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20 Hidden Treasures To Find At Pawn Shops, Garage Sales, And Antique Stores
Sean Ahern
November 20, 2024
Image by Big Money Methods
TLDR (Too Long Didn’t Read)
Vintage Pokémon Cards: Seek original Base Set 1st Editions with black star stamps.
Mid-Century Modern Furniture: Look for teak or walnut pieces with Danish-inspired design.
Old Vinyl Records: Focus on first pressings of rock, jazz, or blues albums.
Mechanical Watches: Prioritize brands like Omega and Rolex, especially vintage chronographs.
Vintage Cast Iron Cookware: Look for Griswold and Wagner brands, avoid pitted surfaces.
Old Typewriters: Seek brands like Underwood or Smith-Corona, check unique typefaces.
Retro Gaming Consoles: Nintendo 64 or Sega Genesis with original packaging fetches more.
Obscure Sports Memorabilia: Autographed vintage ticket stubs from iconic games are valuable.
Vintage Pyrex Sets: Bright patterns like “Gooseberry” or “Butterfly Gold” in mint condition.
Old Cameras and Film Equipment: Focus on brands like Leica or Canon with manual settings.
Gold and Silver Jewelry: Prioritize hallmarks like “14K” and “925” to ensure authenticity.
High-End Kitchen Knives: Brands like Shun and Wüsthof with original packaging are ideal.
First Edition Books: Check for original dust jackets and first edition marks.
Vintage Musical Instruments: Seek brands like Gibson and Fender, check for serial numbers.
Vintage Advertising Signs: Metal signs from brands like Coca-Cola or Shell are collectible.
Antique Clocks: Look for ornate wind-up models from Seth Thomas or Ansonia.
Collectible Board Games: Older Monopoly or Scrabble editions with wooden pieces are rare.
Silverware Sets: Focus on “Sterling” or “925” hallmarked flatware for maximum value.
Vintage Sewing Machines: Seek early 1900s models from Singer, ensure all parts are present.
Military Memorabilia: World War II uniforms, medals, or marked helmets have strong resale.
Beneath the dust and cobwebs of most antique shops and garage sales, there are plenty of hidden treasures.
The key is to be able to stop these treasures and buy them before someone else does.
Luckily, many of the items on this list tend to fly under the radar, with many garage sales and antique shops not even knowing their true value.
Here are 20 of the most valuable items to look for that can be flipped for big profits and where to look for them.
1. Vintage Pokémon Cards
Where to Find It: Pawn shops, garage sales
Average Selling Price: $500 - $3,000+
The Pokémon card market has exploded, but not all cards are worth a fortune. The most valuable ones are from the original Base Set released in 1999. Look for cards that say “1st Edition” with a black star stamp on the left side of the card. Pay special attention to holographic cards like Charizard (#4/102), Blastoise (#2/102), and Venusaur (#15/102). These can sell for thousands in mint condition. Pro Tip: Check the bottom right corner of the card for the “shadowless” print. Shadowless cards (lacking the shadow around the border) are much rarer and more valuable.
2. Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Where to Find It: Thrift stores, estate sales
Average Selling Price: $800 - $2,500
Danish-inspired furniture from the 1950s-60s is highly collectible. Look for pieces made from teak or walnut with clean, minimalist lines. Brands like Herman Miller, Knoll, and Hans Wegner are highly sought after. Check for original labels or stamps underneath chairs or tables. Minor scratches are okay, but structural integrity is key. A little polish can often increase the value significantly. Pro Tip: If you find a classic Eames chair, it could be worth upwards of $5,000 if it's an original.
3. Old Vinyl Records
Where to Find It: Antique stores, garage sales
Average Selling Price: $100 - $1,000
The most valuable records are original pressings from the 1960s and 70s, especially in rock, jazz, and blues genres. Look for artists like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, or Miles Davis. First pressings with mint-condition covers and vinyl are highly sought after. Check for serial numbers on the spine or back cover. Pro Tip: Look for records labeled “PROMO” or “DEMONSTRATION” as these were pressed in limited quantities and can be worth significantly more.
