7 Common Items in your Home that could be Valuable

Many of us have some valuable inherited art or antiques in our homes. However, they might be stashed away in a dusty box in the attic or stuffed unceremoniously under the stairs. Not having seen the light of day for years. Or they might be on proud display for all to see. A family heirloom with an elaborate tale to fit. Either way, these types of items can often be overlooked as to what they actually are as they have always been there. Their origins somewhere in the murky past of family lore.  

Have you ever stopped and looked at that old painting hanging on the wall, and thought I wonder who the artist might be? Or where was it painted? Or that collection of interesting looking old books at the back of the cupboard? Maybe it’s time to have a spring clean and find out just what they are?

Sometimes these items can be worth much more than you think. Much more! Just take a look at this article! While it’s unlikely most of us will have items worth millions lurking in our attics, it is possible that you might have something of considerable worth that you didn’t know the true value of.

Let’s take a look at 7 types that are often overlooked but might just be waiting to be discovered in your own home.

Books

Almost everyone has some books in their home, and nowadays they are quite often stacked away in a dark corner in cardboard boxes. Passed down through the family they are often put aside after the original owner has finished with them. They don’t need to be old to be treasured either. Certain modern first editions can be exceptionally valuable. Also, you’ll never know what you might find inside a book as this remarkable discovery shows.

Art

This one may seem obvious but the meteoric rise in art values in recent years can leave one quite gobsmacked to see just how stratospheric values have gone. You may have a painting that you know to be by a well known artist and is often admired in your home. However, when last did you have a professional appraisal done on it? If it was years ago an updated value might just shock you. Here are some recent high profile finds. 

Silver

Like much of the traditional antique market in the last decade plus, antique silver has taken quite a knock. That is not to say that certain items aren’t in high demand though, with ever rising values. Coupled with the fact that the value of the actual base metal has been steadily climbing can make valuable discoveries from the back of the cupboard a high possibility. That dirty, dented old teapot with the funny marks that you think is plated could be just the thing that a cabal of collectors might do battle over at auction.

Toys

Toys often lose their magic for us when we reach adulthood or our children have flown the coop. They are packed up and banished to storage for evermore. However it’s well worth digging them out and taking a look to see if there is anything valuable there. Items like certain Star Wars figurines and Lego sets can be worth a fortune.

Jewellery

Jewellery is a constant victim to the vagaries of fashion. Tossed aside once a new look is in vogue. Or if broken or damaged then shoved into a drawer and forgotten about. If their base metal is gold or silver though they will have some value already. Not to mention a valuable setting. However jewellery doesn’t have to be made of something expensive to be worth something. There are many desirable costume jewellery designers of the 20th century that are now collected.

Watches

As mentioned above, the value of base metals is considerable. An 18 carat gold pocket watch case that houses a broken movement is still valuable. However, it is not just gold that can make a watch valuable. It is a hugely robust collecting field with many nuances in what makes a piece desirable. Just read this unbelievable story! Which is why if you think you might have something interesting it is worth doing some research and getting a professional appraisal.

Ceramics

Ceramics cover a vast collecting field from the exquisite glazes of ancient China to the colourful Art Deco marvels of Clarice Cliff. However it is the fact that ceramic items are so ubiquitous in our homes that they are often overlooked. Amongst all those pieces lurking in the kitchen cupboards could be a gem waiting to be discovered.

It’s also worth noting that sometimes finding out the monetary value of an object isn’t the primary object. Sometimes it’s just fun to find out and research the history of an item. Where did it come from, what is it made of, and how did it end up in your home can reveal a fascinating story? As well as a new appreciation for it!

Here at iValuations you’ll find experts in over 50 categories of art, antiques and collectibles that are waiting to give impartial professional, affordable and in-depth valuation reports in a timeous and easy to use manner.