Eight Antiques That Are Surprisingly Valuable

Most of us have attics or basements full of old items that we’ve been meaning to donate or throw away but simply haven’t gotten around to. Over time, most of us will end up inheriting things from family members and friends that slowly begin to take up a lot of space in our homes. Come time for spring cleaning, you can’t be blamed for simply wanting to throw everything away. Before you do that, however, you may want to make sure that you’re not getting rid of any potentially valuable antiques. The key is to know what to look for, and then to take any items you have questions about to a reputable appraiser. Here are some of the items that experts suggest may be valuable.

Quilts

Your grandma’s old quilt may be worth a pretty penny! Samplers and quilts from the 19th century can be worth quite a lot of money, even if they’re torn or damaged.

Vintage Costume Jewelry

Just because jewelry isn’t made of precious gems doesn’t mean it’s not valuable. Old costume jewelry is often of special interest to vintage clothing stores. Every once in a while, an appraiser can find a piece that is actually quite valuable.

Signed Letters

Hand-signed letters were a lot more common in the past than they are today, so make sure to go through all your old papers for correspondence from any notable figures. Letters from former presidents for involvement in different programs are a great example of papers that can go for a small fortune!

Leather-Bound Books

Most old books aren’t worth a ton of money, but if you run across a leather-bound version, you just may be in luck. If the book turns out to be a first edition, you’re looking at even more cash.

Sterling Silver

The melt value for sterling silver is pretty high right now, so if you have old silverware that you’re not particularly fond of, consider selling it. This also applies to old jewelry, dishes, and more.

Vintage Watches

Pocket watches are of special interest and value to collectors. If your old pocket watch is wound with a key, you’re looking at an even bigger payday.

Mid-Century Furniture

Most reproduction pieces aren’t worth a whole lot, but high-quality designs from the 50s and 60s are very popular right now and can sell for quite a bit.

Vinyl Records

If your vinyl records are in good condition and in their original sleeves, you’re in luck. Collectors are willing to pay even bigger bucks if the records are sealed.

Finally, it’s important to note that any ethical appraiser will advise you on the best way to sell your antiques, rather than try to buy them off of you on the spot. It’s also crucial to keep in mind that the value of many of these antiques depends on the market demand. Even if your relatives’ old items aren’t worth tons of cash, they certainly still hold sentimental value.

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