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Part of the fun of visiting a thrift store or just some random garage sale is that feeling of random chance. Sure, ninety percent of the items are unusable, but every now and then, you can stumble upon something legitimately interesting, or even better, deeply valuable.

We’ve gathered some examples of old objects, appliances and even toys that can still be worth a fortune. Some images are purely illustrative and don’t actually depict the real items. So get comfortable as you scroll through, look through your old things if you think there is a chance it’s actually valuable, upvote your favorites and be sure to add your own thoughts to the comments below.

#1

Lamp Bases

Vintage lamp with intricate design, featuring a detailed figure and ornate floral lights, valuable collectible.

Vintage lamp bases, especially those made of Tiffany glass, Art Deco metal, or mid-century ceramics, can sell for $100 to over $5,000. An authentic Tiffany Studios base can fetch six figures! Fun fact: Some antique lamp bases were designed with hidden compartments, originally used for storing matches or small trinkets.

specialyak , ebay.com Report

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PunchinelloTX
Community Member
Premium
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is true. I’m often hunting for spelter or bronze lamp bases or clock “furniture” (I.e. the sculptures and Garniture from antique, usually French, clocks).

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    #2

    Vintage Comics

    Vintage Disney comics featuring Donald Duck and Huey, Dewey, and Louie, showcasing collectible items.

    Vintage comics, especially first appearances of iconic characters, can sell for $100 to over $1 million. Action Comics #1 (Superman’s debut) sold for $3.2 million! Fun fact: Comics were once seen as disposable entertainment, which is why well-preserved copies are so rare—and valuable—today.

    sghokie , Alyssa Stevens Report

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    Brian Droste
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Condition has a lot to do with price also. You can have a very old and rare comic but if it is in bad condition the value will go down considerably.

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    #3

    Old Perfume Bottles

    Intricately designed vintage perfume bottle with ornate gold details and a bulb atomizer, showcasing its collectible value.

    Vintage perfume bottles, especially those from luxury brands like Chanel, Lalique, and Guerlain, can sell for $10 to over $10,000. Rare, hand-blown glass designs are the most valuable. Fun fact: Some antique bottles are worth more empty than full, as collectors prize the craftsmanship over the scent!

    bagelsandkegels , ebay.com Report

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    Yearly new phone rollouts and frequent software updates have all gotten us used to the idea that new things are desirable simply by virtue of being new. This also creates an inverse mechanism, where old things tend to be seen as inferior simply by virtue of being old.

    For example, if you were to see someone actually working on a typewriter at an office, you’d think, at best, they were weird eccentrics. After all, this technology is over a hundred years old at this point. However, as it turns out, there are some professionals that actually find them to be very useful. This can be personal preferences, however, one advantage of analogue technology is that, as it turns out, it’s a lot more secure than anything that can connect to the internet.

    #4

    Vintage Cameras

    Vintage cameras and flashcubes arranged on a wooden surface.

    Vintage cameras, especially rare models from Leica, Hasselblad, and Polaroid, can sell for $100 to over $200,000. A 1923 Leica 0-Series camera sold for $2.97 million! Fun fact: Some old cameras, like the Polaroid SX-70, are still in demand because modern photographers love their unique retro aesthetic.

    discobunnie , ebay.com Report

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    Nicola Mawson
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My vintage ones, in good condition, aren't worth much in South Africa. Including a Kodak Box Brownie

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    #5

    Rare Pyrex

    Vintage Pyrex bowl with orange folk design, held in a kitchen setting.

    Rare Pyrex dishes, especially vintage patterns from the 1950s–1970s, can sell for $50 to over $500 per piece. Coveted designs like Lucky in Love and Pink Daisy fetch top dollar. Fun fact: Some Pyrex pieces were promotional items, meaning only a limited number were made—making them even more valuable today!

    daenerysvegetarian_ , Roxanna Coldiron Report

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    Pyla
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Running them through the dishwasher has lowered the value of many, considerably

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    #6

    Old Radios And Stereos

    Vintage record player and radio console, surrounded by vinyl collections, showcasing classic design and valuable nostalgia.

