Not to alarm you… but your attic could be keeping secrets from you. From stained glass lamps to vintage books to antique music boxes, that neglected spare room at the top of the stairs could be hiding a treasure trove of valuables. But, how do you tell the difference between high-value curio and mediocre clutter? Cue the holiday vibes and airport mimosas, here’s how to spot valuable antiques (plus the most valuable collectibles to look for during your search).

How to Spot Valuable Antiques: 3 Simple Tips and Tricks

Condition Matters

Look for items that are in excellent condition, with no cracks, chips, or other physical damage. Keep in mind that items that have been heavily restored or refinished are typically not as valuable as items left in their original state. This includes minor restorations, like updated hardware or upholstery as well.

Get Magnetic

Look for items made from materials such as mahogany, silver, bronze or porcelain. These pieces generally end up being worth more than items made from more affordable materials, like iron, pine, or oak.

Helpful tip — Want to know if an item is genuine sterling silver? Use a kitchen magnet! Real silver is not magnetic, so it shouldn’t stick.

Look for Imperfections

You might think a visible deviation in the weave of your Great Aunt’s Persian runner means it would lose value at auction, but these details can have the opposite effect. Variations in the weave or finishing are common when an item has been hand-crafted instead of mass-produced.

8 Valuable Antiques and Collectibles to Sell at Auction

1. Lamps

Often tossed into a corner or a cupboard the Tiffany lamp that was once pride of place in a beloved grandparent's home. Tiffany was not the only manufacturer of these leaded glass or blown glass lamps. Sold with solid bronze bases, the heyday of their popularity was the first thirty years of the 20th Century.

2. Vintage Clocks

Time is money, at least in the auction game! One of the most valuable antiques and collectibles, vintage clocks and timepieces can be a secret goldmine. Handmade pre-20th century styles in prime condition will typically have the best return value. Popular models to look for include figural styles by Ansonia Clock Company, Drocourt carriage clocks, tall case clocks, and 19th-century French mantel pieces.

3. Handmade Rugs

It can be difficult to assess the value of antique rugs on your own, as many factors, like age, condition, style, and technique can alter the value of these fine items. The rug industry has become largely mass-produced, making intricate hand-knotted rugs a rare and valuable find these days. If you don’t know the specific provenance of your item, look for natural dyes and materials, a more dense weave, and subtle variations in the stitching and knotting to determine a ballpark range for what your rug is worth.

4. First Edition Books

Many collectors seek out first editions of rare or old books for their collections.…so how do you know if you’re in possession of one of these historic stories? Start by cross-referencing the print run numbers and copyright dates and don’t lose hope if you have a later edition—some books still retain their value, even if they aren’t original printings. If you aren’t sure about the authenticity of your edition, you can always request a consignment valuation.

5. Heirloom Jewelry

Jewelry can be worth a small fortune at auction, but not all pieces are made the same. Mass-manufacturing processes were introduced in the 1940s, so items that pre-date this time tend to be inherently more valuable due to their exclusively handmade nature. The usual suspects—gold, platinum, diamonds, and other precious gemstones—will fetch more at auction than less noteworthy materials. Costume jewelry does not perform well at auction.

6. Music Boxes

Music boxes delight children and adults alike with their whimsical songs and captivating essence. These harmonious and bespoke antiques date back to the early 19th century, and though they lost popularity with the invention of Einstein’s phonograph, they remain a desirable musical collectible to this day. Of course, bear in mind that older styles in mint condition will see the most success at auction.

7. Pocket Mirrors

A derivative of the original calling card, pocket advertising mirrors are full of vintage charm. Rather than leave a business card, salesmen of the 19th and 20th centuries would leave these promotional collectibles with potential customers to advertise their product and sweeten the deal for their prospective buyers. Look for notable manufacturers like Whitehead and Hoag, Bastian Brothers, and The American Art Works or brands like Coca-Cola, Morton Salt, and RCA Records to maximize their auction potential.

8. Movie Posters

One of the most valuable collectibles to look for? Movie posters from Hollywood’s finest! Many of these eye-catching vintage graphics were tossed in the bin immediately after the film’s viewing, which has led to a dramatic increase in their value in the modern age. Look for popular or sentimental films and framed one-sheet (27”x41”) prints without thumbtack holes, creasing, or wrinkles to achieve the best results at auction.

At Gray’s, we’ve been valuing and selling art and precious artifacts to a global market for over 30 years. Our experienced team is committed to providing fair, accurate estimations and helping your valuable antiques and collectibles achieve their highest potential at auction.

If you’re local to northeastern Ohio and looking for an expert valuation for your item, reach out to us here to start the consignment process.

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