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 stash of coins, or your parents have handed over their collection of vinyl records, these collectibles could hold more worth than initially meets the eye. Such items frequently gather dust but can turn out to be quite valuable. attic , however, for collectors, they command quite a high price.
If you’re unsure whether your items belong in the donation bin or up for auction, fear not—these professionals have got you sorted. Below, hear from fine art connoisseurs, vintage enthusiasts, and appraisers regarding the collectibles that hold current worth and will retain their value moving forward.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver possesses intrinsic value due to being classified as a precious metal; however, this value may vary daily. Regardless of these fluctuations, sterling silver will consistently maintain some level of financial worth. As stated by Noralen Curl, an authority on fine arts and antiques who also specializes in appraisals, "Items made from sterling silver range widely—from pieces like jewelry and cutlery to decorative items such as photo frames, sewing tools including thimbles, complete tea services, infant toys like rattles, and many others." JustAnswer She points out that you should search for the "sterling" or 925 marked stamp to confirm authenticity , and there are distinctive hallmarks that indicate the manufacturer.
"Complete place settings, service sets for eight people or more from renowned manufacturers like Gorham, Reed and Barton, Wallace, and Towle, among others, may command prices in the thousands of dollars. An old-fashioned antique sewing thimble could sell for between $10 and $30," according to Curl.
Antique Florentine Gold-Painted Wooden Items from Italy
During the 1950s, visitors to Italy were captivated by antique Florentine gilded wooden items. As Curl points out, these pieces could sometimes be discovered in U.S. variety stores known as five-and-dimes. Even today, Florentine gilded wood remains popular, especially within design circles. According to Curl, this type of craftsmanship encompassed various decorative objects like picture frames, serving trays, wastebaskets, tissue box stands, small keepsake containers, book supports, periodical displays, and wall-mounted shelving units. These antiques frequently appear at modest price points but can later fetch much higher sums from discerning buyers seeking distinctive collectibles.
Old Books
Unique and initial print editions boast a dedicated group of collectors ready to invest significant funds into acquiring the most sought-after volumes, potentially including those you might find within your personal collection. "My meticulously assembled library of high-quality art and design works, extensive collections filled with enigmatic treasures, along with an unmatched archive focused on World War II non-fiction featuring numerous autographed books and scarce accounts—it’s these elements that form my enduring heritage and will probably represent my largest potential asset moving forward," states Callie Duritsa Boswell, who is both an interior designer and a specialist in World War II history. Homefront Diary .
Juliana Esposito, who owns The Baroque Home adds, "Leather-bound books adorned with intricate gold leaf lettering and/or detailing are highly prized. The cost of these editions can soar between $300 and $3,000 for first printings."
Vintage Pie Safes
Vintage pie safes frequently get handed down from one generation to another. 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 feels blessed to own her great-grandmother’s pie safe and her grandma's Desert Rose dishes. The pie safe originally belonged to her great-grandmother and was in fragments; she then asked a carpenter to restore it for her. Made sometime between the late 1800s and early 1900s, it is now fully restored along with her grandma's Desert Rose dishes, as noted by McDaniel.
Brass Bouillotte Lamps
If you're not familiar with the phrase brass bouillotte lamp, chances are you'll still be able to picture what it looks like. This type of French-style lamp usually features two to four brass arms extending upward towards a dark-colored—or commonly black—metal shade. It’s reminiscent of something you might see in an elegant office space (or perhaps your grandparent's home). According to Esposito, these lamps gained popularity during the 18th century. th and 19 th Century ones are now selling for $400 to $800."
Oil Paintings
A loft brimming with cobweb-covered oil artworks might turn out to be a goldmine for enthusiasts skilled at recognizing genuine pieces, regardless of whether they bear renowned signatures. As Esposito clarifies, "Seek somber still-life oils or elaborately framed landscapes. Despite lacking signatures, these works can fetch anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over $2,500 each."
Vinyl Records
If you recall twirling around your grandparents' house to tunes from the turntable, it’s not surprising that vinyl records are among those cherished possessions whose worth might appreciate with time. As Esposito notes, “A lot of elderly family members own collections of vinyl albums they once enjoyed. Certain records can be quite scarce and carry substantial financial value for enthusiasts.”
Wristwatches
Gather an item that you can comfortably wear every day—watches tend to maintain their worth over time, especially if you invest in models from brands like Rolex, Cartier, or Omega. Rather than purchasing a brand-new watch, consider opting for a classic pre-owned piece from Omega. According to Reyne Hirsch, who owns and operates as a fine arts expert, her recommendation would be Omega’s Speedmaster, famously the first wristwatch sent to the moon, she suggests. Dallas Auction Gallery .
Chrome Chairs
If you possess an eye for midcentury design Keep an lookout for chrome frame chairs. These bold designs were popular during the 1950s and 1960s, and although numerous contemporary producers have recreated them, original pieces often come with a hefty price. As suggested by Hirsch, search for chrome chairs designed by Marcel Breuer or Ludwig Mies van der Rohe; these possess a classic appeal suitable for various settings.
Silver Coins
The coins your grandparents used to hand out could potentially be worth much more than you realize! These pieces of currency hold significant collector’s value, often surpassing their face value in the marketplace. According to Hirsch, silver coins such as American Maple Leafs, Morgan Silver Dollars, and Seated Liberty Dollars are expected to appreciate further over time. Be sure to look for coins that have been professionally graded when searching through potential finds.
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 Kelly Cahn LLC: Expertise in Art Consulting and Valuations recommends exploring creations by female, African-American, and Indigenous artists. "It’s crucial when purchasing artwork that it comes with verified documentation or is part of an artist's catalogue raisonné—a comprehensive record of all authentic pieces by said artist," explains Kahn.
Related: 13 Precious Finds That Might Be Lurking in Grandma's Attic
Read the initial article on Southern Living
