On any given Saturday you will find the yards of central Indiana filled with the castoffs of people trying to thin down their excess stuff and pocket a few dollars in the process. While it is rare, there are true treasures hidden among the Tupperware and used clothing, and with patience and perseverance you can unearth them. The trick is to be able to spot what others overlook.
Mid-Century barware is a hot commodity and often can be found peppered among the tumbler and glasses that line at least one table at most sales. Martini shakers, glass stir sticks and swizzle sticks and sets of highball and rock glasses with MCM geometric designs can be found for a dollar or less, which is well worth the money as their retail value can range from $10-$50. The most valuable finds in this category are novelty bar items. Corkscrews with whimsical human heads or a shapely female leg are a good find as are cocktail shakers in the shape of animals and fish-shaped bottle openers. Take a glance at current eBay “completed auctions” for a crash course in what is currently selling and realized prices.
Postcards are a common find but in many cases they have been dreadfully overpriced by a seller who mistook “old” for “valuable.” The cards that may be of value are holiday cards, those with pictures of famous people, unique moments in history and disaster (actual photograph) cards. On occasion you will find advertising cards which have been known to sell for as high as $150 for a single card. Condition is of the utmost importance for top value, so look at these carefully.
In 2021 if you have a phone, you have a camera. As a result, old film cameras are often tossed on a garage sale, and can be very cheap. Vintage cameras have a limited, but growing, audience so exercise caution in spending your money on a camera just because it is old. Watch for the Canon rangefinders, the Olympus XA and Trip series and the Yashica Electro series. Camera accessories can sometimes be more valuable than the actual camera they were made to accompany. Flash bulbs and cubes, tripods, cases, instruction manuals and lenses (especially brass ones) are a good find.
Fountain pens, for everyday use, have become all but obsolete in recent years, but collectors are always on the lookout out for quality vintage pens. E.L. Waterman pens are the gold standard and can be easily identified by their beautiful gold and silver filigree designs. George Parker pens from 1900–1932 are also a valued find, as are Sheaffer pens manufactured from 1912-1950. I have found quite valuable pens bundled with pencils for $1 for all. If you misjudge the bundle, at least you have pens and pencils to last you for awhile!
In most estates there will be at least one box of “silver” flatware. In the majority of cases these are silver plate and of minimal value. However, upon close inspection you may find some sterling sliver mixed in, and in some situations you may discover that the entire set is sterling. Check for sterling hallmarks on the handles of forks and spoons. If it is sterling, it will say so. For quick reference remember the mark “1847 Roger Brothers” is one of the most common and when you see this name you are looking at silver plate. Roger Brothers never produced sterling tableware.
There was a time when “estate sales” were conducted by companies comprised of experts. Now some families choose to do their own. At these sales, well-intended sellers tend to mark large pieces of antique furniture much higher than its actual worth, but they also overlook the value of many collectible vintage items. There are bargains to be had, so take your time and shop wisely. Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com
