5 things in your attic that may produce a windfall

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October 6, 2:04 PM

by Auction Wally, Auctions and Antiques Examiner

 

 

  The are thousands of these in attics across America.

Are you in need of quick cash? Do you think you may have something in your attic that is worth considerably more than the price of a tank of gas, but just don't know what to look for?

Here is a list antiques you could have lying around that may be worth a small fortune.

1. Paintings: Look for good quality oil on canvass paintings in old gold gilt gesso frames. Victorian florals, farm scenes and much more are being sought after avidly by collectors/investors.  Price range - $500 -$100,000
2. American art pottery: Look for vases and jardinere's by companies like Newcomb College,Rookwood, Grueby Faience, Roseville, Van Briggle etc. Price range $200-$10,000
3. Sterling silver flatware sets: Values of sterling has jumped from 3 to 10x what it was just months ago, so sterling collectibles have been carried right along. Look for names like, Gorham, Lunt, Westmoreland, others. It must be sterling to sell for top dollar, silver plate will not cut it. Price range: $500 - $3500
4. 1950s Baseball Cards - Condition is important, players are important. A 1952  Mickey Mantle Topps rookie card can be worth $20,000! Look for Hall of Fame players and household names such as Eddie Matthews, Willie Mays, Warren Spahn, Gil Hodges, but little knowns can be worth quite a bit as well. Names such as Jimmie Collins, George Carey, Luther Tayor and many others can be worth hundreds in the right set and the right condition.  Price range:  $150 - $20,000
5. Stickley arts and crafts furniture: If you have something in like the American art pottery listed about, then there is a chance that your house may contain a piece or two of Stickley furniture. Look for the red stamp or impression of Gustav Stickley which is the most valuable overall. Also, Quaint furniture by Stickley bros. and LG & J Stickley brands sell well. Price range:  $1,500 - $30,000. 

         Roseville Vase

Don't be intimidated if you don't know what some of these names and terms mean. I have some helpful sources which I recommend, the first is www.auctionwally.com, which is my online antiques appraisal site.

Here are a few others I use:

Worthpoint.com - A social network site for antiques dealers and collectors.

iTaggit.com - Let the community place a value on your items.

iAntiqueOnline - An antiques information resource community

                              Sterling silver flatware

Now, while I do sell guaranteed online appraisals at www.auctionwally.com, there is an extensive appraisal archive that is absolutely free to view. At the time of this article, I'm approaching 600 self written appraisals and antiques articles  there.

You may  browse by label, category, or enter the name of what your looking for in the searchbox at the top of the page.

As far as I know, there is no other online appraisal archive that has anywhere near this amount of content which is 100% free to view. There is no sign up required.

In the right condition, this card is $20,000

The next site which you may find to be very useful is The Auctionwally Network. This is another free website. There you can get advice, ask questions and make connections.

                     Stickley furniture is red hot!

You may be saying to yourself, "well, even if I come across something of this caliber, it seems it would be impossible to sell this kind of a hight ticket item in this economy".

Actually, many people are looking for alternative investments.  In tough economic  times, many often turn to tangible investments, becuase they can't  lose 100% of thier value.

First, dig around and find out if you have something like this.  If you do, a professional will be more than happy to help you get top dollar for it.

At the very least, you'll have learned something about your family history, and who knows,  you may have the next Philidelphia stool worth $5.2 million!

 

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