12 Things You Should Never, Ever Pass Up at Antique Shops
These hidden gems could be worth a lot of money, according to appraisers.
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Going antiquing is kind of like going on a treasure hunt. The only problem is distinguishing the actual treasure from cleverly disguised junk. We consulted veteran appraisers Dr. Lori Verderame and Terry Kovel for the insider tips on finding the proverbial diamond in the rough.
Victorian Christmas Cards
"All of the holidays have gotten more popular in collecting," says Terry Kovel, co-author of the Kovels' Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide. "And the most popular one obviously is Christmas." Vintage cards in good condition can fetch about $10 to $50 apiece, she says, but particularly valuable ones can shoot up into the three- or even four-figure range. Some cards will have the year printed on the front or the back, but classic Victorian motifs like flowers, robins, and other animals can also help date the card.
Vintage Christmas Ornaments
Likewise, this other holiday staple has its own growing set of fans. Decorations in excellent condition in the original packaging will receive top dollar, with unusual '50s-era beauties fetching upwards of $50 per box on eBay. Another Christmas collectible favorite: candy tins.
Stained Glass
These are easier to source in stores than online due to their fragile nature, advises antiques expert Dr. Lori Verderame. "Look for the leading," she says. "You want to see a sharp, clean line."
Costume Jewelry
The gems don't have to be real for the piece to be valuable. Baubles by well-known makers like Sarah Coventry, Weiss, Trifari, and Renoir can fetch big bucks, like $500 for a pair of earrings.
Antique Purses
You might already own a vintage beaded bag, but the market is trending toward more retro offerings as well. Try searching out brightly-colored lucite purses from the late '50s the next time you're out shopping.
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Native American Baskets
People often overlook these woven works of art, but the shape, pattern, and the type of weaving itself can tell you a lot about a basket's function and provenance. Depending on its age and condition, a single container can range in value from $5,000 to $50,000.
Tin Toys
For the young at heart, vintage toys are the way to go. The lithographed tin variety are especially covetable. "They can sell for $45 and you flip them online for somewhere between $250 to $350," Verderame says.
World's Fair Memorabilia
Paris, Chicago, New York, Seattle, Philadelphia — no matter where it was held, World's Fair collectibles in general command a lot of interest. The souvenirs can include everything from snow globes to pocket watches.
Kutani Chinaware
"You've got be careful with ceramics because the markets do change a lot," Verderame warns. "What keeps its value pretty well is Kutani chinaware." The Japanese white porcelain offers such craftsmanship, you can hold it up to the light and see exactly how thin it is.
Meissen Porcelain
Another valuable type of ceramic? Meissen porcelain, from the German town of the same name. Don't pay big bucks just because it's authentic though. "With any antique or collectible, if it's not in good shape, leave it there," Verderame advises.
Duncan Phyfe Furniture
In case you've missed it, mid-century furniture is having a moment, but traditionalists don't have to give up on collecting classics. Verderame recommends looking for pieces done in the style of 19th-century furniture maker Duncan Phyfe since they go for reasonable prices while still maintaining value.
Maria Martinez Pottery
The famous Pueblo artist produced so much of her iconic blackware, you can now find it all over the country, Verderame says. Take note: Martinez often signed her pieces different ways and with other members of her family, dating her creations to specific timeframes.
Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. From 2015 to 2019, she held various editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, including as health editor, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and dreams of the day Northwestern will go back to the Rose Bowl.
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