Those ceramic figurines gathering dust on the mantel, the weird metal lunch box from the ’60s, that funky lamp with the bubbling liquid inside, or the vinyl records under the sink – the items, which you also disposed of, could be worth way more than you think!
Such old tiny things are popular in the collectors’ world as “knick-knacks”, the so-called “junk” that’s actually serious money.
So, before you donate or toss anything that’s “old,” read this list! Who knows? Somewhere in your house might be a vintage gem that can be your ticket to fortune!
1. Lunch Boxes
Metal lunch boxes from the 1950s-1970s are ruling in today’s market. But we’re not talking about your kid’s plastic Spider-Man box, but those heavy-duty metal ones that survived decades.
The metal lunch box craze ran from 1950 to 1985 when metal was banned from schools. Most of these got beaten up or thrown away, making the surviving examples increasingly rare.
Look for rare Beatles, Superman, Star Wars, Mickey Mouse, and Disney-themed boxes; they top the list! Also, boxes with original thermos bottles can double the value.
2. Knitting Caddies
Those vintage knitting caddies and sewing boxes from the mid-20th century are having a major moment. The wooden ones with multiple compartments and fold-out sections are especially valuable.
Look for solid wood construction with dovetail joints for quality craftsmanship. Metal hardware that’s still functional adds value, too. Brands like Singer and other sewing machine companies made beautiful knitting caddies as accessories, selling today for $50 to $200+!
My Tip: Look for complete sets with original tools and notions: they’re worth more!
3. 1950s Metal Desk Fans
Before ACs became a household item, metal fans were people’s best bet to beat the heat. Especially those chunky metal desk fans from the 1950s are classic pieces that are highly collectible these days.
A restored 1950s desk fan in working condition can sell for $100 to $300. The atomic-age styling and solid metal construction make them perfect for mid-century modern decor, which amplifies their demand.
What makes old desk fans valuable?
- Original working condition
- Art Deco styling with chrome or colorful paint
- Famous brands like Westinghouse, General Electric, and Emerson
- Original oscillating mechanisms intact
4. Floor Screens
Remember those folding screens used to divide rooms? Well, they’re collectible art pieces now, especially the mid-century pieces with bold graphics, atomic patterns, or natural materials!
Look for screens made from teak, walnut, or other premium woods with hand-painted designs or fabric panels with period-appropriate patterns. Japanese-inspired designs were particularly popular and are highly sought after today.
Condition matters a lot with screens since the hinges and panels take a beating over time. Complete screens with all panels intact and working hinges can sell for $200 to $800.
5. 1960s-1970s Lava Lamps
Those trippy lava lamps from the ’60s and ’70s are legitimate collectibles today, but only in working condition. The original lava lamp was invented in 1963 by Edward Craven Walker and launched as the Mathmos Astro.
Authentic lava lamps with slow and smooth flows are the most desirable pieces! The glass in these pieces is thicker and heavier, and the metal bases have unique designs and superior materials, like chrome!
Depending on size and condition, old lava lamps from companies like Fantasia Products, Gemlite, or Cuda can bring $100 to $500.
6. Vinyl Records
If you found an old vinyl record in your attic, consider yourself lucky, because rare records have sold for mind-boggling prices – for instance, this Rolling Stone record sold for $13,768 on eBay!
Albums by Elvis Presley and the Beatles sold millions of copies when they were first released, but most of those have been thrown away, damaged, or lost. That’s why finding nice original copies of those records is now difficult!
But it isn’t only ultra-rare pieces that are worth big money. First pressings from major artists, especially from the ’60s and ’70s, can be worth hundreds or thousands.
Here’s what else matters:
- Original pressings from the first record label releases
- Near-mint condition without scratches, cracks, or bends
- Complete packaging with original inserts and sleeves
- Rare variants like colored vinyl or promotional copies
7. Old Magazines
Those stacks of old magazines gathering dust in your attic can actually be valuable. Certain vintage magazines have become serious collectibles, especially first issues, magazines featuring famous people on the cover, or ones documenting major historical events.
For instance, the first issue of Sports Illustrated from 1954 can sell for $200 to $500. Early Playboy magazines regularly fetch $100 to $300.
What makes vintage magazines valuable?
- First issues of famous publications
- Celebrity covers (especially if the celebrity died young)
- Historical events like moon landings or presidential assassinations
- National Geographic with iconic covers
8. Big-Name Event Tickets
Those concert and sports ticket stubs you saved might be worth more than the original ticket price. Big-name events, especially from deceased performers or historic sports moments, can be surprisingly valuable.
