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.
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Lamp Bases
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.
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).
Vintage Comics
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.
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.
Old Perfume Bottles
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!
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.
Vintage Cameras
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.
My vintage ones, in good condition, aren't worth much in South Africa. Including a Kodak Box Brownie
Rare Pyrex
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!
Old Radios And Stereos
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!
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.
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.
Handmade Quilts
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!
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.
Depression-Era Glass Tableware
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!
Vintage Home Appliances
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!
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.
Lionel Train Sets
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.
Pez Dispensers
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!
Vintage Luggage
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.
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.
Jadeite
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.
Advertising Clocks
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!
First Edition Books
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.
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.
Collectible Stamps
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.
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.
Vintage Typewriters
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.
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.
Vintage Polly Pocket Sets
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!
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.
Old Cookbooks
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.
Betty Crocker was not an iconic chef. She wasn't even a real person. She was a fictional character created by General Mills.
Vintage Sewing Machines
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.
Growing up, it seemed like half the people I knew had an old Singer stuck in a back room somewhere.
Cookie Jars
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.
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.
Nail Polish
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.
I thought Revlon was a drugstore brand, not a "luxury" one. But what the hell do I know.
Kitsch Pictures
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.
Antique Maps
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.
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.
Star Wars LEGO
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+!
Vintage Jewelry
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!
IKEA Furniture
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!
Fine China
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.
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.
Turntables
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.
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.
Furby Toys
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!
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".
Note: this post originally had 79 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
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
Things are worth what someone will pay for them. I collect things I like because I just like them. Potential monetary value is not my criteria.
Right? I have some Beanie Babies - don't know if they're valuable, don't care, I have them because I like them. And that's true for all my other collectibles.
Pretty much this entire list seems to have been compiled by a bloke down the pub reciting what he's heard - Twenty years ago. As someone who has been trying to sell beautiful vintage china, vinyl records from amazing bands from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and many of the things listed above this list is just insanely incorrect. I've been a collector decades as were my late parents. This entire list is incredibly misleading 😮😔
I've heard you can't give away china, much less get any more for it. silverware too
I collect Barbies, but not for the monetary value. I just like them and grew up with them.
Things are worth what someone will pay for them. I collect things I like because I just like them. Potential monetary value is not my criteria.
Right? I have some Beanie Babies - don't know if they're valuable, don't care, I have them because I like them. And that's true for all my other collectibles.
Pretty much this entire list seems to have been compiled by a bloke down the pub reciting what he's heard - Twenty years ago. As someone who has been trying to sell beautiful vintage china, vinyl records from amazing bands from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and many of the things listed above this list is just insanely incorrect. I've been a collector decades as were my late parents. This entire list is incredibly misleading 😮😔
I've heard you can't give away china, much less get any more for it. silverware too
I collect Barbies, but not for the monetary value. I just like them and grew up with them.