1. Old Silverware Sets
Many families still hold onto old silverware, unaware that it could be worth a lot more than a few dollars at a yard sale. Silverplate flatware from well-known manufacturers like Gorham, Tiffany & Co., and Wallace can be quite valuable, according to Antique Silver Buyers. However, sterling silver sets are even more highly coveted, especially if they are from a historical era. If the set is in good condition, it could easily bring in a few hundred dollars—or even more—depending on the weight and pattern.
The thing with silverware is that it’s often overlooked because people assume it’s just a basic household item. However, certain patterns and designs can make a set highly desirable. Plus, many people are interested in silver for its intrinsic value, as silver prices continue to rise. If you’re able to spot a sterling silver set hiding in a drawer or cabinet, you might want to get it appraised.
2. Antique China Sets
If you’ve inherited a china set from your grandmother, according to Yahoo, it might be worth more than you think. Depending on the manufacturer, age, and pattern, antique china can easily become a sought-after collectible. Popular brands like Royal Worcester, Wedgwood, and Limoges have seen their prices climb in recent years, especially when they’re in good condition. Some rare patterns can be sold for several thousand dollars, while others still fly under the radar at thrift stores.
The value of these china sets isn’t just in their beautiful craftsmanship but in the history they represent. Many collectors are willing to pay a premium for a well-preserved set with a unique design or rare production run. While the value might not be immediately obvious to the untrained eye, the right piece could end up being a hidden treasure. Keep an eye out for patterns and signatures that are uncommon, and you may just find a gem.
3. Vintage Vinyl Records
If you have an old collection of vinyl records lying around, you might be sitting on a goldmine without realizing it. Certain albums, particularly from well-known artists like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, or Elvis Presley, can be incredibly valuable, according to Parade Antiques. Vinyl records from the 1950s to 1970s in near-mint condition can go for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. A limited-edition pressing or rare album cover variant could easily fetch top dollar from collectors.
Beyond just the music, these records hold a cultural significance that makes them valuable. The warm sound quality of vinyl, along with the large-scale album artwork, has made it a favorite medium for many. Collectors often search for specific pressings, and some rarities can increase in value depending on their condition and provenance. So, don’t just toss that old album collection—you might want to give it a second look.
4. Vintage Pyrex Bowls
Pyrex kitchenware, especially the colorful patterns from the mid-20th century, can fetch impressive prices online, according to House Beautiful. Many people still sell them for a fraction of their true value, especially when they’re part of a rare set. Collectors often seek out these dishes because of their historical significance and aesthetic appeal. Some of the most coveted designs can go for hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars depending on condition and rarity.
What many people don’t realize is that Pyrex was originally a high-end brand. Its vintage pieces, once viewed as everyday kitchen tools, are now considered collectibles. Sets like the “Butterprint” and “Primary Colors” bowls have especially gained popularity in recent years. If you spot these at a yard sale, it’s worth taking a closer look before passing them by.
5. Antique Clocks
Grandfather clocks, mantle clocks, and even pocket watches are often underpriced in estate sales or secondhand shops. These items can have significant value due to their craftsmanship, age, and the historical period they represent, Love Antiques explains. Clocks from makers like Howard Miller, Seth Thomas, and Longines are highly collectible. In fact, some antique grandfather clocks can fetch anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the condition and rarity of the model.
Beyond their timekeeping function, antique clocks often hold historical and sentimental value. Many collectors are drawn to them because of the intricate designs and the craftsmanship involved in their creation. Additionally, the mechanisms behind these timepieces are often marvels of engineering. If you come across an old clock, it’s worth researching the brand and style before assuming it’s just another relic of the past.
6. Vintage Rugs
If you’ve ever walked through an antique store and spotted an old rug, you might have wondered if it’s worth anything. The truth is, vintage rugs, especially Persian or Oriental ones, can be incredibly valuable. The rarity of the rug, along with its age, knot count, and condition, can determine its worth. Some of these rugs, which might cost only a few hundred dollars at a garage sale, can be sold for thousands depending on their craftsmanship and authenticity.
Rugs from well-known weaving regions like Persia, India, and Turkey often have intricate designs that take months or even years to complete. In fact, some antique rugs can increase in value as they age, especially if they are maintained well and not subjected to wear and tear. With collectors willing to pay a premium for these beautiful pieces, it’s always worth checking the backing and material to see if a rug might be more valuable than it looks.
