These Old Items Hiding in Your Attic Could Be Worth a Ton of Money Today
Next time you head up to your attic, it may be worth taking a gander through your hoards of stuff. Over time, items can appreciate in value more than you think. So before you toss or donate anything, take a look at this list of items that are worth a lot of money today and could be hiding in plain sight in your storage.
Handwoven Persian rugs appreciate a lot over the years—although it takes a long time for that to happen. That rug your great-grandparent purchased may just be worth something now. Rugs that are more than 100 years old are considered antiques and their price is determined by size, material, knot-density, condition, and design.
What it's worth: Between $1,000 and $1 million
Julia Child is one of America's favorite chefs, and her first cookbook swept the nation when it was published in 1961. If you've hung onto an original copy, you may be in the market for more than just a satisfied appetite—a first edition in good condition with the original jacket is rare and earns top dollar on Ebay.
What it's worth: $2,000 and up
Duck decoys became highly collectable in the mid-20th century and prices have never been higher for pristine items. If you've inherited one, you could earn up to hundreds of thousands of dollars at an auction.
What it's worth: Up to $650,000
The plush collectable toys that were popular in the 1990s have massive resale value on sites like Ebay, especially if the tag is still attached and the item is in mint condition. Some of the limited edition toys have sold for up to half a million dollars online. For example, one of the original Beanie Babies—a lobster named Pinchers—sells for $35,000.
What it's worth: Up to $500,000
If you've hung onto this popular 1967 record from The Beatles, you could be in luck. The resale value of the album on vinyl can go for up to $290,500—although most sell for a couple hundred dollars.
What it's worth: Up to $290,500
When pegging the value of baseball cards, the general rule is that the older they are, the more they are worth. There are a lot of nuances that determine a card's worth though, so if you've come across a hoard of old cards, it's worth getting them appraised. Based on variables like condition, player, and year, a card can be sold online for thousands of dollars.
What it's worth: Up to $3.2 million
If you were lucky enough to get your hands on a pair of Super Bowl tickets back in the day, you could earn a big payout from holding onto them. Most of these paper tickets have a blue or yellow stripe on the top which, according to Sports Collectors Daily, sell for between $200 to $1,000. If you held onto tickets with white stripes on top, you could make up to $4,000. Of course, it depends on the popularity of the game, as well. Super Bowl II and Super Bowl XII tickets are particularly rare.
What it's worth: Up to $4,000
Samantha is one of the original American Girl dolls, and if yours is still in good condition with her original clothes and accessories, it could go for thousands of dollars.
What it's worth: $600 to $3,300
There's a real market online for Boy Scout collectibles, such as uniforms, equipment, commemorative items, and badges. Some badges sell for up to $30 a piece on eBay, while a first edition of the Boy Scout handbook recently sold for $2,200 online.
What it's worth: Up to $2,200
Of course, as with anything, rare comic books hold more value than common editions. In fact, a rare copy could be worth millions. But don't fret: More common books could still make you hundreds. Not too bad.
What it's worth: Up to several million
Antiques Roadshow producer Marsha Bemko checked in with appraiser Stephen L. Fletcher of Skinner, Inc., who reports that your circa-1820s "Rod Back" Windsor Armchair was likely made in the New England area. "There were many makers of these types of chairs, so it's hard to trace it to a specific region or manufacturer,” he says. While the paint and pin- striping appear to be original, the chair’s legs have been cut off at some point, lowering its value. “The seat height should be about 17 inches,” he says. “Yours was shortened to 14 1/2 inches, likely for comfort or because it was too tall for a table.”
What it's worth: $150
“While unmarked, your adorable goat is likely a German-Made Pull Toy, imported to the United States during the early 1900s,” says appraiser Marsha Dixey. Some German-made plush toys were crafted of goat skin and real hair, but yours was constructed of papier-maché and then flocked with a mix of natural fabric or paper fibers. Except for its disintegrated horns—and missing pull string—this toy appears to be in excellent condition, which keeps his value—and charm—high.
What it's worth: $600
Sometimes called the “Micro Bell,” your petite sewing machine is a 1950s Portable Bell Sewing Machine made by Freeland, Pennsylvania-based Bell Manufacturing Corp. Appraiser Helaine Fendelman says this small machine, which measures just 4 by 9 1/2 by 14 inches and weighs only 8 pounds when tucked into its leather attaché case, was intended for occasional home use and sewing on the go. All the necessary sewing accessories fit into tiny compartments tucked beneath the machine in its green baize-lined (a felt- like woolen material) case. “Although this little gem’s value has not increased,” says Helaine, “collectors love it because, when it’s in good condition like yours, it still works very well as a portable machine.”