    Vintage radios and stereos, especially tube radios from the 1920s–1950s or high-end turntables from the ‘70s, can be worth $100 to over $15,000. Brands like Zenith, Marantz, and McIntosh are highly collectible. Fun fact: Some old radios were designed to double as furniture, blending seamlessly into living rooms with wooden cabinets and decorative dials!

    smgmx , ebay.com Report

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    Jerzy Janeczko
    Community Member
    1 hour ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Most tube radios need restored, which will often cost more than they are worth.When using a fire extinguisher handy as they can catch fire. Do not try starting a tube amplifier without a load on it, as in a speaker, two if stereo. Tube stereo amps or radios are by far the most valiabile.

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    This goes way beyond typewriters, a lot of modern technology does connect to the internet one way or another. Fridges with software updates that break the ice machine, lights that rely on Google servers. This is often referred to as the “Internet of Things” which at first seemed wonderfully sci-fi, but can actually be a pain.

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    #7

    Handmade Quilts

    Vintage patchwork quilt with colorful cat designs on a couch.

    Vintage handmade quilts, especially those from the 19th and early 20th centuries, can sell for $200 to over $5,000. Quilts with intricate patterns, rare fabrics, or historical significance fetch the highest prices. Fun fact: Some antique quilts were made from old clothing or feed sacks, turning everyday scraps into beautiful, one-of-a-kind heirlooms!

    Sheldwyn , ebay.com Report

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    Lady Eowyn
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Quilts were often made of whatever fabric was available, as needs be. Sometimes old, worn quilts were used as the batting (middle layer) in older quilts.

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    #8

    Depression-Era Glass Tableware

    Vintage blue glass pitcher with six matching tumbler glasses on a wooden table.

    Depression-era glass tableware, made in the 1920s–1940s, can be worth $20 to over $5,000, depending on rarity and color. Pink, green, and cobalt blue pieces are especially valuable. Fun fact: This glass was originally cheap and often given away in cereal boxes or at gas stations—now, collectors are willing to pay big bucks for it!

    TheGreenTeaFrog , invaluable.com Report

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    #9

    Vintage Home Appliances

    Vintage yellow vacuum cleaner on orange carpet, surrounded by books and decor items.

    Vintage home appliances, like 1950s toasters, refrigerators, and stand mixers, can sell for $100 to over $30,000, depending on rarity and brand. Retro-colored appliances, like pastel blues and pinks, are especially desirable. Fun fact: Some old blenders and mixers were built so well that they still work perfectly after 50+ years!

    Global-Bus-8826 , ebay.com Report

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    Angela B
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My Grandmother received a toaster as a wedding gift. She was 96 when she passed away last year. The toaster still works. I miss her so very very much.

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    Imagine the company that maintains the servers that your physical device needs to run goes under. It becomes a lot easier to understand why people might actually like old, “simple” things. Older items from the 1950s and 1960s are valuable and desired because they carry a blend of nostalgia, craftsmanship, and cultural significance that modern products often lack. For many collectors and enthusiasts, these items are more than just objects, they represent a window into a different era, one associated with post-war optimism, mid-century design, and a period of rapid social and technological change.

    #10

    Lionel Train Sets

    Vintage train set on carpeted floor, with a glowing headlight and detailed features.

    Vintage Lionel train sets, especially pre-1960s models in good condition, can sell for $100 to over $15,000. A rare Lionel Standard Gauge Blue Comet set sold for $250,000! Fun fact: Lionel trains were so popular in the 1950s that they accounted for two-thirds of all toy trains sold in the U.S.

    GunmanZer0 , invaluable.com Report

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    #11

    Pez Dispensers

    Hand holding a vintage Santa Claus Pez dispenser, a collectible item.

    Vintage PEZ dispensers can be surprisingly valuable, with rare ones selling for $100 to over $25,000. The 1982 Astronaut B dispenser is one of the rarest, fetching thousands at auction. Fun fact: Some early PEZ dispensers didn’t have character heads—just a simple design meant for adults as a breath mint dispenser!

    BugOperator , Erica Stacey Report

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    #12

    Vintage Luggage

    Vintage Louis Vuitton suitcases with a monogram pattern, resting on a wooden floor.

