Sonia
Thrift stores are usually regarded as places to score cheap second-hand goods. But do not forget that they can also prove to be the places where you find a real treasure. In this listicle, we will discuss 20 thrift store finds that you never realized were worth valuable sums of money.
Vintage Clothing
When you are looking at clothes, pay attention to high-quality fabric and original styles. Also, designer labels are a real treasure. For example, a 1960s Chanel dress or an old Levi’s denim jacket can be worth good money, especially if they are available in perfect condition.
First Edition Books
Do you love reading? Pay attention to the first publications. If you find an old book, look at its publishing details. For instance, the first publication cover of “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald can fetch good money. Collect the first publications and you receive many dividends.
Retro Video Games
Remember the games you used to play as a kid? Some old cartridges of these games are worth more than you imagine, such as the NES version of the earliest portions of “The Legend of Zelda,” you better not let the opportunity pass! Video games in their original packaging can get a good value from a buyer.
Antique Furniture
Antique furniture is often well in demand due to their artistic value, style, and design. For example, the modern mid-century style is very popular. Original Eames lounge chairs can cost thousands of dollars, and so can a Danish teak dining set from the 1960s.
Vinyl Records
Off late, vinyl records have come back into fashion, and collectors may be interested in obtaining rare ones. For instance, a mint first-press of The Beatles White Album can fetch thousands of dollars. If you find any vinyl records, remember to verify the record’s condition and check for marks that indicate it belongs to a specific edition.
Designer Handbags
A designer handbag from a luxury brand like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, or Hermes does hold value. When in excellent condition, these items could be worth a lot, even if they are used. For Chanel, there should be a quilted pattern, and for LV, there should be a monogram. Make sure they have an authenticity tag or checked serial number for authenticity verification.
Artwork
Original works or limited-edition prints from recognized artists can bring in substantial amounts of money. For example, an Andy Warhol limited-edition print out might run for thousands of dollars. Check for autographs or any symbols that can confirm the originality of the work.
Collectible Toys
Old toys, especially if left in their original package, can be worth a lot of money. Action figures from famous series like “Star Wars” or “He-Man” during the ‘80s are highly collectible. A still new-in-the-box “Star Wars” action figure can be worth several hundred or thousand dollars.
Vintage Cameras
The item that photography enthusiasts and collectors are likely to find attractive is an old camera. They are often willing to purchase vintage ones, and the rarer the model in working condition, the better. For example, a Leica M3 rangefinder camera or a vintage Rolleiflex twin-lens reflex camera might cost several thousand dollars.
Antique Clocks
Some antique clocks are valuable if they are from a notable maker. A finely detailed marble French mantle clock from the 19th century, for example, could be worth thousands if it is in good condition. Some clocks are valuable even if they do not work, such as if they have decorative shells or usable parts.
Silverware and China
When shopping for kitchenware, watch for sterling silver or fine china from a reputed maker. A fiber-optic set of silverware from a known producer or a fine bone china tea set will be valuable. In some instances, remarkably rare patterns can fetch higher prices than others.
Vintage Sporting Goods
This category includes antique sports equipment. It is worth looking in for old leather footballs, baseball mitts, or wooden junkets. All these things are a collection, because if it is a model of a ball kicked by George Best, then almost certainly it will be valuable.
Old Coins and Currency
Old coins or currency is a common investment for an antique collector. Rare coins, especially those produced from valuable metals such as gold and silver, are valuable. Even paper money, if it is old enough, is treasured, especially if it is from a particular series or if it is in excellent shape.
Vintage Eyewear
They are very fashionable and costly. For example, a classic pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers or Persol sunglasses can fetch several thousands of dollars. The shape of the frame, color, and the lens’ tint can be a way of determining the price. If there is any branding and the glasses are in good condition with no unreasonable scratches or significant damage to the frame, they will be really valuable.
Antique Tools
Well-manufactured old tools can often be valuable, particularly if they were made by a famous craftsman or the business is no longer manufacturing them. Woodworking tools can be simple to collect, like an old Stanley plane, quality chisel, or genuine cast planes. Search for sturdy buildings, maker’s trademarks, or any unique options that make it desirable.
Vintage Posters
Even posters from movies, concerts, or travel spots can be of significant financial value, mostly if they are from the previous century. For example, an original movie poster for the movie “Casablanca” is said to have been sold for about $33 thousand. An original concert poster from a well-known band and event is also a profitable investment.
Retro Appliances
If the kitchen appliances have a retro look, they might be attractive to some antique lovers. This could be an original pastel mixer Kitchenaids’ model from the 50s or a smoky chrome toaster by Smeg. These items can stand out in one’s kitchen and, as a result, be priced quite high.
Old Maps and Globes
Maps and globes, especially vintage ones, are unique for their historical significance. For example, a hand-inked 19th-century map or a mid-20th-century globe with a distinctive metal stand may be something you can be on the lookout for. Their colorful and high resolution are other things to look out for.
Vintage Quilts and Textiles
Some quilts can be quite valuable due to their unique patterns or the use of high-quality materials. A quilt hand-stitched in the early 20th century, for example, with a rare pattern, could fetch a few hundred dollars. Other valuables are those with intricate designs, still in good condition. Quilts made of period vintage fabric or lace could also be worth a lot.
Collectible Glassware
Lastly, glassware made by a renowned brand such as Murano, Tiffany, or Waterford will be quite valuable. A Murano glass vase of exceptional design and bright color may fetch hundreds of dollars. Be on the lookout for one-of-a-kind designs, colors, and any maker’s marks that might indicate the object’s authenticity and origin.
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