Preliminary identification

Industrial Grade Polyethylene-Coated Cloth Tape (Duct Tape)

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is the 'Swiss Army Knife' of adhesives, a triple-layered marvel of engineering designed for extreme durability and versatility.

Story

Vesta Stoudt, a mother of two Navy sailors working in an ordnance plant in 1943, realized that the thin paper tape used on ammunition boxes was slowing soldiers down in the heat of battle.

Maker / Origin

While many companies produce it today, the legacy belongs to the Permacel division of Johnson & Johnson. They combined medical adhesive technology with waterproof fabric to create a product that could…

Condition & Value

The roll appears to be in new, unused condition with a full supply of tape. As a consumable utility item, its value is purely functional, though its preservation ensures it will perform its intended task perfectly. Excellent condition for immediate use.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD