When a family heirloom lands in your lap, it’s easy to assume it’s just sentimental. But sometimes, that “old thing” gathering dust in a box or sitting on a sideboard is actually worth far more than you realize. From inherited furniture to quirky collectibles, certain antiques are quietly commanding big prices at auctions and online.
So before you give something away, take a closer look at what’s been passed down. You might be surprised to learn that Grandma’s “junk” could pay for your next vacation—or at least a very nice dinner out.
Porcelain Figurines
Those delicate figurines that once lived in curio cabinets are making a comeback. Brands like Hummel, Lladro, and Royal Doulton are especially hot with collectors right now. Early editions, discontinued designs, or figurines with certificates of authenticity can fetch hundreds of dollars.
Condition is everything—chips or cracks will hurt value, but pristine examples are always in demand. Even if your family’s collection looks a little kitschy, hold onto it until you’ve had it appraised. Turns out, those dainty shepherdesses and angels might be worth more than their weight in porcelain.
Vintage Luggage
That old leather suitcase in the attic isn’t just a relic from the golden age of travel—it might be a collector’s dream. Vintage trunks and luggage from brands like Louis Vuitton, Goyard, or even Samsonite have become statement decor pieces in stylish homes.
Steamer trunks with intact hardware or original travel stickers can sell for thousands. Even well-worn cases with patina appeal to decorators looking for that “old-world adventure” aesthetic. So before you dismiss it as too scuffed to use, consider that scratches might be part of the charm—and the value.
Sterling Silver Flatware
If you inherited a silver chest filled with heavy utensils, you might be holding more than just fancy dinnerware. Sterling silver flatware—especially from makers like Gorham, Wallace, and Reed & Barton—is worth a small fortune, particularly in complete sets.
Look for the word “sterling” stamped on the handle (not “silverplate”), and keep an eye out for ornate patterns. Even mismatched pieces sell well for their melt value, while pristine boxed sets can go for thousands. It’s proof that elegance never really goes out of style.
Oil Paintings
Before you write off that painting of a mysterious countryside as decorative filler, take another look. Original oil paintings—especially signed works from the 19th or early 20th century—can be incredibly valuable. Even lesser-known artists can surprise you if their technique or provenance is solid.
Flip the painting over and check for signatures, gallery labels, or framing details. An appraisal might reveal that what’s been hanging in your hallway for decades is a genuine piece of art history. You never know—your great-aunt’s taste might have been sharper than you thought.
Mid-Century Modern Furniture
The sleek, sculptural furniture your grandparents bought in the ’50s might just be today’s design gold. Authentic mid-century modern pieces by makers like Eames, Knoll, and Lane have exploded in value. Even unknown brands are desirable if they capture the look and quality of the era.
Condition and originality matter most—keep the original hardware, and don’t rush to refinish the wood. A little patina adds character (and value). That coffee table you grew up with might not just be stylish—it could be your next big payday.
Old Clocks
Whether it’s a mantel clock, a wall-mounted regulator, or a stately grandfather clock, antique timepieces are ticking upward in value. Brands like Seth Thomas, Gustav Becker, and Howard Miller are especially collectible. Ornate woodwork, brass faces, and working movements all boost desirability.
Even if they’re not running, well-made antique clocks can still fetch hundreds of dollars. Resist the urge to tinker with them—an expert restoration can make all the difference. It might be time (literally) to cash in on your inheritance.
Fine China Sets
It might seem old-fashioned, but high-quality china sets have held their value—and in some cases, increased. Brands like Noritake, Lenox, and Royal Albert remain collector favorites, especially discontinued patterns or sets with gold trim.
Check for stamps or maker’s marks on the bottom of each piece, and make sure they’re free of chips and cracks. Even partial sets can bring in a surprising amount, especially around wedding season. That “fancy dinnerware” gathering dust in a cabinet might be serving up more than nostalgia.
Family heirlooms aren’t always about sentiment—sometimes, they’re quietly valuable pieces of history. Whether it’s a painting, a trunk, or a tarnished silver spoon, these inherited treasures deserve a second look before you let them go. After all, one person’s “old stuff” is another’s prized collectible.