8 Hidden Treasures To Look For At Estate Sales

Vintage Jewelry

Estate sales often hide sparkly surprises! Look for precious stones, intricate vintage designs, and even collectible ’70s and ’80s costume pieces.

Snag Signed Artwork

Don’t be fooled by outdated frames – focus on the artwork within! A signature is key for value, even from lesser-known artists. Use an image search app to help identify works and compare them to online art price guides.

Sterling Silver Flatware

Look for sets or individual pieces marked “sterling” or “.925.” Silver has actual value, even if just melted down. Learn popular patterns, but don’t discount unusual ones – collectors love those too!

Vintage Advertising

Iconic brands (think Coca-Cola) are collectible gold mines! Condition matters – a faded poster might be too far gone for collectors but super cool for your garage.

First Edition Books

Hunt for older hardcovers with dust jackets intact. Beloved authors, significant topics, or beautiful illustrations make a book valuable. True first editions are the ultimate; websites like AbeBooks.com help with identification.

Old Electronics

Vintage radios, turntables, early video games, and even old computers hold value, especially when functional! Do research – specific brands and models excite collectors and command higher prices.

Vintage Typewriters

The older, the better!  Those with glass keys or iconic portable models fetch the most.  Working condition matters – a purely decorative typewriter is still fun, but the satisfying “clack” is part of the appeal.

Military Memorabilia

Medals, uniforms, photographs, and other military items hold historical significance and are sought after by collectors. Knowing the specific conflict, unit, or medals involved is vital for determining value.

SWIPE UP FOR MORE AMAZING STORIES