Remember that old trinket grandma always told you to keep safe? Or that piece of furniture collecting dust in the attic? You may be shocked to find out how much some of those old trinkets could be worth today.
From antique silver tea sets to vintage Christmas ornaments, this list features 13 old trinkets that could hold surprising value in today’s market. Let’s dive in and discover these hidden treasures.
1. Antique Silver Tea Sets
Antique silver tea sets are a real treasure trove. They not only hold a certain charm and elegance, but also a significant value that has appreciated over the years. A well-maintained set, especially those crafted in the 19th century, can fetch a pretty penny at auctions and antique shops. So, if you have one lying around, it might be time to have it appraised.
Of course, the value of these sets depends on factors like the maker, the age, and the condition of the set. Some of the most sought-after ones include those made by renowned silversmiths like Paul Storr and Hester Bateman. So, keep an eye out for these names when you’re rummaging through the attic.
2. Vintage Christmas Ornaments
Who would have thought that those old Christmas ornaments could be worth a small fortune? Vintage Christmas ornaments, especially those made from glass in the early 20th century, are highly prized by collectors. Some of the most valuable ones include ornaments from Germany, which was a major producer of Christmas ornaments during that period.
According to a workandmoney.com article, some rare ornaments can sell for hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. So, next time you’re decorating the tree, take a closer look at those ornaments. You might be hanging a small fortune on your Christmas tree.
3. Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Mid-century modern furniture has made a huge comeback in recent years. Its timeless design and quality craftsmanship have made it a favorite among interior designers and homeowners. But did you know that original pieces from this era can be worth a lot of money? Chairs, tables, and dressers from designers like Eames, Knoll, and Nelson are highly sought after and can fetch a high price in the market.
However, it’s important to note that not all mid-century furniture is valuable. The value lies in the designer and the condition of the piece. So, before you toss that old chair, check out its maker’s mark. You might be sitting on a goldmine.
4. First Edition Books
First edition books are another old decoration that can be surprisingly valuable today. These books are highly collectible, especially if they are from famous authors or are in excellent condition. Some can even reach astronomical prices. For instance, a first edition copy of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” sold for $90,000 at auction in 2019.
But don’t get too excited just yet. Not all first editions are valuable. Factors like the book’s condition, the author’s popularity, and the book’s significance in literature all play a role in determining its value. So, before you sell off that old book, do some research or have it appraised by a professional.
5. Antique Persian Rugs
A well-crafted antique Persian rug is not just a decoration, it’s a work of art. These rugs are highly sought after for their intricate designs and quality craftsmanship. Some of the most collectable ones date back to the 19th century and can fetch a high price in the market.
However, not all Persian rugs are valuable. Age, condition, and the complexity of the design are some of the factors that determine a rug’s value. So, if you have one of these in your home, it might be worth having it appraised.
6. Victorian Cameo Brooches
Victorian cameo brooches are another old decoration that can be surprisingly valuable today. These pieces are carved with intricate detail and often depict classical scenes or portraits. They were popular during the Victorian era and are highly collectible today.
However, not all cameo brooches are valuable. The value of these pieces depends on factors like the material, the quality of the carving, and the age of the piece. So, if you have one of these lying around, it might be worth having it appraised.
7. Porcelain Figurines from Famous Makers
Porcelain figurines can be worth a lot of money, especially if they’re from famous makers like Meissen, Royal Doulton, or Lladró. These figurines are prized for their delicate beauty and craftsmanship. Some rare pieces can fetch thousands of dollars at auction.
But don’t get too excited just yet. Not all porcelain figurines are valuable. The value of these pieces depends on factors like the maker, the age, and the condition of the figurine. So, before you sell off that old figurine, do some research or have it appraised by a professional.
8. Antique Oil Lamps
Antique oil lamps are not just functional, they’re also beautiful pieces of art. These lamps were made from various materials like glass, brass, and porcelain, and often feature intricate designs. Some of the most valuable ones date back to the 19th century and can fetch a high price in the market.
However, not all oil lamps are valuable. The value of these lamps depends on factors like the material, the age, and the condition of the lamp. So, if you have one of these lying around, it might be worth having it appraised.
9. Vintage Posters from the Art Nouveau Era
Vintage posters from the Art Nouveau era are highly sought after by collectors. These posters feature beautiful, intricate designs and vibrant colors. Some of the most valuable ones include those designed by artists like Alphonse Mucha and Jules Chéret.
However, not all vintage posters are valuable. The value of these posters depends on factors like the artist, the age, and the condition of the poster. So, if you have one of these lying around, it might be worth having it appraised.
10. Original Tiffany Lamps
Original Tiffany lamps are a treasure in the world of antiques. These lamps are prized for their beautiful stained glass shades and intricate metalwork. Some rare models can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.
However, not all Tiffany lamps are valuable. The value of these lamps depends on factors like the model, the age, and the condition of the lamp. So, if you have one of these lying around, it might be worth having it appraised.
11. Antique Clocks from the 18th Century
Antique clocks from the 18th century are not just timepieces, they’re also works of art. These clocks were crafted with great skill and attention to detail. Some of the most valuable ones include those made by renowned clockmakers like Thomas Tompion and George Graham.
However, not all antique clocks are valuable. The value of these clocks depends on factors like the maker, the age, and the condition of the clock. So, if you have one of these lying around, it might be worth having it appraised.
12. Vintage Costume Jewelry
Vintage costume jewelry can be surprisingly valuable. These pieces were made to be affordable alternatives to fine jewelry, but today, they are highly collectible. Some of the most valuable ones include those made by designers like Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Christian Dior.
However, not all costume jewelry is valuable. The value of these pieces depends on factors like the designer, the age, and the condition of the piece. So, if you have some of these lying around, it might be worth having them appraised.
13. Antique Chinese Vases from the Qing Dynasty
Antique Chinese vases from the Qing Dynasty are some of the most valuable old decorations today. These vases feature intricate designs and beautiful colors. Some rare pieces can sell for millions of dollars at auction. In fact, a Qing Dynasty vase sold for $53 million at a London auction in 2010.
However, not all Chinese vases are valuable. The value of these vases depends on factors like the period, the age, and the condition of the vase. So, if you have one of these lying around, it might be worth having it appraised.
