When we inherit antiques, we often underappreciate their true value due to a lack of knowledge. Maybe we’ve stored these treasures in the attic, or they’re gathering dust on a shelf. But did you know that some of these forgotten relics may be worth a small fortune? In this blog post, I’ll share with you 12 antiques that I inherited which turned out to be worth much more than I ever imagined — proving that it really does pay to know the worth of what you own!
1. Victorian Cameo Brooch
I was always fascinated by an old cameo brooch that my grandmother left me. It’s intricately carved and has a beautiful woman’s profile on it. Imagine my surprise when I found out that it was a Victorian-era cameo — a popular piece of jewelry in the 19th century. These precious items can fetch a good price, especially if they are in excellent condition and feature unique, detailed carvings.
Cameos were commonly made from shell, coral, agate, or ivory during the Victorian era. They were usually set in gold or silver frames and often given as a sign of love or devotion. The value of a cameo brooch can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on its age, material, and quality of the carving. My grandmother’s cameo ended up being valued at a hefty $1,200!
2. Antique Oil Lamps
Next on my list are two antique oil lamps that once belonged to my great-grandparents. They seemed rather ordinary, with their faded colors and old-world design. However, upon closer inspection, I realized that these were not just any lamps — they were genuine antique oil lamps from the late 1800s.
What I thought were plain, decorative trinkets turned out to be valuable artifacts of a bygone era. Antique oil lamps are highly sought after by collectors, and their value can vary greatly depending on factors such as their age, condition, and rarity. Some can go for as low as $50, while others can fetch prices well into the thousands. My great-grandparents’ lamps were appraised at $500 each.
3. Persian Rug
My parents left me a large, ornate rug that I had always assumed was just a nice piece of home decor. It wasn’t until a friend with an eye for antiques pointed out its Persian origin that I began to consider its potential value.
Persian rugs are renowned for their high quality, intricate designs, and durability. Each rug is handcrafted by skilled artisans, making each piece unique. The value of a Persian rug can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on factors such as age, condition, and complexity of design. My parents’ Persian rug was valued at an impressive $4,000.
4. Antique Pocket Watch
An old pocket watch from my grandfather’s collection always caught my eye, but I had no idea of its potential worth. It was a beautiful piece, crafted from gold with an elegant design.
Antique pocket watches are collectable items that can be quite valuable, especially if they are in working condition and made by a well-known watchmaker. Some antique pocket watches can sell for several thousand dollars. My grandfather’s watch turned out to be a rare model from a respected manufacturer, valued at $2,500.
5. Vintage Postcards
I inherited a box full of old postcards from my aunt, who was an avid traveler. They were great to look at, but I had no idea they might be worth anything.
Vintage postcards can be surprisingly valuable if they are rare, in good condition, and depict a sought-after location or event. Some collectors are willing to pay a premium for these tiny pieces of history. After having them appraised, I discovered that my aunt’s collection was worth around $800.
6. Antique Silver Tea Set
A beautiful silver tea set that had been in my family for generations was another hidden gem. It was always used for special occasions, but I never thought it might have significant value.
Silver tea sets, especially those that are antique and in good condition, can be quite valuable. The value can range widely depending on factors like the age, craftsmanship, and maker of the set. My family’s antique silver tea set was appraised at $1,500.
7. Vintage Baseball Cards
Among my father’s belongings, I found a collection of old baseball cards. I remember him showing them to me as a child, but I never realized they might be worth something.
Vintage baseball cards can be worth a lot of money, especially if they feature famous players and are in good condition. After having them evaluated, I discovered that my father’s collection included some rare cards, pushing the value up to $2,000.
8. Antique China Set
An old china set that was passed down from my great-grandmother always seemed special, but I had no idea of its true value. The delicate floral pattern and gold trim made it a beautiful set, but it was its age and rarity that really made it valuable.
Antique china sets can fetch a high price, especially if they are rare or from a well-known manufacturer. After having it appraised, I was shocked to find out that my great-grandmother’s china set was worth an astounding $3,000.
9. Stamp Collection
I inherited a stamp collection from my uncle who was an avid philatelist. While I appreciated the historical significance of the stamps, I didn’t realize they might hold financial value too.
Stamp collecting is a popular hobby, and rare or historical stamps can be very valuable. After having the collection appraised, I found out that it included some rare stamps, making it worth around $1,000.
10. Vintage Toy Cars
A box of old toy cars that belonged to my father turned out to be more than just childhood memorabilia. They were in great condition and still in their original packaging, which significantly increased their value.
Vintage toy cars, especially those that are rare or in mint condition, can be worth a lot of money. To my surprise, my father’s toy car collection was valued at $1,200.
11. Antique Doll
A beautiful, porcelain doll that belonged to my grandmother was another unexpected treasure. With her delicate features and detailed clothing, she was a lovely keepsake, but I didn’t realize she might also be valuable.
Antique dolls, especially those in good condition and from a renowned maker, can be worth a lot. After having it appraised, I found out that my grandmother’s doll was a highly sought-after model, making it worth around $2,000.
12. Vintage Comic Books
Lastly, a stack of old comic books that my uncle used to collect turned out to be a gold mine. They were all in decent condition, and some of them were first editions, which significantly increased their value.
Vintage comic books, especially rare or first edition ones, can fetch a high price. After getting them appraised, I discovered that my uncle’s comic book collection was worth a whopping $5,000.
Inheriting antiques can be like embarking on a treasure hunt. You never know what hidden gems you might find and how much they might be worth. It’s always worth getting your inherited items appraised, as you might be pleasantly surprised by their value!