Antique stores are like treasure chests for the curious. Sure, you’ll find your fair share of dusty teacups and questionable taxidermy—but tucked between the shelves might be something far more exciting: an overlooked collectible worth a small fortune. The trick isn’t luck—it’s knowing what to look for.
Whether you’re a seasoned picker or a weekend browser, these six antique store finds are the kinds of pieces that routinely turn casual shoppers into surprise sellers. The next time you wander through an antique mall, keep your eyes peeled—you might just spot gold disguised as Grandma’s decor.
Vintage Advertising Signs
Those colorful tin or porcelain signs that once hung outside diners and gas stations are now major collector items. Brands like Coca-Cola, Shell, and Texaco are always in demand, especially if the paint and logos are still vibrant. Even local or regional signage can bring in impressive prices online.
Authenticity is everything—reproductions are common, but real vintage signs usually have enamel finishes and heavy metal construction. Depending on rarity, original signs can fetch anywhere from a few hundred dollars to well over $5,000. It’s the kind of wall art that pays for itself.
Mid-Century Furniture
Clean lines, tapered legs, and warm teak tones never go out of style—and collectors know it. Mid-century modern furniture from the 1950s and ’60s has seen skyrocketing demand in recent years, with pieces from makers like Eames, Knoll, and Lane commanding top prices.
Even unlabeled items can hold serious value if they feature quality craftsmanship and authentic design. Buff out the scratches, leave the character, and you might have a $1,000 side table on your hands. In a world of flat-pack furniture, these pieces are true works of art.
Vintage Cameras
Before smartphones took over, cameras were intricate mechanical marvels—and the right ones are now worth big money. Collectors and photography enthusiasts are snapping up models from Leica, Nikon, and Rolleiflex, especially those made before the 1970s.
Condition matters, but so does completeness—original cases, lenses, and manuals can multiply value. Even non-functioning cameras can bring in hundreds as decorative pieces. If you see a sturdy metal camera gathering dust on a shelf, check the brand before walking away—you might be staring at a four-figure flip.
Vinyl Records
Vinyl’s comeback isn’t slowing down, and first pressings of classic albums are commanding impressive sums. Original records from artists like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, or Fleetwood Mac are among the most valuable, but lesser-known cult favorites can also surprise you.
Look for clean sleeves, intact inserts, and minimal scratches on the record itself. Limited editions, colored vinyl, or records signed by artists can push values even higher. A $5 album from a bargain bin could end up selling for hundreds—or more—to the right collector online.
Antique Clocks
They may not sync to Wi-Fi, but antique clocks have a timeless appeal collectors can’t resist. Mantel clocks, wall clocks, and pocket watches from the 19th and early 20th centuries are particularly desirable, especially from makers like Seth Thomas or Ansonia.
Working mechanisms and ornate designs can drive prices up dramatically. Even if they’re missing a part or two, well-made clocks can be restored and resold for a hefty profit. So the next time you hear a gentle tick-tock from a dusty corner, take it as a sign—you’ve found something worth checking out.
Art Pottery
Those colorful, hand-glazed vases and bowls that used to decorate living room shelves? They’re hot again. Brands like Roseville, Rookwood, and Weller are especially sought after for their craftsmanship and distinctive glazing styles.
Pieces in excellent condition—no chips or cracks—can easily fetch hundreds, while rare patterns and artist-signed pieces can go for thousands. Even if you don’t plan to sell, these timeless ceramics add warmth and charm to any home. Sometimes beauty and value really do come in the same package.
The best part of antique shopping is that every aisle holds a mystery. What one person overlooks, another might see as a collector’s dream. With a little patience and a good eye, your next antique store adventure could turn into a profitable surprise. And who knows? That $20 find might just fund your next weekend getaway.