One of the appeals of antiques is the thrill of the hunt. You never know what vintage treasure you’ll discover when you stop by that random estate sale or dig around in your grandparents’ attic. The thrill can grow when you discover the item is worth more than expected. Whether you intend to keep it or make a profit, thrifters, vintage memorabilia collectors, and antique enthusiasts should watch for these 15 enduring items expected to fetch a pretty penny this year. The potential profit from these items is not just a bonus, but also a motivation to start your own collection. Happy thrifting!
Perpetual Calendars
These calendars take “timeless” to a literal level. These mechanical devices display the month, date, and day without the year. This allows the calendar to be used for many years as it doesn’t pigeonhole it to one specific year. These pieces would go great on your desk and give your decor an old-school vibe. Some of these calendars are sought after for their cool aesthetic, but they also serve a practical purpose.
19-Century American Quilts
During the Civil War and onward, quilts represented resourcefulness permeating traditional folklore. Women sewed them to keep their families warm during colder seasons. Their construction required expert skill and craftsmanship, as it often involved combining fabrics from displaced blankets. The intricate patterns and some of the images are experiencing a resurgence due to their historical significance and unique aesthetic appeal. The demand for quilts, specifically 19th-century American quilts, continues to rise.
Scarab Bracelets
In ancient Egypt, pharaohs and nobles wore scarab bracelets to signify wealth and royalty. Symbolizing rebirth, they believed it would bring good fortune and protect them from evil. While original scarab bracelets were made with real scarab beetles, scarab bracelets also refer to bracelets whose polished gemstones, usually made out of quartz in various colors, are shaped like beetles. Lucky for you if you get grossed out by bugs.
Bank Deposit Bags
Who would have imagined that the bags used to hold money would be worth something? Some bags made between 1930 and 1970 can be worth anywhere from $30 to $300! Typically made out of canvas and embroidered, some bags were made with a lock and key. Vintage bank deposit bags are popularly used as repurposed storage pouches, providing a unique vessel for holding trinkets.
Mahjong Sets
Invented in the mid-19th century during the Qing dynasty, mahjong is a popular Chinese tile game. Sets vary by age, material, and craftsmanship. Older mahjong sets were made of jade, bamboo, or ivory and featured intricate carvings. While they can be worth a small fortune, some people collect them for their historical significance. If you see one at a yard sale, you might have found a treasure worth between $150 and $500.
Restaurant Ware
Restaurant wares make for an unlikely collectible. However, plates, bowls, cups, mugs, glasses, and serving platters from hotels, restaurants, clubs, and university dining halls are becoming sought after. Printed graphics and particular brands—Buffalo China, Anchor Hooking, Tempco, and Homer Laughlin—can be worth more. It’s time to check out your local Goodwill or Salvation Army.
Newspaper Tubes
These receptacles held newspapers safe before the printed word had died. Early tubes were made out of metal and rounded, while after the 1960s, other shapes and materials were used. Those drawn to vintage and kitschy things will admire the various shapes, sizes, and colors. The printed logos, designs, and wording also make them a neat memento of the past.
Victorian Wicker
As the middle class grew during the Industrial Revolution, leisure became a favorite pastime. People enjoyed parties and social gatherings, often congregating outside. Wicker furniture became all the rage. The woven craftsmanship and rattan material made it ideal for indoor and outdoor furniture. Chairs, bookshelves, couches, and lawn chairs weren’t the only things manufacturers like Heywood Wakefield and Perret & Vibert designed—see the above monstrosity.
Surrealist Paintings
Surrealist painters aimed to depict dreamlike images that captured viewers’ imaginations. The style incorporates elements of realism juxtaposed with bizarre exaggerations. While it is unlikely to afford a painting by one of its most famous practitioners, Salvador Dali, works from lesser-known artists such as Gertrude Abercrombie and Earl Swanigan are more attainable. These paintings, with their unique blend of reality and fantasy, are gaining popularity among collectors, making them a potentially lucrative investment.
Windsor Chairs
The Windsor chair is where simplicity and functionality meet. Its simple design, featuring a softwood spindle backing, was popular in Early America and England and has since been replicated to exhaustion. However, the original 18th-century Windsor chairs have a high market value due to their unique design and historical significance. Ones made by famous craftsmen or in specific regional styles—like Pennsylvania, New England, Boston, and Kentucky—can fetch sturdy prices.
Navajo Saddle Blankets
Navajo blankets are popular for their vibrant colors and geometric designs. Traditionally woven by tribeswomen, the wool blankets were used as saddle cushions, bedrolls, and decorations. Those made between 1890 and 1940 are valuable and considered the art form’s golden age. They can pull in $500 to $5,000 if you get an authentic one.
Children’s Rush Chairs
These cute chairs were common in Mexico during the Spanish Inquisition. They are usually no taller than 20 inches, and the seat is typically woven from rush plant stalks. During the 18th century, they became popular in Europe and America, customarily found in farmhouses and country homes. While many of the chairs are colorful and initially designed for children, people nowadays may use them as plant stands.
Arcade Jockey Racers
In the early 20th century, horse racing was a popular gambling game. It was so popular that the event was made into a smaller, accessible scale in which players pressed buttons or pulled levers to push their contender to the lead. These mechanical games were typically found in amusement parks and carnivals. The desire for nostalgia and collectability of the horse and jockey figurines has recently increased. The demand drives the prices, so race to obtain a few.
Stick and Ball Hat Racks
These hat racks were inspired by polo and feature ball-shaped knobs. Often associated with an old sporty style, stick and ball hat racks are typically made out of wood and masterfully crafted. The classical and vintage design goes well with country homes and traditional households with equestrian flair. Along with the growing popularity of old-fashioned furniture, these racks are in style. Get one to upsell or elevate your decor with a vintage style.
Knole Sofas
With their elegant style, Knole Sofas were a status symbol for royalty in 17th-century England. The furniture features scrolled arms and a high back and is typically made of luxurious materials such as velvet. The ornate cording and tassels show decadence and hold the upholstery tightly in place. Turn your living room from boring to regal with this opulent revival.