Also, unused tickets are worth more than used ones, but even ticket stubs from major events have some collectible value.
9. Vintage Coffee Grinders
Don’t overlook that old coffee mill – it might be worth hundreds of dollars. The hand-crank coffee grinders from the early 1900s (1900-1940s) are one of the most collectible pieces, especially the cast iron construction with hardwood details.
The craftsmanship on these old grinders outshines modern versions, which is why collectors are willing to pay big bucks. But remember, working grinders with sharp burrs are worth more than broken decorative pieces.
Wall-mounted and countertop models typically range from $75 to $400, with rare or pristine examples going higher.
10. American Girl Dolls
You may think of those old American dolls as just retro toys, but these are super valuable, especially the Samantha doll signed by Pleasant Rowland; they’ve sold for $6,000-$7,000!
But most American dolls are valuable if you know what to look for! So, look under the doll’s clothes to find the real deal. If you see white body fabric instead of flesh-colored, it’s an early production, meaning more money.
Also, original packaging dramatically increases value, and complete accessory sets add significant premiums. The condition of the doll’s hair and clothing is crucial for top prices.
My Tip: If you see Pleasant Company tags, it was made before Mattel bought the company in 1998. These pieces are rare!
11. Ceramic Christmas Trees
Vintage lit-up ceramic Christmas trees have become hot collectibles, especially around the holidays. If you find one in good condition, with no broken ceramic or faded color, it can be worth hundreds!
Another factor is color – standard green trees in good condition sell for $50 to $150, but rare colors like white, pink, or blue can hit $300 or more. The original plastic light pegs are crucial – missing or broken ones hurt the value.
12. Murano Glass Pieces
Murano glassware has been here since the 1200s, handmade on the island of Murano near Venice. And since these aren’t mass-produced trinkets, they’re legitimate collectible antiques today (as you can see in the listing above!)
To be precise, the 1950s and ’60s Murano pieces are the most collectible right now. Large, complicated pieces, matching pieces, and complete sets are the top winners.
But spotting real Murano glass pieces, that’s the tricky part! Here are the things that matter:
- Feel for the pontil mark on the bottom
- Look for imperfections, like tiny air bubbles and slight irregularities (signs of handblown glass)
- Check for glass master or artist signatures (etched signatures or paper labels)
13. Popular Band Concert Posters
Concert posters were a big craze back in the day, especially in the 1960s through 1980s; today, these posters have become serious collectibles. But the thing is, only original posters used to promote concerts mean something, not reproductions sold at gift shops.
Posters of popular artists and bands, like Dead shows, Hendrix concerts, and Led Zeppelin tours, can be seriously valuable. Also, original Fillmore posters can sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars. Even smaller venue or club posters for major bands can hit $100 to $500.
14. Rare Comic Books
Now almost extinct, comic books were kids’ favorite source of entertainment! Today, a comic that sold for 25 cents in the 1960s to 1980s might be worth $50 to $200 if it’s in great shape.
The first appearances of major characters or significant storylines are, of course, the big deal, but you don’t need a Superman #1 to make money – even more common comic books in great condition have value.
For old comics, condition is crucial, as torn, faded books are of no use. Also, professional grading by companies like CGC dramatically increases the value of high-grade books.
15. Old Pottery Vases
Not every old vase is valuable, but certain ones can surprise you. For instance, art pottery from the early to mid-20th century, especially from famous makers, can be worth hundreds or thousands.
Condition is crucial with pottery since chips and cracks drastically reduce value. Also, original stickers or markings help with identification and authentication.
Be on the lookout for these features:
- Roseville, Weller, and other Ohio art pottery
- McCoy and Hull pottery
- Mid-century designers like Bitossi or West German pottery
- Hand-thrown pieces with artist signatures
- Rare and unusual colors and shapes
16. Depression Glass Dishes
Every household today has Depression glassware as either kitchen items or decorative pottery, but you may not know what it is and why it’s collectible. Simply put, it’s colorful glassware made during the Great Depression!
But “cheap” doesn’t mean worthless! Depression glassware in rare colors like Jadeite, pink, cobalt blue, and uranium can be decently valuable.
Also, look for the maker’s marks! Depression glass pieces with renowned companies like Jeanette, McKee, Anchor Hocking, Macbeth-Evans, Federal, Fenton, and Hazel-Atlas are highly collectible!
