Let’s be honest—half the fun of flea markets is the thrill of the hunt. Rows of mismatched furniture, chipped china, and odd little trinkets that make you wonder, “Who owned this—and why?” But here’s the thing: some of those dusty treasures are secretly worth a small fortune. With a little know-how (and maybe a good scrub), they can go from forgotten relic to profitable resale in no time.
So grab your tote bag, sharpen your bargaining skills, and keep your eyes peeled. These five antiques still show up at flea markets—and if you know what you’re looking for, they’re well worth flipping.
Vintage Typewriters
There’s something deeply satisfying about the clack of an old typewriter. Maybe it’s nostalgia. Maybe it’s the fact that they look incredible on a bookshelf. Whatever it is, collectors are willing to pay big for classic models from brands like Royal, Smith-Corona, and Underwood.
Portable models from the 1930s–1950s are especially hot right now, particularly in working order or with original carrying cases. Even nonfunctional ones make great décor. You can often snag them for $40 or less and resell them online for a few hundred. That’s a pretty good return for something that used to write love letters and term papers.
Cast Iron Cookware
If you spot a heavy skillet with decades of seasoning and a faint maker’s mark on the bottom—pick it up. Vintage cast iron from Griswold or Wagner is practically a gold mine for cookware collectors. These pans were made to last forever, and they only get better with time.
A quick cleaning (no steel wool, please) and a little oil can bring these beauties back to life. Depending on the size and brand, they can sell anywhere from $100 to $500. Plus, there’s something satisfying about flipping a pan that’s flipped countless pancakes before you.
Milk Glass
Milk glass is one of those things that always seems to be hiding in plain sight—usually near the back of a table filled with knickknacks and fake flowers. But collectors adore its milky white glow and embossed designs. Think vases, candy dishes, and compotes from the 1940s and ’50s.
Pieces marked “Westmoreland,” “Fenton,” or “Anchor Hocking” are especially valuable. You can usually pick them up for under $10 and resell them for several times that. Bonus: they photograph beautifully, which makes them irresistible to online buyers and décor lovers alike.
Old Tools
Sure, a rusty wrench might not scream “investment,” but vintage tools are quietly having a moment. Collectors and decorators both love them—one for the history, the other for the aesthetic. Brands like Stanley and Disston are especially collectible, and their tools often turn up at flea markets for pocket change.
Clean them gently, don’t over-polish, and keep the patina intact. A Stanley hand plane that costs $15 could flip for $150 online. And if you ever need an icebreaker, just tell people you’re in the “antique tool trade.” Sounds impressive, doesn’t it?
Mid-Century Lamps
You can spot them a mile away—tall, sculptural, and often paired with a fiberglass shade that looks straight out of Mad Men. Mid-century modern lamps are lighting up the resale market (pun intended). Brass, ceramic, and teak bases are all in demand, especially with original wiring or signature design labels.
Look for makers like Laurel, Stiffel, or Moss. Prices for these lamps can start around $25 at a flea market and soar into the hundreds online. A quick polish and new bulb later, and you’ve got yourself one bright idea for a profitable flip.
The best flea market finds are the ones that make you smile and make you money. With a little practice, you’ll start spotting diamonds in the dust—or at least a few very profitable typewriters and frying pans. So next time you’re wandering the aisles of old treasures, remember: you’re not just browsing. You’re treasure hunting with purpose.
