Every family has that spot. The attic or the back of the closet where the old boxes pile up, and every few years someone declares it is time to haul everything to the curb.
Hold on a minute. In a 2016 article, How to Tell Trash from Treasure, PBS’s Antiques Roadshow shared what its appraisers have seen come through the door. Here are 8 kinds of things worth a second look before they go in the dumpster.
A word of caution first. Condition and age matter a great deal, and a second look is just that: a reason to ask an expert before you toss anything.
A Silver Gilt Travel Box Found In A Relative’s Attic
Antiques Roadshow’s article describes an Aucoc silver gilt and mother-of-pearl travel box, appraised by Sebastian Clarke at the Miami Beach event in 2010. It had been found in a relative’s attic and was well maintained.
The lesson is that a small, handsome box tucked away can be far more than it looks. Take a look at the marks and the materials before you decide.
Do not scrub or polish an old piece before you have it looked at. The article notes this one was well maintained, a good reminder to treat old things gently.
A Vase That Sat In An Attic For Years
Another piece in the article is a Thomas J. Wheatley vase, appraised by David Rago at the Albuquerque event in 2014. According to the article, it lived for many years in the owners’ relative’s attic.
Pottery that looks plain at first glance can be the work of a known maker. Turn it over and look for a signature or a stamp on the bottom.
Wrap it in a towel and move it to a safe shelf while you find out more. Picking up a chipped vase from a pile of boxes is a sad way to learn it mattered.
Sterling Silver Flatware, Even If It Looks Plain
Sebastian Clarke says a “not-so-attractive” flatware service can be worth real money, and he advises checking it rather than assuming it is worthless. Look on the back of the handles for a sterling mark and ask a silver dealer if you are unsure.
There is a catch. Clarke says silver-plate items tarnish and generally keep little value, so find out which kind you have before you get excited.
Old Comic Books Hiding In A Box
Appraiser Philip Weiss discussed a pair of comic books, Superman 7 and Action 31, at the Boston event in 2012. The article says most comics are not worth much, but certain copies can command high value.
That means a stack of old comics deserves a look, not a trip to the trash. Handle them gently and keep them flat in a box.
The article names Superman 7 and Action 31 as its examples. Check the title and issue number on the cover of each book and keep any that you cannot place.
A Barbie Doll Still In Its Box
Appraiser Phil Weiss says era and packaging make a big difference with Barbie dolls. A mint doll from the 1980s or 1990s is a very different find from a 1950s Barbie still in its box, which can be far more valuable.
If your attic holds an early doll in the original box, it may be worth a call to an appraiser. Do not toss the packaging.
The article’s point is that the box and the age change the story. Keep the doll, the box and any papers together in one place.
Toys, Sports Cards And Fad Collectibles
In the same article, Weiss notes that old toys, sports cards and fad collectibles such as Beanie Babies and Cabbage Patch Kids vary by era and condition. A toy kept in good shape is a different story from one that was played with hard.
Before you donate a childhood collection, sort out the cards and toys that are in the best condition. Those are the ones to ask about.
Weiss says value depends on the item’s era and condition, so a quick check is better than a guess.
Antique Rugs, Only If They Really Are Antique
Clarke says carpets and rugs are only valuable if they are antique and in good condition, and that they are often not worth a great deal of money. That is honest advice from an expert.
A rolled-up rug in the attic is worth a look for age and condition. If it is worn out, you can say goodbye with a clear conscience.
Not everything in the attic is a treasure, and that is fine. The goal is to make a thoughtful decision about each one.
Paintings And Prints Behind The Boxes
The Antiques Roadshow article also names fine art, including paintings and prints, as items that may hide value and deserve careful assessment.
That framed picture leaning against the wall may have a story behind it. Check the back for labels, signatures or notes, and ask an appraiser or a reputable auction house before you decide its future.
Once you have checked these 8 kinds of items, the rest of the attic gets easier. Keep the keepers, sell what has value, and donate or recycle the remainder.
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