This 11x20 rug has been in my family since I was tiny, sometime in the mid-1960s in San Francisco. My mom had it appraised in 1988. The letter says "Gandahar 11.10x19.8 ft. Burgundy red, all over design, hand woven in India $7,500". Since 1988 I've kept it rolled up in dry, clean attics wherever I've lived -- never having a room large enough.

I'm completely naive about rugs. I'm curious about this rug's Craigslist value, its condition, yard ply, KPSI, dye, fibers, age, etc. I'd like to very accurately represent the rug so as not to inconvenience anyone.

Here is an overview of the rug:




Here is a close up of the very worst area:


Here is a closeup of the underside & edge condition:


High resolution pictures are here: http://bitjumper.com/rug/

I'm excited I found this site and would love to learn more about my rug.

Thanks,
Erik

I agree with btuma6, not so easy to sell. But exquisit rug. It is a rug that was made during the time of the "american saroughs". Since the iranian production was not able to produce enough rugs for the US market, armenian dealers who mostly did the trade of the american saroughs searched for additional production and started it in India. These rugs where mostly made in Agra, a city that has a long rug making history. The colors where fitted for the US market, the design is very close to old Agra design tree rugs.
Early Saroughs had a more onion skin color. Due to customers changing damands in the older rugs in the US where repainted to a more burgundy darker red at the time of about 1925 +. This rug was already made in this color, so it tells it was made after the Sarough "onion color" period. My guess would be 1940 - 50.
Considering that the amount of Agra rugs was very small compared to the amount of Saroughs made, it is a rather interesting rug for someone who knows about how rare it is. It seems to be in a very good condition for its age.
I think Craigslist is not the right place to sell it because you will have to deal with poeple who have no Idea of the rugs value or just are looking to get a cheap rug. If you get lucky you will get 1000 - 2000 US$, which is quite a lot below what it should bring. The problem is that buyers often compare this with cheap Meshed of Kashan rugs that size that sell starting 1000 USD.
Maybe you need a smaller rug? If you do so, you might get a bettr price when trading it in at a reputaded dealer. If you try to find a rug like this in a store, the 7500 US$ are still realistic due to condition and size.

I agree with kad, not a craigslist rug, maybe a second tier auction house. the rug should probably be seen in person. it's a little more unusual than a typical carpet, and although wear can be seen, this may be worsened by cleaning if needed. not an easy sell as a private seller