Your grandparents’ junk drawer might be a secret goldmine.
In the quiet, often cluttered spaces of our ancestors’ homes—the attics, the basements, the packed-to-the-gills junk drawers—lies a forgotten history of everyday life. Most of it, admittedly, is just that: junk. But hidden among the old bottle caps and dried-up pens are often objects of surprising value, items that look worthless to the untrained eye but are fiercely sought after by a new generation of collectors.
The things our grandparents saw as disposable, temporary, or purely functional are now being re-evaluated as artifacts of a bygone era. Before you start the process of cleaning out an old family home, you need to know what to look for, because you might be sitting on a small fortune.
1. Old tin and porcelain advertising signs can be very valuable.
Those old, colorful signs for Coca-Cola, motor oil, or farm equipment that used to hang in gas stations and country stores are now highly prized by collectors of Americana. The graphics, typography, and durable materials of vintage tin and porcelain signs have a nostalgic appeal that commands high prices, often ranging from hundreds to even thousands of dollars for rare examples.
The key factors that determine value are the condition of the sign, the rarity of the brand being advertised, and the vibrancy of the graphics. A sign with little rust and no major dents is a fantastic find that should be appraised, not thrown away.
2. Vintage cartoon lunchboxes are a portal to the past.
A metal lunchbox from the 1960s or 70s, adorned with images of characters from The Jetsons, The Beatles, or Superman, might seem like a simple piece of childhood nostalgia. To a dedicated collector, however, it’s a valuable pop culture artifact. Lunchboxes in good condition, and especially those that still have their matching thermos, can be surprisingly valuable.
The value is driven by the rarity of the lunchbox and the enduring popularity of the characters depicted on it. A lunchbox that was a common sight in the school cafeteria decades ago could now be a collectible worth a significant amount of money at auction.
3. First-edition books from the 20th century can be hidden gems.
When people think of valuable first-edition books, they often imagine ancient, leather-bound tomes. In reality, many first editions from the 20th century can be incredibly valuable, and they often look just like any other old hardcover book. A first printing of a classic novel like “The Great Gatsby,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” or even a popular children’s book can be worth thousands.
The key is to look for the words “First Edition” or “First Printing” on the copyright page, and to check for a number line that includes a “1.” The presence of the original dust jacket, even if it’s a bit worn, can dramatically increase the book’s value.
4. Signed costume jewelry can be worth more than the real thing.
A box of old costume jewelry might look like a collection of cheap baubles, but it’s essential to look for designer signatures on the back of the pieces. High-end costume jewelry from designers like Miriam Haskell, Chanel, or Schiaparelli was often beautifully crafted and is now highly collectible. A signed piece from a notable designer can be worth far more than a generic piece of low-karat gold jewelry.
Look for small, stamped signatures or maker’s marks on the clasps and backs of brooches, necklaces, and earrings. You might discover that a piece of “fake” jewelry is actually a valuable and sought-after work of wearable art.
5. Hand-carved duck decoys can be folk art treasures.
To the uninitiated, an old wooden duck decoy might just look like a dusty piece of folk art. To collectors, however, these are highly sought-after sculptures, with rare examples from master carvers fetching astronomical prices at auction. The value of a decoy is determined by the artist who made it, the quality and detail of the carving, and the condition of the original paint.
Even decoys made by unknown artists can be valuable if they have a unique form and a beautifully aged patina. Before you dismiss an old decoy as a simple decorative object, it’s worth doing some research on the maker, as it could be a significant piece of American folk art.
6. Vintage perfume bottles are beautiful, collectible objects.
Even after the perfume inside is long gone, an ornate, empty perfume bottle can be a valuable collectible. Bottles from famous design houses like Lalique, Baccarat, or Czech glassmakers are prized for their artistry and craftsmanship. The value is often in the beauty and rarity of the bottle itself, especially if it still has its original, intricate stopper.
Look for bottles with unique shapes, detailed glasswork, and any markings or labels that might indicate the designer. A collection of these small glass sculptures found on a grandmother’s vanity could be a surprisingly valuable find for a collector.
7. Old postcards can be a window into history.
A box of old postcards, filled with faded handwriting and old stamps, might seem like sentimental clutter. However, postcards from the early 20th century, particularly those from before 1920 (known as the “Golden Age” of postcards), are collected for their beautiful illustrations and historical significance.
The value is determined by the subject matter of the image, the condition of the card, and the rarity of the stamp and postmark. Postcards depicting historical events, small-town life, or unique holiday themes can be particularly valuable to ephemera collectors.
8. Old cast iron skillets are prized by modern cooks.
An old, heavy, and rust-covered cast iron skillet might look like it’s destined for the scrap heap. However, vintage cast iron from brands like Griswold and Wagner is highly sought after by modern chefs and home cooks. These older skillets are prized for their smooth cooking surfaces and superior craftsmanship compared to many modern equivalents.
After a good cleaning and re-seasoning, a vintage skillet can be restored to perfect working condition. Look for the brand name and logo on the bottom of the pan. A rare or large piece in good condition can sell for a surprisingly high price to a culinary enthusiast.
9. A vintage band t-shirt can be a wearable collectible.
That faded, soft, and slightly holey concert t-shirt from a 1970s or 80s rock tour might be one of the most valuable items in an old closet. Authentic vintage band t-shirts, particularly those from iconic tours by bands like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, or Nirvana, have become highly sought-after (and expensive) fashion items.
The key to value is the shirt’s authenticity, its rarity, and its condition. A genuine tour shirt from a famous band, not a modern reprint, can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars to a collector or fashion enthusiast.
10. Old maps and atlases document a changing world.
An old, folded map or a dusty atlas might seem obsolete in the age of GPS. However, vintage maps are collected as both historical documents and decorative works of art. The value depends on the map’s age, its cartographer, its condition, and its historical significance. Maps from important periods of exploration or those depicting places before major geopolitical changes can be particularly valuable.
Look for hand-colored details, interesting illustrations, and the name of a reputable mapmaker. A map that once guided a family road trip could now be a valuable piece of cartographic history.
11. Vintage fountain pens are fine writing instruments.
A small box containing a few old fountain pens might be easily overlooked. However, vintage pens from iconic brands like Parker, Sheaffer, and Waterman are collected as fine writing instruments and beautiful objects. The value is determined by the rarity of the model, the material it’s made from (such as celluloid), and the condition of the pen and its gold nib.
Even if a pen is not in perfect working order, it can often be restored by a specialist. A rare or particularly beautiful vintage fountain pen can be a valuable find for a dedicated collector of fine writing instruments.
12. Early Tupperware in rare colors can be a surprise find.
Tupperware is so common that it might seem impossible for it to have any value. However, certain early or rare pieces of vintage Tupperware are sought after by collectors who are nostalgic for the mid-century modern aesthetic. Pieces in rare colors, complete sets, or unusual items like the “Wonderlier” bowls can be surprisingly valuable.
Look for pieces in pastel colors like pink or turquoise, and check for the classic Tupperware logo. While you may not retire on the proceeds, you might be surprised to find that a set of old plastic bowls from the kitchen cabinet can fetch a respectable price from a dedicated collector.