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- 16 "Everyday" Yard Sale Items That Are Actually Worth a FORTUNE</p>
<p>Carissa TozziAugust 12, 2025 at 3:45 AM</p>
<p>These 16 Yard Sale Items Are Worth a FORTUNE Massimo Ravera - Getty Images</p>
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<p>Yard sales were once a secret haven for finding unexpected treasures. But with TikTok-fueled trends and a surge of casual resellers, secondhand shopping has gone mainstream. These days, early-bird buyers show up phone-in-hand, ready to reverse-image search anything that looks promising.</p>
<p>"The average person is savvier now," says David Mcalary, owner of Swank West Hartford Estate Auctions. "You're not walking into a goldmine anymore—but there's still gold if you know what to look for."</p>
<p>Even with more competition, the joy of discovery hasn't faded. Christina Gerstner, a professional vintage seller and the founder of @whitepeppervintage, shares a similar view. "I think what people overlook most often are things that seem too utilitarian to be worth much—like a wooden box, a frame, or a kitchen tool," she says. "But those are the things I always grab because they were built to last and can still be used."</p>
<p>While the occasional high-value find still pops up, value isn't always tied to profit. "If you find something secondhand that replaces a new purchase, that's valuable," says Gerstner. "It's sustainable, it's personal, and often better made."</p>
<p>Wondering what to keep an eye out for? According to vintage insiders, these are the under-the-radar pieces still waiting to be discovered—and potentially worth much more than they appear.</p>
<p>Brass Decor</p>
<p>Kseniya Ovchinnikova - Getty Images</p>
<p>Brass candlesticks, trays, and sculptures might seem like old-school clutter, but the good stuff is heavy, solid, and sells fast. "Weight is everything—if it feels too light, it's probably new or fake," says Gerstner. Mcalary agrees: "I'm always scanning for sculptural pieces that feel like quality the moment you pick them up." From the fantastical to the abstract, brass accents, especially vintage ones, can bring in the big bucks. Gerstner once sold a Mexican brass sun sculpture for $1,500 after having purchased it for just $20.</p>
<p>Impressionist & Abstract Art</p>
<p>Artists from the 1960s and 1970s—especially local or regional names—are starting to gain more traction with younger collectors, as vintage aesthetics and one-of-a-kind pieces hold increasing appeal. Not everything needs to be famous to be valuable. Trust your eye, not just the signature. "I look for good color mixing and subjects that don't feel mass-produced," says Gerstner</p>
<p>Italian Midcentury Modern Finds</p>
<p>From ceramics and lighting to sleek wooden furniture, Italian design from the '50s to the '70s is a treasure trove of understated elegance. "Anything marked 'Made in Italy' from that era—I always highlight that in my listings," says Mcalary. "It immediately signals quality and sophistication to buyers." Even small pieces, like desk accessories or kitchen items, can be surprisingly valuable if they're midcentury Italian.</p>
<p>Teak Kitchenware</p>
<p>Anastasiia Krivenok - Getty Images</p>
<p>Serving bowls and boards made from teak have a loyal following (bonus points if they're Dansk). "Danish pieces from the '60s and '70s can sell for $200 or more if they're clean and well-kept," says Mcalary. Gerstner adds, "So many people skip over the kitchen, but I've found amazing wooden serving pieces there."</p>
<p>Vintage Quilts</p>
<p>Hand-stitched quilts are deeply collectible, especially when the patterns are complex or the fabrics are original. "They weren't made to be decorative, they were made to last," says Gerstner. "That's what makes them special."</p>
<p>Mcalary notes that textiles in good condition—especially heirloom-level pieces—can quietly bring in hundreds of dollars.</p>
<p>Sterling Silver Flatware</p>
<p>It might be tarnished and mismatched, but sterling silver holds its value—and it's still in demand. "Check for stamps that say 'Sterling' or '.925,'" says Mcalary. "Even scrap value is worth it."</p>
<p>Museum Exhibition Prints</p>
<p>Peeradon Warithkorasuth - Getty Images</p>
<p>Posters from major museum exhibitions are a low-cost, high-style way to collect art. "I'm always looking for exhibition prints," says Gerstner. "They weren't mass-produced and often get overlooked."</p>
<p>Heavy Glass Tables</p>
<p>Glass coffee tables from the 1960s and 1970s have a distinct difference, especially when it comes to the weight and clarity of the surface. "Tap the glass before buying," suggests Gerstner. "You want a clear, clean ring—not a dull thud." Bonus points for chrome legs or unusual shapes.</p>
<p>Decorative Wooden Boxes</p>
<p>Lidded wooden containers, old crates, or even bread boxes can be stylish storage solutions. "I'd rather use something handmade and sturdy than buy another plastic bin," says Gerstner. Solid wood and thoughtful construction are subtle giveaways of a well-made piece.</p>
<p>Framed Artwork (or Just the Frame)</p>
<p>Grant Faint - Getty Images</p>
<p>Even if the art isn't your thing, the frame could be gold—literally and figuratively. Look for signs of craftsmanship. "Wood frames with age, patina, or dovetail corners are a win," says Gerstner. "They can instantly upgrade any print or photo." Mcalary agrees. "I've found value in frames people practically give away."</p>
<p>Overstuffed '80s Furniture</p>
<p>Think rounded edges, moody velvet, and major Art Deco energy. "People are mixing '80s and Deco pieces into their homes again," says Gerstner. "It's sculptural and dramatic in the best way."</p>
<p>Ceramic Lamps</p>
<p>That chunky table lamp your grandma had? It might be a Martz—and that could mean big bucks. "If you see M-A-R-T-Z signature on the bottom, grab it. They're sculptural and super collectible," says Gerstner.</p>
<p>Midcentury Modern Furniture</p>
<p>Lisa-Blue - Getty Images</p>
<p>Furniture from big names like Eames and Knoll and even unmarked Danish pieces can be worth thousands. "Even if it's not in perfect condition, a real Eames chair is still worth money. People will buy them and refurbish them," says Mcalary. Gerstner echoes the sentiment: "Midcentury will always have a place because the quality is just better. You can feel it."</p>
<p>Vintage Board Games & Toys</p>
<p>Complete sets from the '60s through the '90s—especially anything still in the original box—are popular with collectors. "Games like Mystery Date, vintage Monopoly editions, even Polly Pocket—if it's complete and clean, grab it," says Mcalary.</p>
<p>Signed Cookbooks</p>
<p>If you find an old Julia Child or Edna Lewis cookbook with a signature, you've hit the jackpot. "Even unsigned first editions can go for hundreds," says Gerstner. "And signed copies, especially from culinary icons, are like gold."</p>
<p>Lucite Accessories</p>
<p>Lucite might feel very 1980s, but it's back in a big way. Pen holders, trays, and sculptural accents are rising in demand, especially if they're branded. "If it's Guzzini—even something small like a lucite pen holder—it might be worth $75 just for the name," says Mcalary.</p>
<p>The moral of the story? The next time you're out hunting, remember that great design, quality materials, and one-of-a-kind charm never go out of style. Gerstner's advice? "Always pick things up. Feel the weight, look underneath. Quality has a way of revealing itself when you stop rushing and really look."</p>
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