What it's worth: $125
While at first glance your piece appears to be an 1800s campaign chest, appraiser Christopher Barber of Skinner, Inc., shares with Antiques Roadshow’s Marsha Bemko that, unfortunately, it’s only partly antique. “This Pine Blanket Chest has been significantly altered and refinished,” he says. “The top section is late 18th to early 19th century, but the rest of it is more likely from the early 20th century.” The brass binding also appears to have been added later in an effort to make it look like a campaign chest. So, while it’s not very valuable, it’s still a pretty piece worthy of showing off.
What it's worth: $75 to $100
Appraiser Bene Raia of Raia Auctioneers says your rolling rack is an Early-20th-Century Baker’s Rack that was used in the factory of a bread company. “The rack’s open shelves were essential for letting air circulate around the freshly baked loaves, and the four steel casters allowed the bread to be moved quickly to packaging and distribution areas,” she says. The primary wood material is oak along with some other mixed woods. Bene adds that the fact that your rack has been stripped and stained has minor impact on its value, because these pieces were produced in great quantity and are therefore not particularly rare.
What it's worth: $300 ($425 in original condition)
They might hold your pocket change, but old banks hiding out in your home might be worth a lot more. Though a simple piggy bank might not get you far, if you have something with a mechanical feature, you could be in luck. The Mechanical Bank Collectors of America have been seeking out these contraptions since 1958.
What it's worth: Up to $2,500
Looks like being a bookworm could pay off. If you happen to have a first edition of a popular book, it could net you thousands of dollars. Sites like Biblio can help you determine how much cash is sitting on your bookshelf.
What it's worth: $15,000+ (depending on how popular/old the book is)
You might not want to eat that box of cereal that's been hidden away for decades (for multiple reasons!), but there are collectors out there looking to buy vintage cereal boxes. Special edition boxes or cereals that are no longer in production could earn you big bucks, so now might be the time to bust out that E.T. cereal you've been hiding away.
What it's worth: $100+ (based on on rarity of cereal or box)
You don't need diamonds to make a little dough off of your jewelry. Old costume jewelry from designers like Elsa Schiaparelli are auctioned off at high price tags.
What it's worth: Up to $2,000
It's all about keeping up with technology for most people, but don't go throwing out your old gadgets. There's a huge market for phones, computers, radios, video game systems (and video games, too), or even vintage toasters. In 2015, a woman threw away an Apple I computer valued at $200,000.
What it's worth: Up to $10,000
If you're storing any old musical pieces, better dust them off. Instruments, especially guitars, kept in good condition are worth a fortune. Gibson or Martin guitars from the 1960s or earlier are selling for thousands.
What it's worth: Up to $33,000
The lamp you inherited that just didn't fit in with the rest of the room can possibly score you a wad of dough. Handel, Pairpoint, and Fulper are just a few of the brands that collectors are looking for. Pro tip: Sometimes even just having the base is enough.
What it's worth: Up to $45,000
Still holding on to your old lunch box? Boxes featuring The Beatles, The Jetsons, and even Rambo can score a lot of cash.
What it's worth: Up to $3,100
Plenty of families pass down Christmas decorations, and if you have anything in your collection that's handmade, it could be worth a pretty penny.
What it's worth: Up to $500
They just don't make 'em like they used to. Glassblowers throughout the world turned perfume bottles into an art form in the 19th century. If you have anything in pristine condition from companies like New England Glass Company or the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company, keep it somewhere safe until you get it appraised.
What it's worth: Up to $1,000
As is the case with most of this list, the value of an old postcard depends on how old it is, how rare it is, and what condition it's in. A postcard from 1840 sold at auction in London in 2002 for $50,000.
What it's worth: Up to $340
Time to bust out your grandmother's old dinnerware. Sets of sterling silverware can be worth anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. If you have a complete set from a big brand like Tiffany, you could be in for a real payday.
What it's worth: Up to $1,100
Head out back to the shed and see if you have any old saws, hand drills, or any other old tools that have seen better days. There are many price guides out there to teach you which ones to look out for.
What it's worth: Up to $3,000
The VCR days are long behind us, but you may want to hunt down those old VHS tapes. Unpopular movies that never made the leap to DVD or digital are the ones to look out for (especially in the horror genre). Movies that have been banned or deemed controversial (like Disney's Song of the South) also go for a high price.
