Found In Attics, Sold For Thousands: 17 1900s Antiques Worth Looking For
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Beneath the dust and tucked away in long-forgotten corners, early twentieth-century treasures quietly wait to be rediscovered. These items – once everyday belongings – now carry the weight of history, craftsmanship, and growing collector demand.
From charming relics of a bygone era to rare gems hiding in plain sight, what seems ordinary could turn out to be surprisingly valuable. Before you toss out what appears to be junk, take a closer look – your attic might be holding more than just memories.
1. Tiffany Lamps
Collecting dust in corners, these stained glass beauties can command prices exceeding $100,000. Tiffany lamps feature distinctive dragonfly, flower, and geometric patterns that captivate collectors worldwide.
Look for the signature on the bronze base or inside the shade. Even damaged pieces might be worth restoring given their extraordinary value in today’s market.
2. Lionel Toy Trains
Childhood playthings now worth adult-sized sums! Vintage electric trains from early 1900s Lionel sets can steam their way to $10,000 or more when in original condition.
The earliest models from 1901-1920 are particularly valuable. Original boxes increase value substantially, so check those old wooden crates for complete sets before discarding anything.
3. Art Deco Jewelry
Geometric elegance from grandma’s jewelry box might fund your next vacation. Art Deco pieces from the 1920s-30s featuring clean lines, bold colors, and symmetrical designs remain highly sought after.
Pieces by Cartier, Tiffany & Co., or Van Cleef & Arpels command premium prices. Even unmarked pieces with genuine gemstones and platinum settings can fetch thousands.
4. Coca-Cola Memorabilia
Refreshingly valuable collectibles hide in plain sight! Early Coca-Cola serving trays, signs, and dispensers from 1900-1940 regularly sell for $500-$15,000 depending on rarity and condition.
The iconic red and white items featuring the early Coca-Cola girl imagery tend to be most valuable. Check for authentic age signs like appropriate patina and period-correct manufacturing techniques.
5. First Edition Books
Forgotten stories on dusty shelves might hold more than literary value. First editions of classic novels from the early 1900s – especially with dust jackets intact – can command astounding prices.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” first edition with dust jacket sold for $377,000 in 2020. Ernest Hemingway, Virginia Woolf, and James Joyce first editions similarly fetch remarkable sums.
6. Vintage Cameras
Capturing more than memories, early 20th century cameras can snap up serious cash from collectors. Brands like Leica, Rolleiflex, and early Kodak models in working condition command premium prices.
The 1914 Leica prototype once sold for $2.8 million! Even more common models fetch hundreds or thousands. Check for leather cases, original manuals, and accessories that increase value.
7. Vintage Comic Books
Superhero stories stuffed away might contain super-sized value! Early Superman, Batman, and Marvel comics from the 1930s-40s can be worth life-changing amounts – some exceeding $1 million.
Even less rare issues from the early-mid 1900s frequently sell for thousands. Condition is crucial – check for intact covers, bright colors, and minimal wear before assuming yours is merely nostalgic reading material.
8. Mid-Century Furniture
Grandpa’s old chair might be a design masterpiece worth thousands! Pieces by designers like Eames, Saarinen, or Wegner from the 1940s-60s regularly fetch $5,000-$20,000 at auction.
Original condition pieces command premium prices, but even items needing restoration can be valuable. Look for manufacturer labels or stamps often found underneath or inside drawers of authentic pieces.
9. Bakelite Jewelry & Items
Brightly colored treasures that feel warm to touch might be valuable Bakelite. This early plastic material used in jewelry, radios, and household items from the 1920s-40s has passionate collectors willing to pay thousands.
Bangles in rare colors like red and green can fetch $500+ each. Test suspected Bakelite with hot water – it emits a distinctive formaldehyde smell when genuine.
10. Vintage Watches
Timepieces tucked away in dresser drawers might be ticking treasure chests. Early 20th century watches from brands like Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Omega regularly sell for five or six figures.
Even lesser-known brands with unique complications can be valuable. Check family heirlooms carefully – that old gold pocket watch might fund your retirement if it’s a rare model!
11. Vintage Toys
Childhood memories stored in attic boxes might be worth more than sentimental value. Early 20th century toys like cast iron banks, tin wind-ups, and early teddy bears regularly command thousands.
Original Steiff bears with button-in-ear tags can fetch $10,000+. Original paint and working mechanisms significantly increase value. Even broken pieces from rare manufacturers might be worth restoring.
12. Vintage Posters
Rolled up artwork in attic corners might contain hidden fortunes. Original movie, travel, and advertising posters from the early 1900s can command prices from $1,000 to $300,000.
Travel posters from the Art Deco period are particularly valuable. Movie posters for classics like “Metropolis” or early Disney films can be worth small fortunes when authenticated as original printings.
13. Cast Iron Cookware
Heavy kitchen heirlooms might weigh more in gold than iron! Rare pieces from Griswold and Wagner manufactured between 1890-1940 command premium prices from collectors and cooking enthusiasts alike.
A rare Griswold “spider skillet” with cover recently sold for $8,000. Look for clear markings, smooth cooking surfaces, and unusual shapes or sizes that indicate potentially valuable pieces.
14. Vintage Musical Instruments
Forgotten melodies might translate to financial harmony! Early Martin guitars, Gibson mandolins, or Steinway pianos from the 1900-1940 period can be worth substantial sums.
Pre-1940 Martin guitars regularly sell for $10,000-$200,000 depending on model and condition. Check serial numbers to determine age and authenticity. Even instruments needing restoration can be valuable if they’re rare models.
15. Vintage Fishing Gear
Reeling in big profits might be easier than catching fish! Early 20th century fishing lures, reels, and tackle boxes from makers like Heddon, Pflueger, and Creek Chub can fetch thousands.
Rare wooden lures in original paint can sell for $5,000+. Condition and rarity determine value, with unusual colors or limited production runs commanding premium prices from passionate collectors worldwide.
16. Vintage Radios
Broadcasting more than music, antique radios from the early 1900s tune into serious collector interest. Art Deco cathedral-style radios from the 1930s and rare crystal sets from the 1910s-20s can fetch thousands.
Working condition dramatically increases value, but even non-functioning units with intact wooden cabinets or unique designs can be worth restoring. Brands like Zenith, Philco, and Atwater Kent are particularly desirable.
17. Vintage Sterling Silver
Tarnished treasures might polish up to premium prices! Sterling flatware sets, tea services, and decorative items from the early 1900s by makers like Tiffany, Gorham, and Reed & Barton command impressive sums.
Complete flatware sets in desirable patterns can exceed $10,000. Even single serving pieces from rare patterns might be valuable. Check for clear hallmarks indicating sterling quality and manufacturer.