt three tier dangle logo cc | eBay

 

[Paleo_joe]

I am always thinking things are fake but you never know. How is the workmanship? If it is an authentic designer item, it will be luxe top-notch quality all the way with nothing spared.

 

[GlenDronach]

Just FYI, 1stdibs is a load of crap. Find an item on there, find the item for sold prices on eBay, and you'll generally see they are 2-5x higher than actual retail value.

 

[Bergheimhunter]

The workmanship looks good to me. It's very solid. I figured 1stBid is way out there, but was hoping they at least push authentic items, since their listing is exactly like the one I have.

 

[bigcaddy64]

It's not out of the realm to find big ticket luxe items at thrift stores. I recall years ago, and even recently when visiting mom, being shown a Stella McCartney/Nicole Miller/Escada something she found for a few bucks and a goodwill or thrift shop.

I bet there is somebody online or website that could give you some places to look at on the item to check craftsmanship.

 

[Bergheimhunter]

It is certainly possible. This thrift store raises money for a hospice facility and is in and small town that is full of wealthy people. I'm super fortunate to live within 10 miles of the town and it has 10 thrift stores!

 

[2Minnesota]

Does it say anything on the back of the fob?

 

[Bergheimhunter]

2Minnisota- the Fob is the same on both sides. The only mark I see is on the hook clasp. It is stamped "Chanel".

 

[GlenDronach]

Check the 1stdibs, they usually have more detailed pictures and measurements which can work in your favor.

I've ID'ed a few things using their site and measurements. Sometimes they're wrong, but it's a good resource.

 

[gino22]

The shape of the overlapped C's is suspect. Genuine Chanel logos look to use a slightly different typeface. Hard to put the difference into words, but I am seeing slightly taller and more overlapped C's than on the genuine article.

Hard to call it a fake, since the real deal is itself a fake (gold tone? Come on!). The presence of other stamps would help its case, along with finding an exact match somewhere.

 

[vpnavy]

Nice buys. Thanks for sharing...

 

[Bergheimhunter]

Gino22- I see what you mean about the logo. Here is a collection of photos side by side. The one on the bottom right is from the 1stdibs website. It appears identical to mine, but maybe they have a fake too! The multi charm necklace at the top seems to show a thinner and a fatter version of the logo.

How am I supposed to list something like this on Ebay when I'm not sure? Would it suffice just to plainly state that I don't know? All of the other listings say "Vintage Authentic." How the heck do they know unless they purchased new from a Chanel store?

Thanks everyone!

 

[JohnnyFlake]

MSRP of designer belts, chains, jewelery is total BS. Most times the same items can be bought at 80% and 90% discounts!

If the item tests at 14K or even higher, you have something. If it does not, you don't! If it's not 14K or higher, you'll be very lucky to get $20 for it.

 

[tamrock]

I think you found something that a brand name like Chanel can be coupled to a worthless piece of jewelry and make it worth allot of money. Nice find! List it as you see it. I wouldn't say authentic or anything like that. Let the bidders be the judge. Start the bidding low with as-is in the description and let it fly. Who knows you may get 2, 3, hundred bucks out of it and a most grateful to own it feed back from the buyer. If it isn't genuine some anti-Counterfeiting group will spot it and remove your listing. That happened to me for listing an old rectangle shape wristwatch using the word "tank watch" It appeared Cartier has an exclusive right to the word "tank watch". The reference to a tank watch had been used amongst collectors of vintage wristwatch as long as I've collected them as away to describe the shape. It's no big bad to have your listing removed unless your a multiple offender of the practice.

 

[gino22]

MSRP of designer belts, chains, jewelery is total BS. Most times the same items can be bought at 80% and 90% discounts!

If the item tests at 14K or even higher, you have something. If it does not, you don't! If it's not 14K or higher, you'll be very lucky to get $20 for it.

Not Chanel.

I once found a pair of broken Chanel sandals on the beach. Final bid was in excess of $120.

This is worth several hundred dollars if real.

OP, the belt in that pic does appear identical, but who knows where it was sourced.

I would not list it without having some assurance of authenticity. You don't want to deal with someone thrifty enough to buy used accessories on eBay, but vain enough to need Chanel, not when they think they've been had.

I would at least get the opinion of some high end consignment shops before selling. If it turns out to be questionable, you would be surprised how many of them will help you sell it anyway. If real, list on eBay and get top dollar, but be prepared to defend its authenticity.

 

[mkulltra]

I believe if you say in your ebay listing that you are not sure if it is real, the listing will be pulled whether it's real or not. I agree that if you just list it without mentioning authenticity, there are plenty of people on ebay that will either message you and tell you its fake or have your listing pulled. List it for what you believe it is. I would start an auction at 9.99 plus shipping and let it go. Let the bidders decide on authenticity and value.

 

[gino22]

I believe if you say in your ebay listing that you are not sure if it is real, the listing will be pulled whether it's real or not. I agree that if you just list it without mentioning authenticity, there are plenty of people on ebay that will either message you and tell you its fake or have your listing pulled. List it for what you believe it is. I would start an auction at 9.99 plus shipping and let it go. Let the bidders decide on authenticity and value.

You're really putting your eBay reputation on the line this way... there are fashion forums, etc. just like this one with dedicated eBay components. Sell something you are not willing to back up as authentic, and your account can become permanently associated with fakes and blocked by whoever frequents those forums. Likelihood of this happening is low, but not a risk I would want to take if I plan on selling fashion stuff in the future.

 

[Bergheimhunter]

Here is an article that explains the high prices people are paying for these: How To Cop A Chain Belt Like Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, And Rihanna | Style

Still not sure what I'm going to do with it! I certainly don't want to misrepresent anything or get myself in trouble on Ebay.