Who knows how many people have had the experience of going down into the cellar and, after many years, opening boxes or trunks where you didn’t remember having placed what today seem like real hidden treasures. This can be an exciting and potentially rewarding experience.
While the likelihood of finding valuable antiques or lost fortunes may seem slim, there are some items that could have significant value to collectors or enthusiasts.
Here’s a list of items that might deserve a closer look
Surely among the many things that are stored in the cellar there are games. When your children grow up, the best thing is to sort through the toys: the broken ones end up in the bin, we prefer to sort those in decent conditions into shelters or nursery schools. But there are those games that you are most fond of that remain at home, well stored away, whose existence you only discover by chance after a long time. Just these can be worth a lot, because they may have become valuable collector’s items due to their age, rarity or cultural value. Action figures, dolls, model cars, board games and vintage electronics can command impressive prices among collectors.
Easier to place, however, are antique furniture, especially those with intricate carvings, unique designs or historical value, which can be highly sought after by antique collectors. But decorative items such as porcelain figurines, paintings, antique clocks and vintage lamps can also have value.
Another story are rare books, generally first editions, signed copies or out-of-print books, particularly those relating to history, literature or art, which take on a charm from times gone by. If their condition is optimal, you can even aim for stratospheric figures.
Also collectible are musical instruments, vintage or well preserved, such as guitars, violins, pianos and drums. Their value depends on their condition, age, brand and historical value.
As for collectible coins and stamps, these are a must for collecting: it is in fact a widespread hobby and some rare or excellent condition specimens can reach high prices. It is helpful to always check for valuable coins from old collections or inherited stamp albums.
Vintage cameras and photographic equipment is the stuff of true enthusiasts! These are mostly old cameras, especially those from renowned brands such as Leica, Rolleiflex or Hasselblad, which can be valuable collector’s items for photography enthusiasts. Vintage lenses, darkroom equipment and photography memorabilia can also have value.
Sport also has its role in the collecting field memorabilia Sports and Autographs: Rare sports cards, historic sporting event tickets, and vintage sports equipment, whether photographed or not, can be valuable to collectors and fans.
It might seem like a strange joke, yet as rare as they are, there are enthusiasts of military objects such as uniforms, medals, weapons (with the necessary permits and documentation) and war memorabilia. For true connoisseurs! Added to this is the collecting of a type of vintage clothing and fashion accessories from the past, especially well-preserved garments in excellent condition. Accessories such as bags, jewelry and hats can also have value.
Lastly, it is the old electronics that take center stage. These are retro electronics such as old computers, consoles, radios and phones can be sought after by collectors and technology enthusiasts. Make sure they are in working order or have the original packaging and accessories.