My Tip: Depression glass was machine-made quickly, so you’ll often see seam lines in the pattern. This proves authenticity as hand-finished pieces wouldn’t have such marks.
17. Handmade Quilts
Vintage handmade quilts are having a moment of their own due to their traditional craftsmanship. However, although not every old quilt is valuable, certain ones can be worth hundreds or thousands.
Based on my research of sales and auctions, a well-preserved quilt from the early to mid-20th century can sell for $200 to $2,000. Exceptional examples with perfect stitching and rare patterns can go much higher.
Here are some other signs to look for:
- Hand-stitched construction (machine quilting is less valuable)
- Traditional patterns like Wedding Rings, Star, or Log Cabin
- Good condition with minimal staining or wear
- Regional styles or cultural significance
- Documentation (tags, labels, etc.)
18. Old Shoes (Nike Air Jordans)
If you’re thinking about throwing away your old Nike shoes, drop the idea NOW! Why? Because original Air Jordans are among the most valuable collectibles on Earth.
As an example, Michael Jordan’s game-worn 1985 Air Jordan 1s realized a whopping $560,000 in an auction! But remember that not every pair will be worth five or six figures!
For old Air Jordans to be valuable, they have to be in new or almost-new condition. Also, original boxes, tags, and especially the “Chicago,” “Bred,” or “Royal” colorways from the first releases are a plus.
19. Miniature Porcelain Animal Figurines
Those tiny porcelain animals your grandmother or mother collected aren’t just for decor now; some of them might be worth more than you’d expect, especially pieces from certain makers like:
- Hagen-Renaker (California pottery company)
- Wade Whimsies from England
- Beswick animals from England
- Royal Doulton miniatures
Common individual pieces can sell for $10 to $100, but complete sets or rare animals can be worth much more, depending on the condition. Also, figurines of rare or extinct animals are extremely rare – if you have one, you’re lucky!
20. Salt & Pepper Shakers
Those old salt and pepper shakers in your kitchen, especially those of ceramic, Sterling, or brass, are popular as kitchen collectibles. Some can sell for up to $500 or even more!
Here’s what matters:
- Good condition (no serious chips, cracks, dents, or faded paint)
- Novelty designs from the 1940s-1960s
- Advertising pieces from famous brands
- Hand-painted ceramics from quality makers
- Complete sets with original stoppers
Generally, a quirky vintage set in good condition can sell for $20 to $200, whereas rare advertising sets or designer pieces could touch $500 to $1,000 or higher.
21. Art Deco Clocks
Art Deco decorative items from the 1920s and 1930s are known for their stunning designs combined with functionality, and one of the most collectible items is clocks.
From ceramic and wood to bakelite and celluloid, Art Deco wall and mantel clocks can be really valuable – a quality Art Deco mantel clock can sell for $200 to $2,000, depending on the maker and condition. Electric clocks from the 1930s are particularly collectible.
22. Mason Jars
Every American house has those old Mason jars, but only a few know that some of these glass pieces are worth treasuring. Most common mason jars fetch $1 to $10, but certain features can push values to $50 to $500.
First, the colors! Rare colors like amber, cobalt blue, or unusual green shades can make a jar super rare. Next, unique and large shapes, like half-gallon and gallon jars, are worth a lot. Finally, jars from renowned brands, like Ball, Atlas, and Kerr, are true winners.
My Tip: Always look for an embossed logo, name, and mold numbers on the bottom. These marks can reveal a lot about the jar’s age and history!
23. Old Baskets
Don’t overlook those old baskets sitting in corners and closets. Vintage and antique baskets, especially handwoven ones, have become surprisingly valuable as people love authentic vintage home décor.
Appalachian egg baskets, market baskets from specific areas, and baskets made for particular purposes (like cotton picking or berry gathering) are the true gems to collect! Even factory-made baskets from the early 1900s can be worth $50 to $200 in good shape.
To spot a valuable piece, look for tight, even weaving and materials that show natural aging. Native American baskets can be worth hundreds to thousands, depending on the tribe, age, and condition. A genuine Nantucket Lightship basket might sell for $500 to $1,000 or more.
Note: This article is intended for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Some images are illustrative and may not represent actual brands, products, or related entities. All trademarks, product names, brand logos, packaging, and other intellectual property referenced remain the exclusive property of their respective owners. Any brand mentions or references are provided solely for descriptive and educational context and do not imply any formal or commercial association.
