1. Fountain Pens
That pen in the back of a desk drawer might be more than a writing tool. Vintage models from brands like Montblanc, Parker, or Waterman are prized by collectors. Limited editions or unusual nib designs make them especially desirable. Appraisers often note how condition and originality of parts matter most.
Why the demand? Because writing with a fountain pen feels special, even today. It blends functionality with craftsmanship, creating a lasting appeal. Collectors often treat them as both tools and luxury accessories.
2. Vintage Lunchboxes
At first glance, those old metal lunchboxes from the ’50s through the ’70s may just look like battered school relics. But if they feature popular characters like Superman, The Beatles, or Star Trek, collectors are willing to pay serious money. Pristine examples with their thermos intact can easily fetch hundreds of dollars. Appraisers love pointing out how something once carried PB&J sandwiches can now carry a hefty price tag.
What drives their value is nostalgia paired with rarity. Licensed characters were often mass-produced, but kids were rough on them, so very few survived in good condition. The cultural tie-in makes them appealing beyond the collector market, too. Essentially, they capture both pop culture history and childhood memories in one compact piece of tin.
3. Old Perfume Bottles
Most people don’t think twice before tossing an empty perfume bottle, but appraisers often perk up when they spot a vintage one. Brands like Lalique, Baccarat, or Guerlain produced bottles that are now collectibles in their own right. Some ornate designs are sought after even if the perfume is long gone. These bottles often blend art glass with branding, making them highly desirable for display.
The craftsmanship is what makes them special. Early 20th-century bottles were handmade, etched, or crystal-cut, which sets them apart from today’s machine-made versions. Limited edition releases only add to the rarity factor. What looks like bathroom clutter could actually be a miniature piece of art worth hundreds.
4. Costume Jewelry
Not all jewelry needs to be made of gold or diamonds to impress an appraiser. Mid-century costume jewelry from makers like Miriam Haskell or Trifari can be surprisingly valuable. Collectors are drawn to the artistry, detail, and durability of these pieces. Rhinestones and enamel might seem cheap at first, but in the right context, they can rival fine jewelry in desirability.
The key is branding and design. Signed pieces, particularly limited collections, are what collectors hunt for. Because many were affordable at the time, people often overlooked them, making intact examples harder to find today. Appraisers love the surprise factor of telling someone their “cheap trinket” is actually a collector’s gem.
5. Vinyl Records
Stacks of old vinyl in the attic often get written off as junk. But certain pressings—especially first editions or albums from iconic artists—can fetch big money. A rare Beatles or Rolling Stones record in mint condition is a jackpot. Even obscure bands with cult followings can be worth far more than you’d expect.
Appraisers know to check for details like label variations and pressing numbers. Collectors pay premiums for rare errors, like misprints or unusual cover art. Vinyl’s comeback as a listening format only boosts demand. What once felt obsolete now feels like a prized artifact of music history.
6. Pyrex Dishes
Those colorful glass bowls your grandmother used for casseroles? They’re hotter than you think. Certain patterns, like “Lucky in Love” or “Butterprint,” command hundreds at auction. People love the mix of function, durability, and nostalgic kitchen vibes.
Appraisers point out that many patterns were discontinued after short runs, making them rare today. The vibrant designs and colors have become collectible décor as much as cookware. Entire online communities are devoted to tracking down specific sets. It’s the perfect example of everyday objects turning into collector’s trophies.
7. First Edition Books
Old books aren’t automatically valuable, but first editions of notable works can surprise anyone. A first printing of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone has sold for eye-watering sums. Even earlier 20th-century authors like Hemingway and Fitzgerald have editions worth thousands. Appraisers are always careful to check copyright pages for subtle publishing clues.
What makes them valuable isn’t just age but scarcity. First editions are produced in smaller numbers before a book gains traction. If the author became iconic, those initial copies suddenly seem like gold. It’s a reminder that sometimes the story behind a book is just as valuable as what’s written inside.
8. Old Concert Posters
That rolled-up poster from a show you went to in the ’70s might look like faded paper. But if it’s from a legendary band like The Grateful Dead or Jimi Hendrix, it could be a small fortune. Original prints are especially valuable if they’re from smaller venues or early in an artist’s career. Collectors are passionate about the crossover of music and visual art.
