5 Southern Antique Finds In Alpharetta That Might Be Valuable (Plus Two That Aren’t)
Alpharetta, Georgia has become a treasure trove for antique enthusiasts looking for valuable Southern heirlooms. Hidden in estate sales, antique shops, and family attics are pieces that carry both historical significance and hefty price tags. But not every old item deserves a spot in a museum or commands top dollar.
I’ll show you which Southern antiques in Alpharetta might be worth a small fortune and which ones should stay in the donation pile.
1. Civil War Era Sideboards with Original Hardware
Every scratch tells a story on these magnificent pieces of Southern history. Crafted from native woods like walnut or cherry between 1850-1865, Civil War era sideboards with original brass hardware can fetch upwards of $15,000 in today’s market.
Several Alpharetta estates have surrendered these treasures during transitions. The most valuable examples feature hand-carved details, dovetail joinery, and documented provenance connecting them to prominent Southern families.
Look for maker’s marks hidden inside drawers or underneath, signatures from master craftsmen like Thomas Day can multiply the value tenfold!
2. Pre-1900 Southern Quilts with Historical Patterns
Stitched by hand during long Georgia summers, antebellum and post-Civil War quilts tell intimate stories of Southern families. The most valuable examples feature documented historical patterns like the Double Wedding Ring or Carolina Lily, created before 1900.
Family names often appear embroidered in corners, dramatically increasing value. Alpharetta’s historical society recently authenticated a cotton plantation quilt that sold for $22,000 at auction.
Cotton grown, spun and dyed on the same plantation creates what collectors call the “full provenance trifecta”, a feature that can transform a simple bedcovering into a five-figure investment.
3. Authentic Plantation Desk with Secret Compartments
Running my fingers along the seams of these magnificent pieces always gives me a thrill, will I discover the next hidden drawer? Plantation desks from prestigious Georgia estates, particularly those with secret compartments, command $8,000-$30,000 from serious collectors.
Several Alpharetta families have uncovered these treasures during home renovations. The finest examples feature multiple hiding spots for valuables, letters, and sometimes even historic documents related to the property.
Provenance matters enormously! A desk with documented history from a known plantation like Roswell’s Barrington Hall can double or triple in value overnight.
4. Silver Julep Cups with Prominent Family Crests
Gleaming reminders of Southern hospitality sit in several Alpharetta collections, often unrecognized for their true value. Silver julep cups bearing the crests of prominent Georgia families like the Bullocks or Rosewells can command $3,000-$8,000 each at specialized auctions.
The finest examples date between 1820-1860 and carry maker’s marks from renowned Southern silversmiths. Last year, a matched set of four from a Milton County estate brought $32,000 at Christie’s.
Authentic cups have distinctive proportions, about 3.5 inches tall with slightly flared lips designed specifically for mint juleps, not just any silver tumbler!
5. Hand-Painted Georgia China from Prestigious Plantations
Fragile treasures with surprising value hide in Alpharetta dining rooms! Complete sets of hand-painted china commissioned by wealthy Georgia plantation owners before 1865 can bring $20,000-$45,000 at specialized auctions.
The most valuable pieces feature custom designs incorporating family motifs, plantation scenes, or Southern flora. Recently, a 42-piece set from an Alpharetta estate with documentation linking it to the Bulloch plantation family sold for $37,500.
Authentic pieces bear distinctive hallmarks from European makers like Limoges or Meissen, combined with custom elements requested by Southern families, a fascinating blend of Old World craftsmanship and Southern aristocratic taste.
6. Mass-Produced “Southern Belle” Figurines
Don’t be fooled by these pretty faces! Those porcelain Southern Belle figurines gathering dust on grandma’s shelf rarely hold significant value. Despite their Southern theme, most were mass-produced in Japan or Taiwan during the 1950s-1970s tourism boom.
I’ve seen countless Alpharetta estate sales where sellers hoped for hundreds but received mere dollars. Even with their original boxes, these kitschy collectibles typically sell for $15-$30 each, barely covering the cost of careful packing.
The market has been flooded with these items, and younger collectors show little interest in what they view as outdated stereotypes rather than authentic Southern artifacts.
7. “Inherited” Confederate Currency Without Documentation
Paper promises that rarely deliver! Undocumented Confederate currency found in Alpharetta attics typically sells for $5-$20 per note, disappointing many hopeful sellers. The market is saturated with both authentic low-value notes and modern reproductions.
Without certificates of authenticity or documented provenance, even genuine bills hold minimal value. I recently witnessed an Alpharetta estate sale where a shoebox of Confederate money brought just $125 total, about $7 per note.
The sad reality: during the Civil War, millions of these notes were printed with little backing, and most Southern families kept them as souvenirs, creating an oversupply that persists today.