4. Mechanical Watches
Where to Find It: Pawn shops, estate sales
Average Selling Price: $300 - $1,500
Brands like Omega, Seiko, and Rolex are goldmines if you can find them. Focus on vintage mechanical (not quartz) models with complications like chronographs or moon phases. Look for serial numbers on the case back to verify authenticity. Avoid watches with water damage or heavily scratched crystals. Pro Tip: Even broken vintage watches can be valuable for parts, so don’t dismiss a watch just because it’s not ticking.
5. Vintage Cast Iron Cookware
Where to Find It: Thrift stores, garage sales
Average Selling Price: $150 - $500
The best cast iron pieces come from brands like Griswold and Wagner. Look for smooth surfaces inside the pan and clear brand markings on the bottom. Avoid pans with deep pitting or cracks, but don’t worry about rust, it can be cleaned and re-seasoned. Pro Tip: Older cast iron (pre-1950s) is lighter and smoother than modern pieces, making it more valuable.
6. Old Typewriters
Where to Find It: Antique stores, garage sales
Average Selling Price: $200 - $700
Look for typewriters from brands like Underwood, Smith-Corona, and Royal. Models with unique colors or original cases fetch a premium. Test the keys, ribbon, and carriage to ensure they function properly. Pro Tip: Check if the typewriter has unique typefaces or fonts; these can be more desirable for collectors.
7. Retro Gaming Consoles
Where to Find It: Pawn shops, thrift stores
Average Selling Price: $200 - $800
Consoles like Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, and PlayStation 1 are hot commodities, especially if they come with original boxes and manuals. Limited edition consoles, like the gold N64 or clear-colored Game Boys, can fetch even more. Pro Tip: Make sure to test the console before buying. If the controllers or AV cables are missing, replacements can be costly.
8. Obscure Sports Memorabilia
Where to Find It: Estate sales, garage sales
Average Selling Price: $100 - $500
Items like old ticket stubs, pennants, and programs from historic events (think Michael Jordan’s early career or old World Series games) can fetch a premium. Look for items that are autographed, but be cautious of forgeries. Pro Tip: Use a blacklight to check for hidden security marks on autographs to verify authenticity.
9. Vintage Pyrex Sets
Where to Find It: Thrift stores, estate sales
Average Selling Price: $100 - $1,000 per set
Image Courtesy Of Woman’s World
Brightly colored sets with patterns like “Gooseberry” or “Butterfly Gold” are highly collectible. Make sure the pieces are free from chips or cracks, as condition greatly affects value. Pro Tip: Sets with lids and matching bowls can command double the price of single pieces.
10. Old Cameras and Film Equipment
Where to Find It: Pawn shops, antique stores
Average Selling Price: $200 - $600
Focus on brands like Leica, Canon, and Nikon, particularly older models with manual settings. Check if the lenses are clear and the shutter is functional. Pro Tip: Look for original leather cases and accessories; these can significantly increase resale value.
11. Gold and Silver Jewelry
Where to Find It: Pawn shops, garage sales
Average Selling Price: $200 - $1,000
Look for hallmarks like “14K” for gold and “925” for sterling silver. Pieces with unique designs, especially vintage or Art Deco, can fetch higher prices. Pro Tip: Use a magnet to test for authenticity; real gold and silver won’t stick.
12. High-End Kitchen Knives
Where to Find It: Thrift stores, estate sales
Average Selling Price: $150 - $500
Focus on brands like Shun, Wüsthof, and Global. The sharper the knife, the better its condition. Check for any chips or bends in the blade. Pro Tip: Knives with original packaging and wooden sheaths are worth more.
13. First Edition Books
Where to Find It: Antique stores, estate sales
Average Selling Price: $300 - $2,000+
First edition books, especially from well-known authors like J.K. Rowling, Ernest Hemingway, or Stephen King, can be worth a small fortune. Look for original dust jackets and first edition markings on the copyright page. For example, the first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone can sell for thousands. Pro Tip: Condition is everything. A book with its original dust jacket in good shape is exponentially more valuable. Look for autographed copies as well, but ensure they come with a certificate of authenticity.