    Vintage luggage, especially luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Hartmann, and Goyard, can sell for $200 to over $22,000. Fun fact: Some old suitcases have hidden compartments designed for secret storage during long voyages.

    thelilspookygirl , Toby Walne Report

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    Serial pacifist
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am out of luck. Between vintage China and vintage suitcase, I have a vintage Chinese suitcase 🤷🏻‍♂️

    Whether it’s vintage furniture, clothing, cars, or household appliances, items from this time evoke a sense of history and individuality that mass-produced modern goods struggle to replicate. One reason these items are so sought after is their quality. In the mid-20th century, products were often built to last.

    #13

    Jadeite

    Vintage green glass tableware set with cups, saucers, and plates on a black table.

    Jadeite, the rarest and most valuable type of jade, can sell for $100 to over $1 million, depending on quality and origin. A jadeite necklace once sold for $27.4 million! Fun fact: The most prized jadeite is an intense, almost glowing green, known as “Imperial Jade,” highly sought after in China and beyond.

    pryankaprudence , LinWenjing Report

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    UKGrandad
    Community Member
    1 day ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Which has nothing to do with the glass in the picture except for the colour.

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    #14

    Advertising Clocks

    Vintage wall clock with ornate woodwork and E.B. Longwell store advertising, showcasing classic typography and design.

    Vintage advertising clocks, especially those from the early 1900s to the 1960s, can sell for $100 to over $10,000, depending on brand and rarity. Coca-Cola and beer brand clocks are highly collectible. Fun fact: Some old clocks doubled as light-up signs, making them both functional and eye-catching for businesses!

    Did_it_in_Flint , 1st Dibs Report

    #15

    First Edition Books

    Vintage Edgar Allan Poe book set with ornate blue and gold covers, displayed on a dark surface.

    First edition books, especially rare or signed copies, can sell for $100 to over $70,000. A first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone once sold for $471,000! Fun fact: Small printing errors in first editions can make them even more valuable to collectors.

    stemas_art , Cheltenham Rare Books Report

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    Solid wood furniture, durable metals, and thoughtful design made everyday household items both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Unlike today’s throwaway culture, where things are replaced rather than repaired, items from the 50s and 60s reflect a time when durability was a priority. Many collectors appreciate that these older goods not only look stylish but also continue to work decades later.

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    #16

    Collectible Stamps

    Vintage stamps featuring a well-known figure on a brown envelope, showcasing items with lasting value.

    Collectible stamps, especially rare or misprinted ones, can sell for $50 to over $2 million. The 1918 Inverted Jenny, with an upside-down airplane, once sold for $2 million! Fun fact: Some early stamps were hand-cut from sheets, making well-centered examples much rarer and more valuable.

    IndigoBlue14 , saga.co.uk Report

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    Lady Eowyn
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The stamps shown in this photo are not particularly "collectible" unless you're a Princess Diana fan. And yes I know her proper title was Lady Diana, Princess of Wales.

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    #17

    Vintage Typewriters

    Vintage black Olympia typewriter on a light blue cloth, showcasing its classic keys and timeless design.

    Vintage typewriters, especially rare models from brands like Underwood, Royal, and Hermes, can sell for $100 to over $1,000+. A 1950s Sholes and Glidden once sold for $110,000! Fun fact: Tom Hanks is a well-known typewriter collector and owns over 250 machines.

    Natural_Cake_5905 , Typewriters 101 Report

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    Lady Eowyn
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was hoping to inherit my dad's old manual typewriter, on which I learned to type. He let my nephew play with it. He broke it. My dad tossed it before I could see if I could fix it. Decades ago, but still irks me.

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    #18

    Vintage Polly Pocket Sets

    Colorful display of vintage Polly Pocket compacts and playsets, showcasing their intricate designs on a black tabletop.

    Vintage *Polly Pocket* sets from the late ‘80s and ‘90s can sell for $10 to over $15,000, depending on rarity. The 1992 Polly Pocket Magical Mansion is one of the most valuable, fetching over $2,500 sealed. Fun fact: Early sets were tiny enough to fit in a pocket—hence the name!

