Because of Longaberger's growing popularity, their pieces have become collectibles in many households and have been increasing in popularity among auction sites.  Here's a basket trait to look for when purchasing your Longaberger collectibles on eBay... many people find the LEFTIE a fun-find.  Maybe you will too!

Longaberger Lefties - What a fun collectible!

Some Longaberger collectors find it fun to add left-handed baskets to their collections.  These are baskets that have been woven by left-handed employees.  To identify these baskets, place the basket in front of you and look at the trim strip (located at the top of the basket).  If the end of the trim strip is pointing toward your left hand, it is a left-handed basket.  Many people find these baskets highly collectible, due to their scarcity.  By nature, there are fewer left-handed employees weaving baskets!

Make sure it's authentic: 1) Logos

Look at the bottom of the basket.  In some cases the logo will appear elsewhere on the basket, due to the weaving or construction of the item.  You should see the Longaberger logo burned into the basket.  Over the years, the logo has changed but there are normally one or two items that have remained unchanged: Longaberger or Longaberger Baskets; Dresden OH or Dresden, OH USA.  Some baskets woven by J.W. Longaberger himself will, most likely, be unsigned.  (See my review on JW baskets at http://reviews.ebay.com/Longaberger-J-W-baskets-What-a-find-Learn-more_W0QQugidZ1000000001637263 .)  In 2000, Longaberger celebrated the nation's centennial by using a special logo: 2000 Century Celebration.

And 2) your "Weaver's ID"

The person that handcrafted your basket should have signed and dated the basket, if the basket was made in 1978 or later.  The signature is often two initials and the year, sometime three initials and the year, and once in a while the initials will be followed by a number if several employees have the same initials.

Closing Remarks

Although I realize many of our "seasoned" collectors may not find this information extremely helpful, I've added this review to eBay to help generate a love and interest among some of our "newer" collectors.  And, I hope you've found it fun and interesting.  Continued happiness-in-collecting to each of you.  As always, I'll try to answer any of your questions regarding your Longaberger collectible.  (If you've found this Review enjoyable or interesting, please take a moment to vote YES below.)  Thanks and happy collecting.