Many of us have fond memories of our grandmothers’ homes, filled with trinkets and treasures that told stories of a different era. We may even have inherited some of these items, without realizing the potential value behind these seemingly ordinary possessions. But, what if I told you that some of your grandma’s most cherished items could be worth a small fortune? Read on to discover 15 household items that might be hiding a surprising value.
1. Vintage Pyrex dishes
You might remember your grandma’s colorful Pyrex dishes being used during family meals. This iconic brand of heat-resistant glassware is not only functional but can also be worth a pretty penny. The vibrant, decorative patterns, especially those produced in the mid-20th century, are highly sought after by collectors.
Some rare patterns such as the “Lucky in Love” design can fetch up to $4,000. If you have any old Pyrex dishes stored away, it might be worth checking the patterns. Keep in mind that condition is critical, so dishes without chips or scratches will be more valuable.
2. Antique silverware
Grandma’s silverware, stored away for special occasions, might hold more than just sentimental value. Antique silverware, especially pieces made of sterling silver, can be worth a significant amount. The value is based on the current silver market as well as the age, condition, and maker.
For instance, a complete set of Paul Storr sterling flatware, an esteemed silversmith from the 18th century, sold for over $15,000 at auction. So, if you inherited grandma’s silverware, it might be worth getting it appraised. Remember, even silver-plated items can have value, especially if they are antique or from a desirable manufacturer.
3. Quilts
Quilts are not just cozy bed covers, they’re also a form of folk art. Handmade quilts, particularly those from the 19th and early 20th century, can be worth a lot of money. The value of a quilt depends on factors such as age, condition, pattern, and fabric used.
Some antique quilts have sold for thousands of dollars. For instance, a Civil War-era quilt sold at auction for $18,000. If your grandma left you a handmade quilt, it might be a good idea to get it appraised by a textile expert.
4. Vintage costume jewelry
Did your grandma have a box full of costume jewelry? These may not be precious gemstones, but vintage costume jewelry can still be worth quite a lot, especially if they’re made by well-known designers like Miriam Haskell, Hattie Carnegie, or Coco Chanel.
A single piece of vintage costume jewelry can sell for hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars. For example, a 1950s Miriam Haskell necklace sold for $1,200 at an online auction. So, before you dismiss grandma’s costume jewelry as worthless trinkets, take a closer look.
5. Depression glass
During the Great Depression, companies often included a piece of glassware in boxes of food as a marketing strategy. These pieces, known as Depression glass, have become highly collectible. Certain patterns and colors, especially rare ones like Royal Lace in cobalt blue, can be quite valuable.
An original Royal Lace cobalt blue cookie jar sold for $1,600 at auction. If you have any Depression glass pieces, it’s worth checking into their value. But remember, reproductions abound, so it’s essential to know how to identify authentic Depression glass.
6. Antique clocks
Grandma’s old mantle or wall clock might not just be a charming relic of the past, but a valuable antique. Clocks made by esteemed manufacturers like Seth Thomas, Ansonia, or Gustav Becker can fetch a high price at auction, especially if they’re in good working order.
The price of an antique clock can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. For example, a Gustav Becker wall clock from the late 19th century recently sold for $3,000. So, if you have an old clock from grandma, it might be time to have it appraised.
7. Mid-century furniture
Did your grandma have a penchant for sleek, minimalist furniture designs? If so, you may have inherited pieces from the mid-century modern era (1945-1975), which are currently in high demand. Designer pieces by names like Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, or Eero Saarinen can be worth thousands.
A vintage Eames lounge chair, for instance, can fetch upwards of $5,000. So, before you decide to replace grandma’s old furniture, make sure you’re not sitting on a goldmine.
8. Vintage typewriters
In the digital age, typewriters may seem like obsolete relics. However, vintage and antique typewriters have become hot items for collectors. Brands like Royal, Remington, and especially early models from Underwood, can garner a high price.
For example, an Underwood No. 5 from the early 1900s can fetch around $500 in excellent condition. So, if you have grandma’s old typewriter gathering dust, it might be worth more than just nostalgic value.
9. Postcards
Did your grandmother keep a collection of postcards? While most postcards aren’t worth much, some rare and vintage ones can be quite valuable. The value of a postcard can vary greatly depending on its age, condition, rarity, and subject matter.
A “Tuck’s Postcard” from the Titanic, posted the day before the ship sank, sold at auction for over $30,000. While it’s unlikely you have a postcard with such historical significance, it’s worth going through grandma’s collection – you never know what you might find.
10. First edition books
If your grandmother was a bookworm, her library might hold more than just great stories. First editions of certain books, especially if they’re in good condition and signed by the author, can be worth a lot of money.
A first edition of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” recently sold at auction for over $90,000. So, if you inherited grandma’s book collection, it might be worth checking the publication details.
11. Vinyl records
Even in the age of digital music, vinyl records have made a significant comeback. If your grandma held onto her record collection, you might be sitting on a goldmine. Records by popular artists like The Beatles, Elvis Presley, or Bob Dylan, especially rare pressings or albums with errors, can be quite valuable.
A rare copy of The Beatles’ “White Album” with the serial number 0000001 sold at auction for $790,000. So, it might be time to dust off grandma’s old records and give them another spin.
12. Antique toys
Your grandma’s childhood toys might not just be nostalgic keepsakes, but valuable collectibles. Antique dolls, trains, and tin toys can be worth a significant amount, especially if they’re in good condition and from a well-known manufacturer.
An antique Buddy ‘L’ toy train from the 1920s, for instance, can fetch up to $2,500. So, if you have any of grandma’s old toys, it might be worth having them appraised.
13. Vintage Christmas ornaments
You might remember helping your grandma decorate her Christmas tree with an array of colorful ornaments. Vintage Christmas ornaments, especially those made of blown glass or those from the early 20th century, can be quite collectible.
An antique German Kugel ornament, for instance, can fetch up to $1,000. So, before you hang grandma’s old ornaments on your tree, it might be worth checking their value.
14. Vintage cameras
Did your grandma have a love for photography? If so, her old camera might be worth more than you think. Vintage cameras, especially those made by brands like Leica, Rolleiflex, or Nikon, can be quite valuable.
A Leica IIIg camera from the 1950s, for instance, can fetch up to $2,000. So, if you have grandma’s old camera lying around, it might be worth more than just sentimental value.
15. Antique china
Your grandma’s china cabinet might hold more than just fancy dinnerware for special occasions. Antique china, especially pieces or sets from well-known manufacturers like Meissen, Royal Copenhagen, or Spode, can be worth a significant amount.
A complete set of Spode’s “Blue Italian” pattern, for instance, can fetch up to $2,000. So, if you inherited grandma’s china, it might be worth getting it appraised. Remember, even single pieces can have value, especially if they are antique or from a desirable manufacturer.