What most Dooney & Bourke purses sell for (quick snapshot)
Dooney & Bourke sits in a sweet spot: recognizable, durable, and collectible in certain lines (especially vintage All-Weather Leather and limited collaborations). Most resale outcomes depend on three things: the line, condition, and how closely you can match sold comps.
| Bag type (typical) | Common resale range | What moves the price |
|---|---|---|
| Modern pebbled leather satchels/totes | $45–$140 | Condition, color demand, and whether straps/accessories are included |
| Coated cotton / signature-style patterns | $30–$110 | Clean lining, no peeling, crisp corners, and hardware finish |
| Vintage All-Weather Leather (AWL) | $120–$275 | Patina vs damage, rare colors, intact hangtag/duck fob, and shape |
| Limited collaborations (Disney, themed releases) | $150–$400+ | Rarity, complete sets, and collector demand (often higher than everyday lines) |
Use the ranges above to sanity-check your expectations, then tighten your estimate by matching your bag to the most similar sold lots you can find (size, material, and edition matter more than the name alone).
Step 1: Identify the line and style (so you compare the right comps)
Before you price anything, write down a few identifiers you can see in photos. This helps you avoid the most common pricing mistake: comparing a modern canvas tote to a vintage leather AWL bag (they trade differently).
- Material: pebbled leather, smooth leather, coated cotton/canvas, mixed materials
- Hardware: brass-tone vs gold-tone, weight/finish, and consistent matching pieces
- Shape + size: satchel, hobo, tote, crossbody; measure width/height/depth
- Edition cues: collaboration graphics, limited releases, themed prints
If you don’t know the model name, that’s okay. A clean set of measurements and close-ups usually gets you 80% of the way to a solid comp match.
Step 2: Authentication cues buyers actually look for
Many Dooney & Bourke bags are authenticated visually. Buyers tend to focus on construction consistency: where the interior tags are placed, the quality of stitching, and the finish of hardware. Use the example images below as a checklist for what to photograph.
Authentication photo gallery (examples)
These are illustrative close-ups to help you capture the same angles on your own bag. Credit: Appraisily (GPT Image).
What to photograph for an appraisal or listing
- Front, back, sides, base, and a profile shot showing depth
- Close-ups of corners, handles/strap attachments, and any scuffs
- Interior tag/registration patch + any serial markings
- Hardware close-ups (zippers, clasps, rings) in good light
- Any accessories: strap, hangtag/duck fob, dust bag, cards
Step 3: Condition grading (the fastest way the price changes)
For most buyers, condition is the biggest discount lever. A desirable line in poor condition can sell for less than a common line in excellent condition. Use this checklist to identify the issues that typically move the sale price.
Dooney & Bourke condition checklist
Check all that apply to describe your bag accurately.
As a practical rule: corner wear, sticky/peeling coatings, and interior staining tend to push a bag into a lower price tier quickly. Light patina on leather can be acceptable, but structural issues (cracks, tears, broken zippers) usually require a significant discount.
How to price your bag (without getting stuck with “watchers”)
If you’re selling, separate your asking price from a realistic likely sale price. A clean way to do it:
- Find 5–10 sold comps that match your line/material and size.
- Exclude outliers (lots that bundled many items, or unusually damaged examples).
- Start near the median and adjust for condition, accessories, and rarity.
If your bag is a collaboration piece, collectors may pay a premium for complete sets and excellent condition. If it’s a common modern line, condition and clean presentation tend to matter more than a “rare” color claim.
When a professional appraisal is worth it
Consider an appraisal (or at least a structured expert review) when you need documentation for insurance, you’re settling an estate, or the bag appears to be a rare/limited piece where a small authentication detail changes the outcome.
A high-quality appraisal workflow usually includes: clear photos, measurements, a condition note, and comps that match your bag’s line and size. That’s exactly what the steps above help you collect.
Printable checklist: Dooney & Bourke value quick check
If you want a one-page workflow, save the checklist below and use it as your photo/notes guide before listing or requesting an appraisal.
FAQ: Common questions about Dooney & Bourke purse values
Where do I find identifying information inside my Dooney & Bourke bag?
Start with the interior tag/registration patch and photograph it clearly. Then photograph hardware (zippers, clasps), the logo patch, and the interior lining seams. Even without a model name, these details make it easier to match accurate comps.
Does “vintage” automatically mean it’s worth more?
Not automatically. Vintage AWL and certain older leather constructions can be more desirable, but condition can override age quickly. A clean, well-kept modern leather bag can sell for more than a heavily worn vintage piece.
What flaws reduce resale value the most?
Interior staining/odors, corner wear-through, cracked straps, peeling coatings, and broken zippers typically cause the biggest price drops. Missing straps and missing accessories can also move your bag into a lower tier.
How many photos should I include when selling?
As a baseline, aim for 12–18 photos: full exterior angles, base, interior, corners, handles, hardware close-ups, and any flaws. Buyers trust listings that clearly show condition and authentication cues.
