Certain things improve as they grow older.
Regardless of whether you have a penchant for collecting sterling silver items estate sales , your grandmother If someone has bequeathed you a collection of coins, or your parents have handed over their stash of vinyl records, these keepsakes could hold more worth than initially meets the eye. Such items frequently gather dust but can turn out to be surprisingly valuable possessions. attic , however, for collectors, they’re quite valuable.
If you’re unsure whether your items belong in the donation bin or up for auction, these specialists have got you sorted. Below is advice from fine art connoisseurs, vintage collectors, and appraisal professionals regarding which collectibles hold current worth and are likely to retain their value moving forward.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver possesses an intrinsic value due to being classified as a precious metal; however, this value may vary daily. Nonetheless, one certainty remains: it will consistently retain some financial worth. As stated by Noralen Curl, who specializes in fine arts and antiques and serves as the appraisal specialist, "Items crafted from sterling silver range widely—from pieces of jewelry and tableware to photo frames, thimbles, tea services, infant rattlers, and numerous additional items." JustAnswer She points out that you should search for the "sterling" or 925 stamped marking to identify genuine pieces. confirm authenticity , and there are distinct hallmarks that indicate the manufacturer.
"Full flatware sets, services for 8 or more, by esteemed makers such as Gorham, Reed and Barton, Wallace, and Towle, to name a few, can garner thousands of dollars. A small antique sewing thimble can fetch $10 - $30," says Curl.
Vintage Italian Florentine Gilded Wood Wares
In the 1950s, tourists in Italy fawned over vintage Italian Florentine gilded wood wares, and Curl notes that some collectors at the time even found them stateside at five and dime stores. Today, Florentine gilded wood is still desirable, particularly among designers. "Florentine Gilded Wood, also referred to as Italian toleware, was crafted in an array of objects, such as frames, trays, waste cans, tissue box holders, trinket boxes, bookends, magazine racks, and wall plaque shelves," says Curl. She notes that they can often be found for low prices, then resold for significantly more to collectors looking for a curated selection.
Old Books
Rare and first edition books have an enthusiastic collector base that is willing to shell out big bucks for the most desirable titles, some of which could be hiding in your own library. "My curated fine and decorative arts library, vast mystery troves, and unparalleled World War II nonfiction archive with many signed books and rare narratives—these are my legacy and, likely, my most substantial future investment," explains Callie Duritsa Boswell, an interior designer and World War II historian at Homefront Diary .
Juliana Esposito, who owns The Baroque Home adds, "Leather-bound books featuring intricate gold leaf titles and/or accents hold significant value. The price range for first editions of such books can soar from $300 to $3,000."
Vintage Pie Safes
Vintage pie safes frequently get handed down from one generation to another, and although their emotional worth cannot be quantified, they can hold significant value for collectors, sometimes exceeding $500. Sara McDaniel, who owns one, Simply Southern Cottage She is lucky enough to own both her great-grandmother's pie safe and her grandma's dishes. The pie safe originally belonged to her great-grandmother; it was broken into pieces but has been restored by a carpenter. Made sometime between the late 1800s and early 1900s, it is now paired with her grandmother's Desert Rose dishes, as noted by McDaniel.
Brass Bouillotte Lamps
Although you might not be familiar with the phrase brass bouillotte lamp, chances are high that you'll easily identify its shape. Typically crafted in the French style, these lamps usually feature between two and four brass arms extending upward toward a dark—often black—metal shade. They resemble fixtures one would expect to see in an elegant workspace (or perhaps your grandparents’ home). According to Esposito, “This type of lamp was quite fashionable during the 18th century.” th and 19 th Century ones are now selling for $400 to $800.
Oil Paintings
An attic full of dusty oil paintings could end up being a treasure trove for collectors who have an eye for original art, even if it doesn't come with a famous signature. Esposito explains, "Look for moody still life oil paintings or landscape paintings in ornate gilt frames. Even unsigned, these can sell for several hundred to $2,500 or more."
Vinyl Records
If you have memories of dancing around your grandparents' home to the sound of the record player, then you won't be surprised that vinyl records are one of those collectible items that can rise in value over the years. "Many older relatives still have a collection of vinyl records that they used to listen to in their younger days. Some of these records can be rare and hold significant monetary value for collectors," says Esposito.
Wristwatches
Collect something that you can actually wear day in and day out—watches are known for holding their value through the years, particularly if you splurge on one by Rolex, Cartier, or Omega. "Instead of buying a new watch, look at a vintage timepiece by Omega. My pick is their Speedmaster which was the first watch to be worn on the moon," recommends Reyne Hirsch, the owner and fine arts expert at the Dallas Auction Gallery .
Chrome Chairs
If you have an eye for midcentury design , keep an eye out for chrome frame chairs. These striking designs were all the rage in the 1950s and 1960s and, while they've been replicated by many modern manufacturers, the originals can command a high price tag. "Look for chrome chairs by Marcel Breuer or Ludwig Miles van der Rohe. They have a timeless style and can work in multiple settings," says Hirsch.
Silver Coins
The coins your grandparents used to hand out could potentially be worth much more than you realize! These pieces of currency aren’t just keepsakes; they carry real financial significance, yet their market values often surpass their face value significantly. According to Hirsch, “Coins such as the American Maple Leaf silver coin, Morgan Silver Dollars, and Seated Liberty Dollars are set to appreciate further in value.” He also stresses the importance of looking for coins that have been certified by professional graders.
Contemporary Art
Your grandparents or parents may have purchased art by a rising artist, not realizing that its value significantly increased as the artist rose in prominence. If you inherit contemporary or folk art from someone in your family, it could be worth checking the signature to see whether it's now a collectors' item.
Kelly Kahn, who founded the company, Kelly Cahn LLC: Art Consulting and Valuations recommends exploring pieces created by female, African-American, and Native American artists. “It’s crucial when purchasing artwork that it comes with verified documentation or is part of an artist's comprehensive catalog, which lists all authentic works by said artist,” explains Kahn.
Related: 13 Precious Objects Potentially Lurking in Grandma’s Home
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