Child's Black Leather Motorcycle Vest with 'Star Kids' Patch Appraisal
Category: Apparel
Description
This is a child's or youth's black leather motorcycle vest, likely designed for a young enthusiast. The material appears to be a genuine, pebbled black leather, offering a durable yet pliable texture. The vest features a V-neck cut and a snap-button closure down the front, with three visible black plastic or metal snap buttons. The construction includes visible seams, suggesting individual panels of leather stitched together for shaping, typical of vest construction. On the interior collar, a yellow embroidered label clearly states 'GENUINE Leather' in a decorative font, confirming the material and possibly indicating a size 'L' beneath it. The vest has two functional front pockets, one on each side, with flap closures, adding practicality. A notable distinguishing feature is a large, square embroidered patch on the right chest (viewer's right). This patch has an orange border and features a stylized compass rose in shades of orange and yellow with a black background, accompanied by text that reads 'STAR' at the top and 'KIDS' at the bottom, indicating an affiliation or group for young riders. On the left chest (viewer's left), a silver-colored metal pin, possibly depicting stylized wings or an abstract emblem, is affixed. The side seams of the vest feature lacing detail, composed of black leather or synthetic cords threaded through grommets, which allows for some adjustment in fit and adds to the classic motorcycle aesthetic. The overall condition appears good, with some minor creasing consistent with wear, but no major tears or significant damage are evident from the image. The leather maintains its luster, suggesting it has been reasonably well-cared for. Given the patches and style, it likely dates from the late 20th or early 21st century.
Appraisal Report
I have thoroughly examined the provided image of this child's black leather motorcycle vest. Based on visual cues, the vest appears to be constructed from genuine pebbled black leather, as confirmed by the 'GENUINE Leather' label and the material's texture. The condition seems good for a used garment, showing minor creasing consistent with wear but no apparent tears or significant damage, suggesting it has been reasonably well-maintained. The snap closures, flap pockets, and side lacing detail are common features in motorcycle vests, and the 'STAR KIDS' patch and silver-colored pin add character. From a market perspective, children's leather motorcycle vests, even with patches, generally do not command high values. While the genuine leather and patch add appeal, it remains a children's item with limited collectible demand. Comparable items on secondary markets, such as online auction sites or vintage clothing stores, typically range from $30 to $70 depending on condition, brand, and uniqueness of patches. This particular vest is not rare, nor does it appear to be associated with any significant historical event or famous individual, which would drastically increase its value. Its primary value lies in its functionality and aesthetic for a young motorcycle enthusiast. Factors significantly impacting value include its good overall condition and the authentic leather. However, its classification as a child's item and lack of provenance or brand recognition limit its top-end value. For full authentication and a more precise assessment, I would need to physically inspect the vest to verify leather quality, scrutinize stitching for craftsmanship, check all closures for functionality, and properly assess any odors or subtle wear not visible in the image. Examining the reverse of the 'STAR KIDS' patch could also offer insights into its originality or age. Without physical inspection, I cannot definitively confirm every aspect of authenticity or rule out minor imperfections.
Appraisal Value
$40-60