Appraisers emphasize condition and authenticity here. Posters that were tacked up and ripped lose much of their value. Limited-run lithographs, on the other hand, can make jaws drop. They’re a tangible connection to a cultural moment that no reprint can capture.
9. Advertising Signs
Old Coca-Cola, Mobil, or Pepsi signs are more than rusty metal; they’re Americana. Appraisers get excited when they find enameled or porcelain signs in good condition. The bright colors and retro branding appeal to both collectors and interior designers. Some rare examples can run into the thousands.
What’s fascinating is how these were once purely functional. Gas stations and diners put them up without thinking about longevity. Now they’re seen as art pieces that represent a bygone era. Their bold designs make them timeless conversation starters.
10. Video Game Cartridges
A box of old Nintendo cartridges may look like outdated plastic, but appraisers know the gaming market is booming. Rare titles like Stadium Events or unopened copies of early Super Mario Bros. can command staggering prices. Even mid-tier games gain value if they’re in good condition with original packaging. Nostalgia is driving a whole new generation of collectors.
Appraisers check for rarity, condition, and completeness. Sealed games are the holy grail, often going for thousands. What makes them special is the mix of childhood memories and cultural milestones. Something once played in living rooms now lives in museums and serious collections.
11. Pocket Watches
A dusty pocket watch in a drawer might look like an outdated relic, but it could surprise you. Certain brands like Patek Philippe or Waltham are highly collectible. Intricate engravings and mechanical movements add to the appeal. Appraisers know that watch enthusiasts love these pieces for both their function and history.
What drives value is craftsmanship. Unlike mass-produced modern watches, older pocket watches were often custom or handmade. Family heirlooms can end up being worth far more than anyone realizes. They represent a time when telling time was as much art as necessity.
12. Comic Books
Everyone knows about Action Comics #1, but even less famous issues can surprise appraisers. Golden Age and Silver Age comics featuring characters like Spider-Man or Batman often fetch solid prices. Even condition-challenged copies have markets because of demand. Collectors love the mix of art, story, and pop culture significance.
The grading system plays a big role here. A pristine copy can be exponentially more valuable than one with folds or tears. Appraisers always look for key issues—like first appearances of major characters. It’s proof that childhood reading material can turn into serious investment pieces.
13. Typewriters
You might see an old typewriter as little more than a dusty desk anchor, but collectors see history and functionality. Models like the Hermes 3000 or certain Olivetti designs are highly prized. Even classic Smith-Coronas in good shape can draw interest. Appraisers know there’s an active market for writers, hipsters, and hobbyists who still love the tactile clack of a manual keyboard.
Their value rises when they’re in working condition. Unlike many antiques, typewriters often still serve a purpose, making them more than just decorative. Certain iconic models are tied to famous writers, further driving demand. They remind us that even in the digital age, analog beauty can hold its own.
14. Mid-Century Furniture
What looks like an old chair to you might scream “design icon” to an appraiser. Brands like Eames, Knoll, and Danish designers like Hans Wegner have huge followings. Even seemingly simple wooden chairs or credenzas can reach high prices. Condition and maker’s marks are key.
The appeal is in the aesthetic. Mid-century modern design emphasizes clean lines, functionality, and timelessness. Because many people tossed these pieces in favor of newer trends, original examples are rarer than you’d think. Appraisers know they fit perfectly in today’s interiors, making them practical investments.
15. Postcards
Those stacks of postcards tucked away in shoeboxes aren’t always throwaways. Vintage postcards, especially with unique illustrations or early photography, can hold surprising value. Ones tied to historic events or specific towns often attract collectors. Appraisers highlight that local history buffs are often the biggest buyers.
Condition and subject matter make all the difference. Real-photo postcards from the early 1900s are especially prized. Collectors love how they combine art, travel, and history in one small format. What feels like junk mail is often a snapshot of the past worth keeping.
16. Board Games
An old box of Monopoly or Clue might look too common to be valuable. But first editions or rare runs of games can fetch high prices. Games that are complete with original pieces are especially desirable. Appraisers know they appeal both to nostalgia and design collectors.
The scarcity lies in survival. Games were meant to be played, which means most boxes are missing pieces or badly damaged. Finding one intact is like striking gold. They remind us that even family entertainment can grow into a collector’s prize.
This post 16 Forgotten Items That Surprise Appraisers With Their Value was first published on Greenhouse Black.