What it's worth: Up to $50,000
Vintage-style ads are popular for home decor and actual vintage ads are highly sought after as well. Everything from soft drinks to gasoline can get you paid. (This is especially true for anything with Coca-Cola branding.)
What it's worth: Up to $15,000
As air, rail, and ship travel took off in the 1950s, so did luggage sales. This trio of hard-sided suitcases hails from that golden era, when green marble finishes were all the rage. "Made by Towncraft, a J.C. Penney house brand, this set copies a Samsonite design, which was then one of the leaders of the industry," explains appraiser Helaine Fendelman. Single cases aren't worth much more than their original 1950s price (about $25). But because these are in good condition (no stains, tears, or undesirable smells lurking inside) and are a matched set, they go for a tidy sum.
What it's worth: $175 for the set
Victorians wanted a dish for everything; bananas were no exception. This 1950s reproduction, used here as a flower display, features a lace edge and holds a value of $45.
What it's worth: One from the early 1900s could fetch up to $100.
This early-20th-century mailbox carries cachet because it was produced by Griswold, one of the most sought-after makers of cast iron. In operation from 1865 until 1957, the company specialized in cookware, but ardent cast-iron collectors are interested in all forms. This No. 3 mailbox from 1910 is no exception. Unpainted examples are valued at $350; because this one bears an unoriginal, though eye-catching, green paint job, its value is considerably less, says Marsha Dixey of Heritage Auctions.
What it's worth: $125
Heritage Auctions' Marsha Dixey consulted with Jill Burgum, who says that the carved cameos are from the late Victorian age when the mourning trend of black clothing and jewelry became popular. They were likely two separate brooches or pendants that were later converted into a bracelet years later.
What it's worth: $250
This buckle is marked "R. Schaezlein & Son," the name of a San Francisco silversmith founded in 1882 that was renowned for its Western wear. The backstamp dates this piece to the 1990s, explains Marsha Dixey of Heritage Auctions.
What it's worth: $500
In 1865, John Batterson Stetson created the first cowboy hat. His design's wide brim shaded the neck and eyes, and when turned upside down, the crown could hold water for a horse or rider, says antiques appraiser Helaine Fendelman. This model, with its original box, dates to the 1960s. Despite a few small stains, the famed Stetson name brings a handsome estimate.
What it's worth: $175
"Hundreds of cotton circles were cut and hand-sewn otgether to make this coverlet," explains Marsha Bemko of Antiques Roadshow, who consulted with Deborah Miler. It was a popular style in the 1930s, when the Yo-Yo toy was an American fad, hence the quirky name.
What it's worth: $275
This piece is a loving cup meant for sharing celebratory drinks at a wedding or banquet. The backstamp indicated it was made by Philadelphia silversmith Peter L. Krider for renowned retailer Shreve, Crump & Low. Dated 1899, it sports impressive horn handles that channel an end-of-the-century interest in hunting, says appraiser Helaine Fendelman.
What it's worth: $700
In the early 1800s, enterprising Yankees created a cottage industry sewing fabric scraps into rag rugs. Hand-hooked versions (made by using a sailor's hook to pull scraps through a burlap backing) soon followed. This early-20th-century hand-hooked wool runner is a close descendant of those New England predecessors, says antiques appraiser Helaine Fendelman.
What it's worth: $750
These delicate handblown milk glass eggs were originally sold blank so that Victorian ladies could embellish them with spring greetings and scenes. Over time, the sentiments were usually damaged by washing or handling, says Marsha Dixey of Heritage Auctions. This group, however, is in great condition with minimal wear.
What it's worth: $775 for set
This stunning item dates back to the 1870s, when luggage had to withstand wagon travel, says Marsha Dixey. The interior has multiple storage compartments and is fully lined with its original lithographed paper. The large size is impressive but hardly surprising: Wealthy people of this era typically decamped for the entire summer to places like Saratoga Springs, New York, the popular warm-weather destination for which this dome-topped style is named.
What it's worth: $700
These Old Items Hiding in Your Attic Could Be Worth a Ton of Money Today
Next time you head up to your attic, it may be worth taking a gander through your hoards of stuff. Over time, items can appreciate in value more than you think. So before you toss or donate anything, take a look at this list of items that are worth a lot of money today and could be hiding in plain sight in your storage.
You might be sitting on a gold mine.
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