Recent auction comps (examples)
To help ground this guide in real market activity, here are recent example auction comps from Appraisily’s internal database. These are educational comparables (not a guarantee of price for your specific item).
| Image | Description | Auction house | Date | Lot | Reported price realized |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Assorted group lot to include Christofle tray, aluminum vase, Vera Bradley cloth handbag, scarves, Dooney & Bourke purse, Suarez lea... | Nadeau's Auction Gallery | 2020-08-22 | 426 | USD 400 |
 |
Group of Dooney and Bourke Disney The Haunted Mansion Purses and More | Matthew Bullock Auctioneers | 2024-10-26 | 744 | USD 350 |
 |
(2) ESTATE DESIGNER DOONEY & BOURKE REPTILE PRINT LEATHER HANDBAGS | Austin Auction Gallery | 2025-12-05 | 1276 | USD 250 |
 |
Dooney & Bourke Disney Cruella De Vil Handbag | EJ'S Auction & Appraisal | 2024-06-21 | 4005 | USD 275 |
 |
DOONEY & BOURKE LEATHER LEGAL BRIEFCASE | Thomaston Place Auction Galleries | 2024-02-23 | 1052 | USD 350 |
| Gerald Leslie Brockhurst (1890-1978) Portrait of Charlotte Elizabeth Hollingsworth Oil on board, 60 x 47cm (23½ x 18½'') Signed Gerald Brockhurst's portrait of Florence Forsyth attracted much attention when it came under the hammer at Ada | Adam's | 2023-12-06 | 116 | EUR 4,400 | |
| JONES DAVID: (1895-1974) British Painter and Modernist Poet. A.L.S., David Jones, two pages, folio, Harrow on the Hill, 29th May 1957, to [Neville] Braybrooke. Jones apologises to his correspondent for the delay in replying to their letters and confesses 'Actually I didn't quite know what the answer was, nor do I now. I mean I don't know what form a contribution from myself to the proposed volume could take' and continues 'Naturally I approve of the scheme as such and I feel honoured that you should ask me to contribute, but I don't know at all what to suggest. Perhaps….some sort of inscription might be the most likely.' The artist further states 'I don't feel much attracted to the idea of writing a thing about “Illustrating T.S.E.” I don't think I have anything much to say about that really. True, I did those illustrations to the Xmas poem - I fear the reproductions give no idea at all of the originals' and also remarks ' “The Impact in 1922 of The Waste Land” by Rose M. sounds as though it should be very interesting. It's an amazing work - I don't think I read it until 1926 or 1927 - At last, one felt, here is a proper poem. It has extraordinary authenticity, hasn't it?' Together with a second A.L.S., with his initials D.J., one page, folio, Harrow on the Hill, 5th August 1957, to N[eville] B[raybrooke]. Jones announces 'About the inscription for the T.S.E. book I would make certain conditions. It must be printed in two colours as near as possible those of the original…..As soon as the format of the book is decided upon I want to know what size the inscription will appear on the page. It will require a reasonable margin…..it is important to know about this in relation to the inscription. It must not be cramped. I should require to see a proof to check up on the colour' and in a postscript advises 'Please see the original is kept quite flat & handled with care. I think it should be insured for £100 or £80'. Also including a third A.L.S., David Jones, two pages, folio, Harrow on the Hill, 9th November 1961, also to Neville Braybrooke. Jones writes to provide his correspondent with the actual measurements of three original drawings which he lists as, firstly, one 'done at the age of six years (1901) of the leopard & tiger confronting each other', secondly, 'The Bear, in pencil on cartridge paper, done at the age of seven years (1902)' and, thirdly, 'The Lion, in pencil on cartridge paper, done at the age of seven years (1902)' further explaining 'No 1 & No 3 are entirely imaginary, but No 2 (The Bear) was drawn immediately after seeing a dancing bear from the window in the street in South London. Until, I suppose, the First World War, or at any rate during the first decade of this century, bears were frequently to be seen performing in the London streets'. An interesting series of letters, not least for their references to T. S. Eliot. Each of the letters have extensive creasing and some tears to the edges and with some ink blotting to the second letter, partially affecting a few words of text. FR to about G, 3 Neville Braybrooke (1923-2001) English Poet, Writer, Editor, Literary Critic and Publisher who organised a symposium in honour of T. S. Eliot's 70th birthday. Son of Patrick Braybrooke (1894-1956) English Literary Critic. T. S. Eliot (1888-1965) American-born English Poet & Dramatist, Nobel Prize winner for Literature, 1948. The poet considered Jones to be a writer of major importance. | International Autograph Auctions | 2017-09-16 | 112 | GBP 280 | |
| Evgen Čopi Gorisek, It doesn't take much to be happy | Los Angeles Modern Auctions | 2025-09-25 | 110 | USD 2,800 | |
 |
HAZEL DOONEY born 1978, Career Babe: High Court Judge 2011 | Menzies | 2017-08-10 | 117 | AUD 17,182 |
 |
HAZEL DOONEY, born 1978, Career Babe: High Court | Lawson~Menzies | 2013-05-09 | 60 | AUD 10,000 |
Disclosure: prices are shown as reported by auction houses and are provided for appraisal context. Learn more in our editorial policy.
Search variations collectors ask
Readers often Google:
- how to tell if a Dooney & Bourke purse is authentic
- do vintage Dooney & Bourke bags have serial numbers
- Dooney & Bourke All-Weather Leather bag value
- how to price a Dooney & Bourke purse for resale
- Dooney & Bourke Disney bag worth
- best photos to sell a Dooney & Bourke bag online
- how to clean a Dooney & Bourke purse before selling
- Dooney & Bourke purse value by style and condition
Each question is answered in the valuation guide above.
References & further reading
- Appraisily Editorial policy (sourcing and updates)
- Dooney & Bourke official site
- Dooney care tips