    Rocksytay , Abbey Bender Report

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    Another factor is the unique style of the era. Mid-century modern design, with its clean lines, bold colors, and futuristic shapes, remains timeless. Vintage clothing from the 50s and 60s reflects a time when fashion emphasized elegance and individuality, while cars from this period are prized for their distinct styling and character. Owning a piece from this time feels special—it stands out, tells a story, and offers a personal connection to the past.

    #19

    Old Cookbooks

    Vintage book "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" on a table.

    Old cookbooks, especially first editions from iconic chefs like Julia Child or Betty Crocker, can sell for $50 to over $5,000. A first-edition Mastering the Art of French Cooking sold for $2,000! Fun fact: Handwritten notes or recipes inside can sometimes increase a cookbook’s value, especially if penned by a famous chef.

    Lolasdone , Cortney Moore Report

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    nottheactualphoto
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Betty Crocker was not an iconic chef. She wasn't even a real person. She was a fictional character created by General Mills.

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    #20

    Vintage Sewing Machines

    Vintage Singer sewing machine with ornate gold details on a wooden base.

    Vintage sewing machines, especially early Singer, Pfaff, or Bernina models, can sell for $100 to over $5,000. A rare Singer Featherweight 222K sold for $3,500! Fun fact: Machines with ornate gold detailing or original wooden cases are the most sought after by collectors and crafters alike.

    SGT-smash , ebay.com Report

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    Hobby Hopper
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Growing up, it seemed like half the people I knew had an old Singer stuck in a back room somewhere.

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    #21

    Cookie Jars

    Vintage clown cookie jar paired with a vintage dining scene, highlighting timeless items worth money.

    Vintage cookie jars, especially those from the 1940s–1970s by brands like McCoy, Hull, and Shawnee, can sell for $50 to over $3,500. A rare McCoy Mammy jar once sold for $6,000! Fun fact: Some cookie jars were promotional items for brands like Planters and Pillsbury, making them even more collectible today.

    Dranem78 , Warner Bros. , Erin Kuschner Report

    For some, the desire to own vintage items is deeply tied to sentimentality. People who grew up in the 50s and 60s or heard stories from their parents and grandparents see these objects as a way to preserve memories. Even those who weren’t alive during that time romanticize the era through movies, music, and pop culture, seeing vintage items as a way to experience a piece of the past.

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    #22

    Nail Polish

    Vintage Revlon nail polish bottles including Queen of Diamonds and Frosted Cinnamon Stick on a wooden surface.

    Vintage nail polish, especially limited-edition shades from luxury brands like Chanel and Revlon, can sell for $50 to hundreds of dollars. A rare bottle of Chanel’s “Ciel de Nuit” sold for $1,000! Fun fact: Some collectors hunt for discontinued colors, especially celebrity collaborations and unique shades no longer in production.

    CommercialBoat6026 , ebay.com Report

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    nottheactualphoto
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought Revlon was a drugstore brand, not a "luxury" one. But what the hell do I know.

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    #23

    Kitsch Pictures

    Vintage portrait of a woman in an ornate frame, showcasing timeless elegance and value.

    Kitsch pictures, once dismissed as tacky, are now hot collectibles. Works by artists like Vladimir Tretchikoff and J.H. Lynch can sell for $100 to over $4,000. A rare Tretchikoff "Chinese Girl" print sold for $2,500! Fun fact: These bold, moody portraits were mass-produced but are now beloved for their retro charm and mid-century aesthetic.

    Mad4MidMod , ebay.com Report

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good grief. EVERYONE had this picture in their house back in the fifties and sixties—-and beyond for older folks who never redecorated.

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    #24

    Antique Maps

    Vintage Ontario map by Sawyer & Massey, showcasing detailed regions and antique illustrations.

    Antique maps, especially hand-drawn or early printed ones from the 15th–19th century, can sell for $100 to over $250,000+. A rare 1507 Waldseemüller map sold for $10 million! Fun fact: Maps with historical errors, like early ones showing California as an island, are highly sought after by collectors.

    PunjabiCanuck , ebay.com Report

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    Serial pacifist
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like how it says “Canada” and the text below says “not equalled in America today”. Hehehe. Very up-to-date.