7. Vintage Typewriters
While you might not think much of an old typewriter sitting unused in the attic, collectors are constantly on the lookout for these vintage machines. Certain brands, like Royal, Underwood, and Smith-Corona, are particularly sought after. These typewriters, especially those in good working condition, are often resold for far more than the original retail price. Collectors love the nostalgia and the craftsmanship that went into making these mechanical wonders, which is why they can go for anywhere between $100 and $1,500.
Vintage typewriters are also seen as quirky home decor pieces, making them even more desirable. Whether they’re fully functional or simply a statement piece, these machines can hold significant value due to their connection to past eras of writing and business. In fact, typewriters from the 1920s and 1930s are often viewed as “vintage” enough to be classified as antiques, pushing their value even higher. If you find one in decent condition, it could be a profitable investment.
8. Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens, and other cookware made by brands like Le Creuset, Griswold, and Wagner are still undervalued by many. These items can last for generations, and their quality only improves with age when properly cared for. In fact, certain vintage cast iron pieces can be sold for much more than the modern versions. A well-seasoned, vintage Griswold or Wagner skillet might be sold for $100 or more, whereas modern equivalents often cost far less.
What’s often overlooked is how seasoned cast iron has developed a smooth, non-stick surface over time. Collectors value the craftsmanship, especially when it comes to early models. Some enthusiasts even hunt for rare logo variations or specific patterns that were produced in limited quantities. So, the next time you come across an old cast iron pan, you might want to double-check for a maker’s mark or distinctive features.
9. Vintage Luggage
Vintage luggage, especially suitcases and trunks from brands like Louis Vuitton, Samsonite, and Tumi, are sometimes sold for much cheaper than their worth. Old suitcases from the early to mid-20th century are especially sought after, especially if they’re made from durable materials like leather or hard shell. The condition of the luggage, along with any original tags or monogramming, can significantly increase its value. If the suitcase still has its original functionality and design, it can be resold for a substantial amount.
Many collectors are drawn to vintage luggage for its craftsmanship and nostalgia. Classic travel trunks were often works of art with ornate details, and their historic value is increasingly being recognized. While people may sell them for only a few bucks at garage sales, the right piece could go for hundreds if not more. Look for older, high-quality luggage and pay attention to any unique features that may indicate its age.
10. Antique Glass Bottles
Antique glass bottles, particularly those that were used for medicine, perfumes, or sodas, are a surprising find in thrift shops and yard sales. The value of these bottles comes from their age, the type of glass used, and the embossed logos or text on the surface. Some bottles, especially from famous brands like Coca-Cola or early 20th-century medicine bottles, are extremely valuable. A rare or perfectly preserved bottle could sell for hundreds, sometimes even more, depending on its historical context.
Old glass bottles are often colorful, intricate, and stamped with markings that make them unique. Collectors are especially interested in ones with embossed logos or early production stamps. These bottles are often seen as little pieces of history, and their value can appreciate over time. So, if you spot an antique glass bottle at a flea market, consider its design and markings before passing it up.
11. Vintage Cameras
Old film cameras are another household item that is often sold for far less than it’s worth. Cameras from brands like Leica, Rolleiflex, and Nikon, especially those made before the digital age, are highly sought after by photography enthusiasts. Some vintage models, especially rangefinders or medium-format cameras, can fetch thousands of dollars. These cameras, while no longer in widespread use, have a cult following due to their craftsmanship and the unique qualities they can bring to modern photography.
Vintage cameras are often highly prized for their mechanical quality, build, and optics. Even if the camera doesn’t function perfectly, certain collectors will still be interested in the parts or as a display piece. Additionally, vintage lenses are often of superior quality compared to modern equivalents, which is why these cameras have stayed popular. So, if you stumble upon an old camera, it could be a great find for both photography buffs and collectors alike.
12. Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Furniture from the mid-20th century has seen a resurgence in popularity over the past decade. Pieces designed by iconic names like Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, and George Nelson are often sold for much less than they’re worth, especially in thrift shops or estate sales. Items like chairs, side tables, and even sofas can fetch a fortune if they come from the right designer or have the right materials. It’s not uncommon to see vintage Danish teak furniture being sold for less than $100 when it could be worth thousands.
Mid-century modern furniture is often sought after because it represents a distinct design philosophy that emphasizes functionality and simplicity. The minimalist aesthetic and focus on clean lines make these pieces timeless. As more people get into retro design, they’re realizing just how much these pieces can elevate a space. If you find a well-made, mid-century piece at a bargain price, don’t let it slip through your fingers.
