Watches
While everything is digital now, old-fashioned watches still carry a degree of class that is incomparable. They are like cars, with the fancier brands commanding a higher price tag. Surprisingly, watches are also one of the most collected items in the world. Do you have old ones lying around the house? Take some of them for appraisal, you might be surprised at how much these branded watches can be sold for.
The famous ones like Rolex, Movado, and Vacheron are expected to have a higher resale value. Apart from the brand, buyers also look for watches with more moon phases, jewels, and functionality. For example, a vintage Wittnauer with 17 jewels would sell for $130. Others sell for around $50 to less than a hundred dollars.
Paintings
You probably heard of the “art” sold recently. A banana that was taped to a wall, which fetched a $120,000 price tag. That banana better be guarded by an excellent home security system now! Paintings may be less valuable, however. Common ones typically sell for about $200 each. But if you come across equestrian paintings, they sell for more.
For example, an Andre Dluhos painting of a horse retailed online for $378. Do you have old paintings at home or did you find some at the flea market? Check if any have real value. Keep an eye out for oil paintings and ones with ornate frames. Simpler designs would usually sell for less, but casual art lovers will purchase these paintings at a reasonable price.
Playing Cards
Playing cards are a dime a dozen. They are easy to overlook as they are too common and sometimes, collectors end up selling these to dollar stores without thinking twice. But to the keen eye, a good set of playing cards can sell for at least $10. A single Joker card has even sold online for $0.99, which means a whole deck can easily be worth at least $50.
They may not be as expensive as the others on the list, but they can add to your investment money, in case you have a set lying around. Trying to find out their value is definitely worth your time. Special issue cards and remembrance cards are usually resold for $30 to $50.
Books
Books are now slowly becoming obsolete with digital copies taking their place. To the legitimate book worm, however, there is nothing more romantic the smell and feel of books. For avid collectors, first-edition books are the most sought-after. They also fetch a higher price. For example, the first edition of “Tales of Beedle the Bard” is priced at $3.98 million.
You may not have something similar at home, but if you’re keen on finding one, you might just score big by going to antique fairs and flea market. Autographed books are also expensive when sold online. A second-hand autographed book usually sells for at least $10. It might require a bit of investment on your part, but the payback is usually worth it.
Video Game Consoles
If vintage games can fetch a significant sum of money, consoles can, too. The game consoles that were popular in the 1980s are now being resold for a higher price, especially for the limited-edition ones. Avid gamers and collectors generally look for both the consoles. And the matching games. As for prices, an unused Nintendo Famicom Console System sells for $399 online.
A pristine SEGA Saturn sells for $599. Used game consoles would sell for less, but still significant amount, especially if accompanied by the games. PlayStation consoles would command a price in the thousand range. Spending gas money to travel to garage sales all over the state now seems like a good idea. You never know what you might find!
Costume Jewelry
If costumes can sell for a few hundred dollars, the accompanying pieces of jewelry are of a similar value. We usually assume that they are worthless as none of them are made from real gold or stones anyway. But many of these are branded and made by companies like Sarah Coventry, AVON, Cartier and Tiffany & Co. So before throwing away costume jewelry, see if you can sell it separately from the costume.
For example, a set of Alice Caviness jewelry has a value of $60. These are made of crystals, thus the higher selling price. If you ever experience financial challenges and have some of these at home, instead of getting cash loans, you can choose to sell a pair instead.
Old Microphones
Microphones have certainly come a long way. Much like radios and phonographs, they have grown in value as well. Particularly, the rarer ones that are not easily available in stores. What should you be looking for? Mercury model microphones are sought-after by average collectors and these can be sold for at least $100.
Rarer finds like the Neumann M50 Tube Microphone will sell for at least $17,000 online. While you may not easily find a Neumann, you might have a bit more luck finding Shure microphones. These are typically sold for about $100. One important consideration is knowing how to clean them properly. A certain degree of care must be exercised as the color could fade and the electronics damaged.
Julia Child’s “Mastering the Art of French Cooking”
This is perhaps the most specific item on the list. Technically this belongs to the book categories, but we felt it deserved a separate rank because this cookbook is so in-demand. Arguably, French cooking is among the finest there is in the Western world. Julia Child has memorialized French cuisine in her book, which was first published in 1961.
The first and second volumes of the first edition copies can rake in at least $400. Succeeding editions still sell for at least $52.99. Many chefs have been inspired by Julia Child and they would love to have this book as a memento. The same goes for book collectors who are always ready to make an investment in rare book editions.
Pedal Cars
So you have contacted the moving company as you are ready to embark on a new journey, but you notice an old pedal car lying about as you get your things sorted out. Do you take it with you or not? It would be a good idea to take it and assess its value. If it is branded, vintage, but in pristine condition, chances are you can sell it for a significant amount.
A rare Russian pedal car was once online for $2,000. Meanwhile, a Vintage Murray Station Wagon pedal car can be sold for $700. Even if they have a little rust on them, they can command a high price. Vintage pedal cars from the 1960s are usually resold for $100 and higher.
Women’s Suffrage Memorabilia
Women in the US were not allowed to vote and run for office until the 1920s. For the longest time, women were considered second-class citizens. This is why women’s suffrage memorabilia, little mementos that remind the nation of how women fought for the right to vote are highly valued. What type of memorabilia are available?
There are women suffrage stamps, for example, which sell for $14.99. Even a news clipping about Harriot Stanton Blatch, a famous suffragist who has received much credit for fighting for women’s rights, can sell for $5.50. A photo of a suffragist rally in 1915 has an asking price of $6.49. If you have vintage newspaper or magazines stored away, check them for any related clippings!