We’ve all heard stories through the years of valuable paintings discovered at yard sales, purchased for pennies. But paintings aren’t the only valuables in people’s basements waiting to be discovered. A variety of records, clothing, sculptures, movie posters and furniture have found their way to auction houses and fetched thousands or even millions. An Andy Warhol sketch, for instance, picked up for $5 in 2010 was later appraised at $2 million.
But how do you know if you’re sitting on gold or simply fool’s gold? Well, the truth is, most of the stuff cluttering grandma’s basement may have sentimental value but likely not much more. But like the proverbial needle in a haystack, it’s worth knowing a little about what might be worth a lot – and if in doubt, asking someone who does.
The value of any collectible is primarily based on supply and demand and whether it has historical significance, which would explain one of only 200 engraved reproductions of the Declaration of Independence that was bought at a garage sale for $2.48 and eventually sold at auction for nearly $500,000.
Here are few clues to look for:
Furniture – Older and, often, more valuable pieces were built using a dovetailing technique instead with nails. Original midcentury furniture – made in the 1950s and 1960s by designers like Eames, Knoll, Jacobsen or Saarinen – have become especially in demand and valuable.
Identifying marks – Look under, behind or inside pieces of furniture, porcelain, illustrations or paintings, then search online. The Antiques Roadshow website as well as sites like 1stdibs.com and eBay can give you a good idea about whether your piece is a collectible and how much it might be worth.
VHS tapes – Most of them probably aren’t worth much but a few – like a copy of horror flick “Tales From the Quadead Zone" – could be worth as much as $2,000.
Video games – Like movie videos, most won’t be worth much unless they are extremely rare – like “Stadium Events" by Bandai, which was released in 1987 and is now worth $40,000!
Cereal boxes – While the cereal will definitely be past its best before date, unopened boxes of some cereals can fetch upwards of $200.
Cell phones – There are so many floating around, you practically can’t give away most old mobile phones. But a few very old ones – like a 1983 Motorola DynaTAX 8000X – have sold at auction for $550.
Do you have stuff sitting in your basement that you’re not sure is worthless or priceless? Do some online digging and share your questions and suggestions with other members in the Shop Talk blog community forum!
Did you know? It’s alive!
A Frankenstein poster from the original 1931 movie was discovered in the 1970s during a theatre renovation – it sold at auction in 2015 for, get this, $358,500. (Source)
1960’s -1970’s hot wheels and matchbox cars
I have a print of Whistler’s sketch of seaside.??
1960-1970 GIJoes.??
PONY EXPRESS- Mail Bag
This was great information. I actually have a copy of “The Story of the Declaration of Independence” 1977. Also have a complete set of Messages and Papers of the Presidents. Copyright, 1897 by James D Richardson. Both of which I am researching a price to sell.
I have old Avon perfume bottles and want to know if they are worth anything?
Hummel 10 year plates and anniversary pieces
What are they worth in perfect condition with boxes
I know we gave away or threw out many toys or things that have now become collectibles.
But even if we still had them and coup get….rich, ha ha, we probably would not be able to dig them back up from crowded attic!
There are over 350 advertising pens that my Mom had. These are from all over the US. Is there a market for them.
Lenox Figurines, all numbered with certificates
I have several items brought back to England after the Boxer Rebellion. Most is brass. An incense burner has lost its arm and I do not know where to take it to be repaired.
I bought an oil painting from Jesse Barnes when he was painting at the Mall in Springfield, MO. This was in 1975 for my parent’s 20 wedding anniversary. After they passed, I hung it in my house. He became famous later, so the picture is now worth lots of money. I put a note on the back of it so that whomever inherits when I am gone will know not to just give it away.
Interesting, we have a ton of Longaberger Baskets made in Ohio, USA and Hummel figurines some made in 1950’s. We know they are no longer in vogue, but do you think they will return topopularity?
Is beanie babies worth what they post on the web or is it a host
How do I find out what my things are worth and how do I dispose of the things that I no longer want.
Hard cover book of Chicago Worlds Fair,is it worth anything ?
I have some marilyn Monroe Collector dolls without the boxes or papers
how do i find out how much they are worth
I have many old 78s, many are albums in the orginial jacket. where would I go to see if any of them have value
My husband has a stamp collection. I have a furby, princess Diana mama, an Alf & baby bear.
I am sure somewhere within the archives of my junk, clutter, mess, collectibles etc. that somewhere in there awaits a treasure trove just waiting to be found! I call it the Found & Lost!
I would request an on-site appraisal as I have a few rooms full of items for your consideration and am not particularly interested in transporting them. Sorry.
I have a set of Delfts plates of the month for sale.
I have several Kirin Collector’s Mugs for sale.