Crystal
While you may associate lead glass candy dishes, vases and candlesticks with Grandma, the knickknacks are officially trending again. “High-quality crystal collectibles are making a comeback and are often overlooked,” explains antique expert Dr. Lori Verderame.
Pyrex
Perfume Bottles
Don’t be fooled by the contents. “Even inexpensive perfumes can be housed in expensive bottles,” Dr. Verderame says. “Many perfume bottles are made by Lalique and other famous designers of glass and crystal.”
Christmas Ornaments
Everyone loves the holidays, and the decorations are no exception. Paper, glass or cotton, a wide variety of vintage ornaments can fetch high prices. Look for any Shiny Brites or German Kugels lurking in your collection.
Cookie Cutters
The baking season is right around the corner, but sort through your drawers before churning out batches of gingerbread cookies. Vintage cookie cutters — especially the coveted “heart in hand” variety — can go for $50 apiece or more on resale sites.
Cookie Jars
Speaking of cookies, don’t forget the jars. Retro offerings also earn high marks from appraisers. Friar Tuck figurines, a line of monk-shaped tableware made by Goebel in the ’50s, specifically hold value. “Like their German Hummel relatives, they are widely collected internationally,” Dr. Verderame says.
Wicker Furniture
A single piece from the late 19th century can go for up to a $1,000, but don’t discount mid-century designs. Interior designers love rattan poufs by Franco Albini, and the real deal will sometimes sell for over $300.
Quilts
To you, it might just be a cozy throw, but these handmade works of art regularly fetch thousands of dollars at auction. Popular designs include crazy quilts, yo-yo quilts and grandmother’s flower garden quilts.
Forget about paintings. Hand-colored Currier and Ives prints from the late 19th century pop up in more homes than you think and occasionally go for over $100,000. Even the popular reproductions from the 1900s peak collectors’ interests, Dr. Verderame says.
While Precious Moments might be a little more recognizable, you’ll want to check on the provenance of other statuettes as well. Dr. Verderame says Belleek ceramics from Ireland have had a following for decad