Estate sales are part treasure hunt, part history lesson—and the best scores are often hiding in plain sight. Beyond the obvious furniture and appliances, there are sleeper items collectors crave: vintage board games, first-edition books, mid-century pieces, vinyl, designer fashion, antique tools, Pyrex, clocks, sterling flatware, and old postcards.
As you browse, think CONDITION + COMPLETENESS + PROVENANCE. Check for complete game sets, first-edition points and dust jackets, maker’s marks and hallmarks, rare patterns, working movements, and clean vinyl. When in doubt, pull out your phone and compare sold listings—then use the guides linked below to verify details before you buy. A few smart checks can turn a quick walk-through into a profitable flip.
Vintage Board Games
Board games are a staple in many households, often kept for years for their entertainment value and nostalgia. Vintage board games, in particular, can be overlooked at estate sales, usually considered worn out or out of date. However, these games, especially those dating back to the 60s and 70s, are highly sought after by collectors and nostalgic gamers.
The current trend of vintage aesthetics and retro gaming has driven up the demand for vintage board games. Collectors and hobbyists are willing to pay top dollar for games that are in good condition or are hard to find. If you come across a vintage board game at an estate sale, don’t hesitate to pick it up. For more pricing details and market trends, check out eBay’s Vintage Board Games category.
First Edition Books
Books are common items at estate sales, but first edition copies can often be overlooked in the sea of paperbacks and hardcovers. These books are usually kept for their literary value or sentimental reasons. However, first edition books, especially those from popular authors or significant works, can fetch a high price on resale.
Now, with the rise of online booksellers and the increasing interest in book collecting, the value of first edition books has skyrocketed. If you’re lucky enough to find a rare first edition at an estate sale, it could become a profitable flip. For more information on valuable first editions, visit AbeBooks’ guide on first editions.
Mid-Century Furniture
Mid-century modern furniture, popular from the mid-1940s to the 1970s, is a common sight at estate sales. At first glance, these pieces might seem outdated, but they have a timeless appeal that many modern homeowners and interior decorators appreciate. Often, people overlook these gems, unaware of their potential value.
In recent years, mid-century modern design has seen a resurgence in popularity. Interior designers and homeowners are seeking out these pieces for their homes, driving up their resale value. If you can find mid-century furniture in good condition at an estate sale, it could net you a nice profit. For more insights, check out Christie’s mid-century design primer.
Vintage Vinyl Records
Vinyl records were once the primary format for music listening and are often found in large quantities at estate sales. They are usually kept for their nostalgic appeal or the owner’s love of music. However, many people overlook them, considering them obsolete in the digital age.
Despite the prevalence of digital music, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of vinyl records. Collectors and music aficionados alike are seeking out vintage vinyl for its superior sound quality and the tactile experience it offers. If you come across a collection of vinyl records at an estate sale, especially rare or classic albums, they could be worth quite a bit. For a comprehensive price guide, refer to Discogs’ vinyl price guide.
Designer Fashion Items
Designer fashion items, including clothing, handbags, and accessories, are often found at estate sales. Owners may have kept these items for their inherent value, their love of fashion, or sentimental reasons. However, many people overlook these items, not realizing their potential resale value.
Today, with the rise of online resale platforms and increased interest in sustainable fashion, designer items can fetch a high price. Vintage designer pieces, in particular, are sought after for their unique designs and quality. If you spot any designer items at an estate sale, they could be worth picking up. For more details, check out Vogue’s guide to selling clothes online.
Antique Tools
Antique tools are often found at estate sales, kept for their practical use or for the owner’s interest in DIY or craftsmanship. These tools can be overlooked, considered outdated or useless in comparison to modern tools.
However, antique tools have gained value due to their durability, uniqueness, and the history they hold. Collectors and craftsmen value these tools, and they can fetch a decent price on the resale market. If you find well-preserved antique tools at an estate sale, they could be a profitable flip. For more information, visit Collectors Weekly’s overview of antique tools.
Vintage Pyrex
Vintage Pyrex dishes, known for their colorful designs and durability, are commonly found at estate sales. Owners often keep these dishes for their practical use and nostalgic appeal. However, they can be overlooked by those unaware of their growing collectability.
Today, vintage Pyrex is highly sought after by collectors, due to the nostalgia it evokes and its practical use. Pieces in good condition, especially those with rare patterns, can fetch a surprisingly high price. If you stumble upon a piece of vintage Pyrex at an estate sale, it could be a quick and profitable flip. For more insights, check out Pyrex Love’s pattern guide.
Antique Clocks
Antique clocks, both wall and mantel versions, are found frequently at estate sales. Owners often keep these clocks for their aesthetic appeal, the rich history they carry, or their sentimental value. However, these clocks are often overlooked, considered as mere decorative pieces.
The demand for antique clocks has been on the rise due to their unique craftsmanship and historical value. Collectors and antique enthusiasts are willing to pay a high price for well-preserved and rare models. If you find an antique clock at an estate sale, it could turn a decent profit. For more details, visit Collectors Weekly’s overview of antique clocks.
Sterling Silver Flatware
Sterling silver flatware is a common find at estate sales. Owners often keep these items for their aesthetic appeal, their use in special occasions, or as family heirlooms. However, many people overlook these items, not realizing their potential resale value.
Today, sterling silver flatware has gained value due to the rising prices of precious metals and the interest in antique tableware. Pieces in good condition, especially those with intricate designs or from notable makers, can fetch a high price. If you spot sterling silver flatware at an estate sale, it could be a profitable flip. For more information, check out LoveToKnow’s antique silver value guide.
Vintage Postcards
Vintage postcards are often found at estate sales, kept for their sentimental value or the owner’s interest in travel or history. However, these postcards can be overlooked, considered as mere souvenirs or old correspondence.
However, vintage postcards have gained value due to their historical significance and the nostalgia they evoke. Collectors and history enthusiasts are willing to pay a high price for rare or old postcards. If you find vintage postcards at an estate sale, they could be a quick and profitable flip. For more details, check out Collectors Weekly’s overview of vintage postcards.