    Ultimately, the value of these older items isn’t just about rarity, it’s about the emotional and cultural meaning they carry. Whether it’s a vintage radio playing old records or a classic car parked in the driveway, these items represent something personal and enduring, reminding people of a time when style, quality, and craftsmanship went hand in hand.

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    #25

    Star Wars LEGO

    Vintage Star Wars LEGO set X-Wing Fighter in box, held by a hand, showcasing its collectible value.

    Vintage Star Wars LEGO sets, especially rare or discontinued ones, can sell for $100 to over $20,000. The 2007 Millennium Falcon (Ultimate Collector’s Edition) is one of the most valuable, fetching over $15,000 sealed. Fun fact: Some rare minifigures, like the 2003 Cloud City Boba Fett, can sell alone for $2,000+!

    amightymongoose , ebay.com Report

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    MartiBob
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I recently learned that several of our Lego minifigures are priced around $30-40 apiece. They aren't even that old, maybe from 2015? Doesn't matter, they're staying with me.

    #26

    Vintage Jewelry

    Vintage amber bead bracelet shown glowing under UV light in hand.

    Vintage jewelry, especially pieces made from gold, platinum, or featuring rare gemstones, can sell for $100 to millions of dollars. Art Deco and Victorian-era designs are highly sought after. Fun fact: Some antique jewelry has hidden compartments, originally used for storing perfume, love notes, or even poison!

    JunkInTheTrunk , ebay.com Report

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    Cindy Brick
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's called 'uranium,' folks ,when it lights up under blacklight.

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    #27

    IKEA Furniture

    Vintage wooden dining table with chairs on rustic wooden flooring.

    Vintage IKEA furniture, especially mid-century designs from the 1950s–1980s, can sell for $500 to over $10,000. Pieces like the Clam Chair and Vilbert Chair are highly sought after. Fun fact: Some early IKEA designs were flat-packed not just for affordability, but to fit in founder Ingvar Kamprad’s tiny car!

    Forty_lab , Kate McGregor Report

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    #28

    Fine China

    Vintage floral teapot and cups on table; person relaxing on sofa, guitar on wall in the background.

    Fine china, especially antique brands like Meissen, Wedgwood, or Royal Doulton, can sell for $100 to over $1,600 per plate. A rare Ming Dynasty porcelain bowl once sold for $37.7 million! Fun fact: The blue-and-white porcelain style, popular for centuries, was inspired by designs from the Tang Dynasty.

    reddit.com , Kate Miller-Wilson Report

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    Dog Mom to Zoe
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Disagree. The newer generation does not care to purchase China. You see so many sets at garage sales trying to be sold at $15.00 for a complete set with no buyers.

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    #29

    Turntables

    Vintage Yamaha YP-B4 turntable on a table with its manual, showcasing classic design elements against a window backdrop.

    Vintage turntables, especially high-end models from brands like Technics, Thorens, and Garrard, can sell for $200 to over $1000+. A rare Technics SP-10 MK3 can fetch $15,000+! Fun fact: Some old turntables were built with wooden or marble bases to reduce vibrations and improve sound quality.

    DestroyAllHeresy , Abbey Bender Report

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    Jerzy Janeczko
    Community Member
    1 hour ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Turntables with magnetic stereo cartridges are the only ones worth messing with. They are now generally worth their original retail price to people with smae era stereo receivers/amps and speakers. All of which are in demand.

    #30

    Furby Toys

    Hand holding a vintage Furby toy, a collectible item that is still valuable.

    Vintage Furby toys from the late ‘90s and early 2000s can sell for $50 to over $1,000, with rare editions fetching even more. The 1998 Bejeweled Furby is one of the most valuable, selling for $100,000+. Fun fact: Some early Furbies were banned by the NSA over fears they could "record" conversations—though they never actually could!

    chcherry_pie , Mia Warner Report

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    Kinetics Loves Apples
    Community Member
    20 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mine was very much haunted. No batteries for years and it still talked in my closet. Told my mom "it's haunted, I don't care what you do with it, but please just get it out of the house".

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    Note: this post originally had 79 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

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    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    How do you feel about collecting vintage treasures?

    Thrilled, it's my passion

    Interested, but not deeply invested

    Neutral, it's not my thing

    Indifferent, I don't see the value