14. Vintage Musical Instruments
Where to Find It: Pawn shops, garage sales
Average Selling Price: $500 - $5,000+
Vintage guitars from brands like Gibson, Fender, or Martin are hot commodities. Even lesser-known brands like Gretsch can fetch a high price if the instrument is in good condition. Look for original serial numbers to verify authenticity. Acoustic guitars with unique wood grain patterns or original pickups are particularly sought after. Pro Tip: Check for cracks, warping, and the condition of the frets. Instruments with minor cosmetic damage are still worth buying if the sound quality is intact.
15. Vintage Advertising Signs
Where to Find It: Antique stores, garage sales
Average Selling Price: $200 - $1,500+
Old metal signs from brands like Coca-Cola, Shell Oil, or Pepsi can be highly collectible. Look for signs that have vibrant colors and minimal rust or damage. The more iconic the brand, the higher the value. Signs from gas stations, soda brands, or early automotive companies are particularly popular. Pro Tip: The older and more unique the sign, the better. Check the back for manufacturer stamps, which can authenticate the age and value.
16. Antique Clocks
Where to Find It: Estate sales, pawn shops
Average Selling Price: $300 - $1,200+
Old clocks, especially from brands like Seth Thomas, Ansonia, or Junghans, can bring in good money. Look for unique features like chimes, ornate designs, or pendulums. Wind-up clocks with functioning mechanisms are worth more, even if they need a little cleaning. Pro Tip: If the clock has a patina, don’t polish it off. Collectors value the original aged look.
17. Collectible Board Games
Where to Find It: Thrift stores, garage sales
Average Selling Price: $100 - $500+
Older editions of classic games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or Risk can sell for big bucks if they’re in good condition. Look for games from the 1950s-70s, especially if they have wooden or metal pieces instead of plastic. Games still sealed in their original packaging are worth even more. Pro Tip: Check for all the original pieces and instructions. Incomplete sets may not sell as well but can still be worth it to collectors who need parts.
18. Silverware Sets
Where to Find It: Estate sales, antique stores
Average Selling Price: $200 - $1,000+
Sterling silver flatware sets are not only functional but also collectible. Look for the hallmark “925” or “Sterling” on the back of the utensils to ensure they’re genuine. Sets with intricate designs or from high-end brands like Tiffany & Co. can fetch premium prices. Pro Tip: Don’t confuse silver-plated sets with genuine sterling silver; they are far less valuable. Test with a magnet, real silver is not magnetic.
19. Vintage Sewing Machines
Where to Find It: Pawn shops, garage sales
Average Selling Price: $150 - $800+
Brands like Singer and Pfaff from the early 1900s are particularly valuable. Look for machines that have all their original parts, including foot pedals, cases, and manuals. The older the model and the better its condition, the more it’s worth. Pro Tip: Machines with ornate designs or unique features, like built-in cabinets, are even more collectible. Make sure the machine still runs smoothly, as non-functional ones are harder to sell.
20. Military Memorabilia
Where to Find It: Estate sales, antique stores
Average Selling Price: $200 - $1,500+
Old military uniforms, medals, field rations, equipment, or memorabilia from World War I or II are sought after by collectors. Look for original patches, insignias, or items that have documentation or provenance. Helmets with original markings, old war posters, and military-issued knives can bring in a nice profit. Pro Tip: Be wary of reproductions; authentic items often have wear and unique markings. Verify authenticity through stamps or serial numbers where possible.
The BMM Takeaway
Pawn shops, thrift stores, garage sales, and antique stores are filled with hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
The key is knowing what to look for and doing your research before you buy.
So next time you’re out hunting for deals, remember this: The most valuable finds are often the ones that the sellers don’t even realize they have.
Educate yourself, keep an eye out for details, and trust your instincts. With a little effort, you could turn a weekend hobby into a profitable side hustle.