Authenticity & Condition Guarantee

Authenticity & Condition Guarantee

At Thirteen Crosby, every piece we offer has been chosen with intention and verified with care. We understand that purchasing a vintage designer item is an investment — and that trust is the foundation of that transaction. This page explains exactly how we authenticate each item, how we grade its condition, and what we promise to you as a buyer.

Our Authentication Process

Each item undergoes a rigorous multi-point authentication review before it is accepted into our inventory. We examine:

  • Hardware & construction — weight, finish, engravings, and stitching consistency against known production references for the house and era
  • Materials — leather grain, canvas texture, lining fabric, and hardware alloy assessed for period-correct specifications
  • Date codes, serial numbers & stamps — verified against brand-specific dating conventions and cross-referenced with production records where available
  • Provenance documentation — original receipts, dust bags, boxes, authenticity cards, and prior ownership history are recorded and disclosed in each listing
  • Comparative review — every item is assessed alongside authenticated reference pieces and current expert databases

If an item cannot be authenticated to our standard, it is not listed — regardless of its visual appeal or price point.

Condition Grades

We describe every item's condition honestly and precisely. Our grading scale reflects real-world wear — not idealized photography. What you read is what you receive.

Pristine / New with Tags

Unworn or virtually unworn. No signs of use. All original packaging, tags, and accessories present. Extremely rare in vintage.

Excellent

Minimal signs of prior ownership. May show the faintest surface marks visible only under close inspection. Hardware bright, lining clean, structure fully intact. An outstanding example for the age of the piece.

Very Good

Light wear consistent with careful ownership — minor scuffs, slight corner softening, or subtle hardware patina. Lining clean and functional. No structural issues. The everyday standard of a well-kept vintage piece.

Good

Visible wear that is consistent with age and regular use — surface scratches, hardware wear, or minor interior marks. Fully functional and structurally sound. Noted explicitly in listing details with photographs.

All condition notes in individual listings supplement this scale with specific observations, dimensions, and photographs. We encourage you to read listing descriptions fully before purchasing.

Provenance

Where known, we document the ownership history of each piece. This may include original point-of-sale documentation, country of purchase, approximate decade of acquisition, and any notable provenance. When provenance cannot be fully traced, we say so. Transparency is not optional — it is part of the object's story.

Our Guarantee

We stand behind every item we sell. If a piece you receive is materially inconsistent with its listing description — in authenticity or condition — we will make it right. Please review our Terms of Sale for full details on returns and exchanges.

Questions before you purchase? We welcome them. Reach us at our Contact page — we are happy to provide additional photographs, measurements, or provenance detail for any item.