Chances are, your parents had some seriously cool retro and rare items in their homes, or, if you’re lucky, still hiding in plain sight or squirreled away in the attic. Let’s take a look at 17 sought-after items from yesteryear that used to be common.
Vinyl Records
Vinyl records offered a tangible connection to music that’s hard to replicate. If your parents grew up anywhere between the ’50s & ’70s, they surely had them! Some vintage records are highly sought-after by collectors and can fetch a surprising price in today’s market. So it’s no surprise that the BBC reported that “Elvis Presley’s first recording [sold] for $300,000.”
Troll Dolls
These quirky little dolls were first introduced to the United States in the late 1950s and quickly became popular. With their wild hair and mischievous grins, Troll dolls were a beloved toy for many children. While some might consider them kitschy, their nostalgic appeal is undeniable. You might be surprised to learn that some vintage Troll dolls can be worth a considerable amount to collectors.
Vintage Cars
If your parents were around during the golden age of American automobiles, they’ll remember the sleek lines and powerful engines of classic American cars. They might have even been lucky enough to own a ‘Thunderbird’ or a ‘Chevrolet Corvette.’ Even without the car itself, those vintage car brochures for iconic models are sought-after collectibles and highly valuable.
Barbie Dolls
More than just a plastic figure, Barbie dolls gave little girls inspiration. Now, they can fetch up to unthinkable amounts. Reader’s Digest states that a “one-of-a-kind Barbie sold at auction house Christie’s in 2010 for $302,500.” So it might be time to pry those Barbies out of your mom’s hands and into the auction room.
First-edition Books
If your parents are avid readers, they might have had (and maybe still do) a few literary gems tucked away on their shelves. First editions of beloved classics or works by famous authors can be worth a pretty penny to collectors. Tips on how to identify first-edition books can be found online.
Typewriter
The satisfying click-clack of keys and the tangible feeling of words appearing on paper made typing an art form. Each typewriter had its own unique character, from the font style to the weight of the keys. Almost every household had a typewriter, and surely your parents did, too. The older it is, the higher the value nowadays.
Polaroid Camera
Long before digital photography and Instagram filters, Polaroid cameras offered the instant gratification of holding a physical photo in your hands seconds after snapping the shot. If your parents have an old Polaroid camera gathering dust in a closet, it’s a retro gadget to treasure or sell, if need be. Some vintage models, especially those in good working condition, can be quite valuable.
American Stamps
Stamps have been cited as some of the most valuable collectibles these days, and it is almost guaranteed that your parents used them. Before the days of emails, texts, and WhatsApp, there was no other choice but to send a letter with a stamp on it. Nowadays, some stamps have insanely high prices. History reported that a rare stamp “sold at auction for $1,351,250.”
VHS Tapes
VHS tapes were once the pinnacle of home entertainment, allowing families to gather around the TV for movie nights and rewatch their favorite flicks again and again. If your parents owned a TV, then they most likely had a VHS player and tapes, too. While most VHS tapes might be gathering dust in attics or basements, some hold unexpected value.
Tupperware
Every housewife would have succumbed to the charms of decent Tupperware and likely attended, if not hosted, a Tupperware party. Nowadays, “vintage Tupperware is making a comeback with collectors,” says Kovels Antique Trader. Rare colors, discontinued patterns, or limited edition sets can fetch a surprising price on the resale market.
Wall Clock
Chiming wall clocks were the heartbeat of many homes. These clocks often featured intricate designs, ornate woodwork, or even hand-painted details. Nowadays, these timepieces can be quite valuable, especially if they’re in excellent condition and boast intricate movements or unique designs.
Vintage Purses
Before the days of fast fashion and disposable trends, purses were crafted with meticulous care and designed to last. If your mom or grandmother held onto their vintage purses, you might discover a hidden gem in their closet. From elegant beaded clutches to structured leather handbags, vintage purses exude a timeless charm and craftsmanship that’s often missing in today’s mass-produced accessories.
Boy Scout Badges
More to your dad than just decorative badges, Boy Scout badges were symbols of hard work and achievements. Each badge represented a different area of expertise, from camping and cooking to first aid and citizenship. For many, these badges hold a lifetime of memories and achievements. Some rare or vintage Boy Scout badges, especially those from discontinued programs or commemorating special events, can be extremely rare.
Advertising Signs
From Coca-Cola to local diners, these vintage signs weren’t just advertisements; they were works of art that captured the spirit of their time. Today, they’re sought-after collectibles, adding a touch of nostalgia and Americana. With their catchy slogans and iconic imagery, vintage advertising signs were replaced by billboards and digital ads, making them a popular collectible now.
Record Player
From the classic wooden consoles to the sleek portable models, record players evoked a sense of nostalgia and craftsmanship that’s hard to find today. If your parents still have their record player tucked away in the attic, then keep in mind that some vintage record players, especially models from renowned brands like Thorens, Marantz, or Technics, can be highly valuable to audiophiles and collectors.
Cookie Jar
You would be hard-pressed to find an American home without a cookie jar; surely your parents were no exception. Cookie jars were whimsical works of art that added a touch of personality to the kitchen counter. If your parents still have their vintage cookie jar, it could also be a valuable antique. Certain rare designs, especially those from renowned brands or those featuring popular characters, can be highly sought-after by collectors and fetch a pretty penny.
Rotary Phone
Rotary phones were the lifeline of communication for decades; their iconic design and distinctive sound were synonymous with a bygone era. Some vintage rotary phones, especially those in unique colors or with unusual features like a built-in answering machine, can fetch a fortune. So, before you dismiss that old phone as a relic of the past, give it a second look.
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