Valuable Vintage Items to Sell and Collect
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If you’re looking to become a vintage seller and want to know what items you can sell for top dollar, this is a list for you. Or if you want some tips on how to find these items inexpensively for your own collection then I can help!
Pyrex
Pyrex is notoriously expensive and the first thing purchased at estate sales. The only place I find Pyrex cheaply is at thrift stores. Not always, some thrift shops know what they have and price accordingly. Be patient and you will find cheap Pyrex while thrifting. Be sure to check bottom shelves in the kitchen departments and dig around in bowls that are nested together. You never know what could be hiding!
Made in Japan Ceramics
Certain made in Japan ceramics can cost a fortune. Thankfully they aren’t as well known or popular as Pyrex so I’ve found some good cheap ones at thrift shops. For instance, on the purple shelf I found the elephant set and poodle set for $5 each at a flea market. Always look through the knick knack section at thrift stores too.
Lady Head Vases
Wow are these ladies expensive! I’m lucky enough to own three. Two of them have chips and are imperfect. If you’re hoping to own them for your own collection I encourage you to not be fussy about condition. Head vases with chips and scratches need love too! And they are much more affordable this way. You can find lady head vases for sale online to start a collection.
Blow Molds
Blow molds have had a huge resurgence lately and prices can be INSANE. I’ve found blow molds cheaply at thrift shops, garage sales and flea markets. It’s rare don’t get me wrong. But be patient and always ask for the price. I found a rare Santa head blow mold at a flea market and it wasn’t priced, if I had assumed it was too expensive I would have lost out. But I asked and it was only $10 and I was so excited!
Ceramic Christmas Trees
Ceramic Christmas trees are SO HOT right now (Zoolander, anyone?). The ceramic trees I’ve been lucky enough to find cheaply were at thrift stores when they first brought out their Christmas décor. Check with your local thrift stores when they bring out seasonal items or if they have a Christmas open house that you can visit.
Glassware Collection
Finding a Blendo glassware set was on my wishlist for ages! I found my set for $35 on Facebook marketplace. I set up notifications for Blendo on my FB Marketplace so I’ll find out right when something is listed.
Shiny Brite Ornaments
I have the best luck digging through individual, loose ornament bins at thrift stores for old ornaments. If you see a box of Shiny Brites they will probably be too expensive. But buying them one at a time can be a great way to build your collection.
Jadeite
Jadeite is a gorgeous mint green and can be very expensive at estate sales and antique stores. I’ve had good luck thrifting jadeite bowls for next to nothing.
Salt and Pepper Shakers
Salt and pepper shakers can be pretty cheap if they are plastic and plain. But cute ceramic sets with animals and special patterns can be pricey. Thrift shops and flea markets are best to find them cheaply. One of the flea markets near me has a guy that sells all his salt and pepper shaker sets for $5. Most of the sets are junk but I found this Enesco winking kitty set which is pretty rare!
Crewels
Crewels are framed embroidery art. The few vintage crewels I’ve found were from thrift shops. One that I found had sharpie written around the outside edge so I have to reframe it, but it was only $3 and crewels can be expensive! Be sure to check through all the frames leaning up against each other at thrift stores. They might be mixed in between gross 80s doctors room art! The one above is a crewel pillow that I found thrifting a few years back.
Quilts
I adore vintage quilts, especially ones from the 1930s and 1970s. All the ones I own are from thrift shops and found in the linen department. I especially love crazy quilts which look really scrappy and are less expensive.
In the video below I discuss ever MORE valuable vintage items!
There you have it! I’m proud to say I own at least one of everything on this list and didn’t spend a fortune doing it. The key is PATIENCE and don’t just quickly buy the first piece of Pyrex you see. For the other side of the coin check out my blog post on 25 Affordable Vintage Pieces to Start a Collection.
If you have a collection but you’re not sure how to display it, let’s figure out a solution for you! You can book a vintage home styling consult with me and we can work on getting your collections out and looking fabulous.
