Grandma’s house is often full of memories, but it might also be full of hidden treasures – or total duds.
Among the doilies, dishes, and dusty trinkets could be a few items that collectors would pay top dollar for today. But not everything that looks old is valuable, and it’s easy to mistake sentimental clutter for a goldmine.
If you’re sorting through family heirlooms or just curious about what’s worth saving, it helps to know what to keep and what to let go. Here are 8 things that could be worth a small fortune – and 8 that probably aren’t worth a dime.
1. Vintage Pyrex Cookware
Who knew those colorful casserole dishes could be worth hundreds or even thousands? Collectors go wild for mid-century Pyrex patterns like “Butterprint” with its rooster design or the vibrant “Gooseberry” series.
The older and rarer the pattern, the higher the price tag. Check the bottom for markings and look for vibrant colors without dishwasher damage to identify the valuable pieces.
2. Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Remember that weird-looking chair everyone avoided sitting in? It might be an Eames or Herman Miller original worth a small fortune! Sleek lines, organic shapes, and designer names like Eames, Saarinen, or Noguchi can turn Grandma’s odd furniture into gold.
Even unmarked pieces with the distinctive mid-century style (think tapered legs and minimalist design) command high prices in today’s market. Flip chairs over to look for manufacturer stamps or labels before sending them to donation centers.
3. Costume Jewelry
Grandma’s sparkly collection might contain genuine treasures! Vintage pieces from designers like Miriam Haskell, Trifari, or Schiaparelli can command shocking prices from collectors. Look for quality construction, signatures, and unusual designs.
Even costume pieces made with rhinestones can be valuable if they’re from respected makers. Those heavy, intricate necklaces from the 1950s gathering dust in jewelry boxes? They might fund your next vacation if authenticated by an expert!
4. Vinyl Record Collections
Dusty old records stacked in the basement could be music to your wallet! First pressings, limited editions, or albums from legendary artists can sell for astronomical amounts.
Even seemingly common records can have rare variations worth hunting for. Condition matters enormously, so those pristine albums Grandma barely played might be the most valuable of all.
5. Antique Quilts and Textiles
Handmade treasures folded in linen closets often hold unexpected value. Quilts from the 19th and early 20th centuries, especially those with unusual patterns or historical significance, can command thousands from collectors.
Crazy quilts with silk fabrics and intricate embroidery are particularly prized. Even seemingly simple coverlets might represent rare regional styles worth investigating. Before using Grandma’s old quilt as a picnic blanket, have it appraised—you might be sitting on a five-figure textile masterpiece!
6. Old Advertising Signs and Tins
That rusty Coca-Cola sign hanging in Grandpa’s workshop? It might pay for a luxury cruise! Vintage advertising items have soared in value, with rare examples selling for tens of thousands.
Metal signs, thermometers, and store displays from iconic brands like Coca-Cola, John Deere, or gas companies are especially sought after. The older and more unusual, the better.
7. Antique Cameras and Photography Equipment
Found a strange-looking camera in Grandma’s closet? Old photography equipment can be worth a fortune to the right collector! Certain Leica, Hasselblad, or early Kodak models regularly sell for thousands. Rarity, condition, and historical significance determine value.
Look for well-preserved leather cases, original packaging, or anything that appears professionally made rather than mass-produced.
8. First Edition Books
Hidden between dog-eared paperbacks might be literary gold! First editions from beloved authors can be extraordinarily valuable, especially with dust jackets intact.
Signed copies multiply the value exponentially. Check publication information on the copyright page and look for phrases like “First Edition” or number sequences starting with “1” to identify potential treasures before donating Grandma’s old bookshelf!
1. Porcelain Figurine Collections
Those dainty dancers and cherubic children lining Grandma’s curio cabinet? Sadly, most mass-produced figurines from companies like Hummel, Precious Moments, and Royal Doulton have plummeted in value since their collecting heyday.
While rare pieces might fetch decent prices, most common figurines sell for a fraction of their original cost at estate sales. That extensive collection Grandma insured for thousands might now bring just enough money for a modest dinner out.
2. Heavy Oak Dining Sets
Remember those massive oak dining tables with matching hutches where holiday meals were served? Despite their solid construction and family memories, these behemoths have crashed in value.
A dining set that cost thousands in the 1970s might now sell for just a couple hundred dollars—if you can find a buyer at all. Many end up donated or, worse, at the curb because nobody wants to haul them away.
3. Commemorative Plates and Spoons
Grandma’s wall of commemorative plates celebrating royal weddings, presidential inaugurations, and historic events seemed like prudent investments to her generation. Unfortunately, these mass-produced collectibles rarely appreciate in value.
That Princess Diana wedding plate Grandma paid $50 for in 1981? You might get $5 at a garage sale today. The entire collection of presidential spoons might not cover the cost of the display rack they’re mounted on.
4. Grandpa’s Old Recliner
That ancient La-Z-Boy where Grandpa watched countless baseball games holds tremendous sentimental value but virtually no monetary worth. Upholstered furniture is one of the fastest-depreciating household items, regardless of its original quality.
Used furniture buyers are extremely wary of potential odors, stains, and pests that might lurk within cushions. Even high-end brands lose 70-90% of their value the moment they leave the showroom.
5. Crystal Glassware Sets
The sparkling crystal that only emerged for special occasions often carries high emotional value but disappointing resale prospects.
Formal entertaining has fallen from favor, and younger generations avoid items requiring hand-washing and special storage. Most crystal contains lead, further reducing its appeal to health-conscious buyers.
Complete sets fare slightly better than partial ones, but even pristine crystal typically sells for 10-20% of its original retail price.
6. Mismatched Silverware
Opening Grandma’s kitchen drawer reveals a jumble of silverware, collected over decades. While some pieces boast intricate designs, others are plain, reflecting a mix of eras and styles.
The charm lies in their history, but mismatched sets rarely excite collectors. Their sentimental value far exceeds their market worth, often determined by the weight of silver content rather than artistry.
Quaint and nostalgic, these utensils represent everyday stories rather than grand auctions. A simple piece might still polish to a shine, yet it’s the memories that truly sparkle.
7. Old Sewing Machines
In the corner of the attic, the old sewing machine stands as a testament to Grandma’s crafty days. A relic of domestic prowess, these machines often evoke memories of handmade dresses and cozy quilts.
Yet, despite their sturdy build and nostalgic charm, many such machines don’t command high prices today. The market is saturated, and only rare models in pristine condition attract serious buyers.
8. Retro Telephones
That classic ring can transport anyone back to simpler times, when conversations tethered you to a room. Retro telephones, with their rotary dials, are symbols of an era gone by.
Collectors often favor certain brands or exceptional conditions, leaving the average phone less lucrative. Their aesthetic appeal is undeniable, but the market is selective. While they might not ring in big profits, these devices hold a charm that transcends monetary value.