Here's How Much These Iconic Antiques From the Past 30 Years Are Worth Now
Helaine Fendelman knows her antiques. Since 1984, she's appraised more than 1,594 items in 188 "What Is It? What Is It Worth?" columns for Country Living. Now, the New York City appraiser is looking back and reevaluating 40 of the most memorable objects from years' past. Here are Fendelman's 40 most memorable antiques worth money, from antique furniture, art, collectibles, antique toys, dishes, and more.
What it was worth (1984): $750
What it's worth now: $15,000
This beautiful piece of designer luggage appeared in Fendelman's very first column for Country Living in 1984.
What it was worth (2004): $300
What it’s worth now: $65
This cowboy-covered lunch box is now worth less than a fourth of its original appraised value, but we still love the Western theme.
What it was worth (1989): $1,200
What it’s worth now: $3,500
This might be one toy you don't let your kids play with.
What it was worth (1987): $275
What it’s worth now: $1,750
After 31 years, this mechanical bank was appraised for more than six times its original value.
What it was worth (2012): $225
What it’s worth now: $100
This vintage horse print would look perfect in any room boasting a farmhouse-inspired aesthetic.
What it was worth (2008): $600
What it’s worth now: $800
This jacket was made by Bonnie Cashin, one of the originators of American sportswear. She also created uniforms for women fighting in World War II.
What it was worth (1995): $350
What it’s worth now: $225
This delicate design was originally called the "bulb" pattern. Copy the classic look with the budget-friendly cornflower print found on Corningware's recently re-launched collection.
What it was worth (1997): $425
What it’s worth now: $1,500
We're not sure how useful this sprinkler would be today, but the duck design is pretty cute (and that updated price tag is pretty impressive).
What it was worth (1986): $3,500
What it’s worth now: $5,000
This antique stove is quite a bit bulkier and much more intricate than today's models, but it will no doubt make a statement in your home.
What it was worth (2004): $50
What it’s worth now: $65
Rand McNally, a company founded way back in 1856, still makes maps today.
What it was worth (2001): $22,000
What it’s worth now: $22,000
We certainly wouldn't be using this antique—which has surprisingly retained its value over the years—for its intended purpose.
What it was worth (2010): $1,400 for a set of 7
What it’s worth now: $750
Although they've decreased in value by nearly 50 percent, these spoons are still stunning.
What it was worth (2005): $350
What it’s worth now: $200
We'd love to have our coffee or tea served from this floral painted pot.
What it was worth (2015): $900
What it’s worth now: $1,000
Vintage machines from National Cash Register—now called NCR Corporation—are often appraised for thousands of dollars.
What it was worth (2006): $3,500
What it’s worth now: $3,500
Fendelman says Saleman's Samples pieces that have original parts are very valuable.
What it was worth (1989): $75
What it’s worth now: $75
Although this device was originally used for nails, it could hold a variety of trinkets. Plus, think about how charming it would look on your dresser.
What it was worth (2004): $12,000
What it’s worth now: $12,000
Compared to current Tiffany Table designs—which are sold for a few hundred dollars—this version is quite a bit pricier.
What it was worth (2013): $350
What it’s worth now: $350
Despite being around 100 years old, this colorful card is still vibrant.
What it was worth (2005): $1,800
What it’s worth now: $3,600
These animated wickets are much more fun than the traditional versions.
What it was worth (1987): $2,500 for a set of 6
What it’s worth now: $1,800
Maybe it's time to get your kitchen furniture appraised: This set of ordinary looking wood chairs is worth nearly $2,000 today!
What it was worth (2008): $450
What it’s worth now: $400
Every hour is happy hour when you're mixing drinks with this adorable cocktail set.
What it was worth (2005): $950
What it’s worth now: $950
Chalkware figurines are lightweight models that are actually made with plaster of Paris.
What it was worth (2011): $2,500
What it’s worth now: $1,000
Although this blanket decreased in value by more than 50 percent, we think every handmade quilt is priceless.
What it was worth (2002): $400
What it’s worth now: $2,000
Walter von Nessen, husband of industrial designer Greta von Nessen, co-founded Nessen Studios, now Nessen Lamps Inc., with his wife.
What it was worth (1995): $500
What it’s worth now: $500
Figures of people "doing everyday things" are rare to find, Fendelman says.
What it was worth (2001): $45
What it’s worth now: $45
Candy company Fanny Farmer was named after the culinary queen, though she had nothing to do with the sweet business.
What it was worth (2012): $1,200
What it’s worth now: $500
This vintage bandana displays the faces of the 22nd President of the United States, Grover Cleveland, and his second Vice President, Adlai Stevenson.
What it was worth (2004): $200
What it’s worth now: $650
If just the flag is appraised for $650, we wonder how much the yacht it flew on is worth!
What it was worth (2003): $275
What it’s worth now: $200
Griswold Manufacturing produced renown cast iron cooking products from 1865 to 1957.
What it was worth (2006): $350
What it’s worth now: $350
After many ownership and business changes, Royal Typewriter Company is now known as Royal Consumer Information Products Inc., and still produces computer products today.
What it was worth (1987): $275
What it’s worth now: $5,500
This shaker box, which probably stored dry goods in a pantry, is now worth 20 times its original appraisal from 31 years ago.
What it was worth (1985): $350
What it’s worth now: $500
This style of furniture was invented by Michael Thonet, a furniture maker born way back in 1796.
What it was worth (2009): $25,000
What it’s worth now: $5,000
This China plate from James Polk's presidency is now worth just a fifth of its original appraisal.
What it was worth (1998): $75
What it’s worth now: $30
A bright bulb planter would look beautiful in any garden.
What it was worth (2003): $600
What it’s worth now: $700
Fendelman says the key to telling authentic door porters from replicas is the weight—knockoffs are usually lighter.
What it was worth (2001): $1,000
What it’s worth now: $500
This poster from World War I was likely an advertisement for war bonds.
What it was worth (2008): $1,000
What it’s worth now: $1,800
This gorgeous cabinetry would fit perfectly in a cute country cottage.
What it was worth (2006): $750
What it’s worth now: $2,000
Although this brightly colored contraption was used to grind coffee beans, it now makes for an interesting decoration 100 years later.
What it was worth (1987): $150
What it’s worth now: $100
We can just imagine all the beautiful pieces that were made with the help of this kitschy clamp.
Here's How Much These Iconic Antiques From the Past 30 Years Are Worth Now
Helaine Fendelman knows her antiques. Since 1984, she's appraised more than 1,594 items in 188 "What Is It? What Is It Worth?" columns for Country Living. Now, the New York City appraiser is looking back and reevaluating 40 of the most memorable objects from years' past. Here are Fendelman's 40 most memorable antiques worth money, from antique furniture, art, collectibles, antique toys, dishes, and more.
Do you have any of these valuable items hiding in your attic?
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