This list is the result of a few friendly conversations with some of my friends who have emptied garages or helped with estate sales or made the mistake of selling some random stuff on eBay. More than once, someone mentioned they later wished they had not thrown certain items away.
None of these items look valuable as they sit in a junk drawer or a garbage box. However, to the folks who buy them, fix them or collect them, they may have value far beyond what you might think.
Vintage camera lenses and camera parts
Cameras that are decades old may no longer function. But the lenses generally do just fine. Optical glass ages slowly, and old lenses continue to move on the resale market for that reason. Photographers buy them for character, not perfection. A small adapter is all it takes to mount one on a digital body. Specific brands and mounts achieve continuous market interest. Even broken lenses are not useless, since broken parts like mounts or aperture blades are reused by repair shops and collectors.
Discontinued watch parts and watch bands
Most folks throw away a watch that no longer ticks. But, who knows what treasures lurk within? Original bands, crowns, clasps and dials for out-of-production models are increasingly difficult to locate. Watch enthusiasts who are restoring pieces will pay top dollar for authenticity. Genuine, non-working parts are still worth a price that collectors will pay.
Old coins
Coins tossed into pockets or piggy banks are often forgotten. But they may be worth more than you think. Coins that are many years old may have value. Silver coins, or those with silver or other metals, may be worth a lot more than face value. Coins with low-mintage or limited-issue can be collectibles.
Coins with moderate to high wear can also become collector’s items. Many people don’t realize this until it’s too late and they spend or throw them away. Dealers and other coin buyers examine loose change in hopes of finding them.
Vintage holiday decorations
Old Christmas decorations are often thrown away because they are chipped or cracked, faded or outdated. These old decorations have become rarities since they were crafted from materials like glass and early plastics along with hand-painted figurines which exist no more. A
nd decorations that are still marked with a manufacturer’s name and logo can be collectible, especially if it’s a popular brand. Complete sets in decent condition or good single pieces can command prices that can be quite unexpected. Even less than perfect decorations can be desirable, to relive those holiday seasons from long ago.
Vinyl records that look worn
Vinyls with covers full of scratches or surface stains are frequently discarded, since they are thought to be damaged. However, the condition of vinyl does not always have to be mint to be appreciated. First pressings, limited editions and albums issued under certain labels can be extremely valuable, even if they’re missing their sleeves, have some cosmetic damage or are not mint.
Damaged, written on or generally used up looking records can also be collected. Sometimes what seems like a grubby old album to one person can be a treasure to another.
Old gaming magazines and strategy guides
Magazines and strategy guides were meant to be cheap disposable reading material; use them, throw them away. For vintage video games they are rare, as they don’t get reprinted. Collectors hunt down original copies relevant to their favorite games. Complete runs or early issues are more valuable. Original prints have an undeniable charm over scans, from cover art to the in-between adverting of the time period. Even beat up copies are fair game, provided they are genuine.
Vintage tools and measuring instruments
Older hand tools are often discarded as people acquire new toolkits. But many older hand tools were well made, from high-quality metals and with good engineering. Also some tools from a particular brand or country mark are more collectible. Or the old tool can be refurbished, or put to different uses, even if it is a bit rusted and worn. And still, many tradespeople and amateurs scour for old measuring tools, for their accuracy, and longevity.
Old jewelry boxes and display cases
Jewelry boxes are often discarded once they become empty, but many are worth collecting. Boxes that have been created by known jewelers from the past few decades are often purchased for the purposes of resale, storage, or display. Boxes made of interesting wood, metal, or leather are particularly appealing and can be sold even when they are a bit worn. Vintage boxes are a reminder of how things were styled and made long ago.
Vintage electronics packaging and inserts
You know the drill, as soon as the product is purchased the box and protective packaging go out the window. Boxes, foam inserts, instruction manuals, and warranty information will all significantly affect the resale price of the electronic. While the electronics are the focus, nobody likes buying a product missing pieces, this is why collectors love box grades.
Old license plates
Old or junked license plates usually end up in the backyard shed or junk yard to rust away. But collectors take notice of plates from year to year, state to state or style to style. Junked plates from obsolete designs or vintage years can often be sold for good prices. And condition is important, but rarity is more significant. Many collectors specifically seek out license plates from the year they were born or their hometown. Even if a plate is damaged, it could be valuable if the plate is rare.
Vintage eyeglass frames
A change in prescription usually means consigning your old glasses to the bin. Collectors see old glasses in a different light. Vintage frames from certain decades are unobtainable these days. Designers, materials and unusual silhouettes are what make certain pairs so special. Fitting modern lenses is usually a relatively simple process, and so you can give your frames a whole new lease of life. In many cases it is the frames themselves that sell.
Old music equipment cables and connectors
Cables are often the first to be discarded when replacing music equipment. However older instruments and gear often have connectors that are no longer standard. Original cables can be hard to find and are sometimes better quality. Musicians and collectors try to match originals exactly. Many modern substitutes do not sound or perform identically.
Old advertising items and promotional giveaways
Promotional items were never intended to be kept. They were temporary things, quickly used up or thrown away. They were not kept for decades on end. Pens, signs, calendars, and branded objects have become collector’s items. The items are specific to brands and a particular moment in time. The condition and scarcity of the piece has a large impact on price. Items that were given away free once upon a time now cost real money.
Vintage fountain pens and pen parts
It’s true that fountain pens are destined for the rubbish bin when they cease to write well. But, some fountain pen models are highly collected either for the nibs, the materials, or for the history of the brand. Damaged or defective pens are sold as ‘parts’ or for restoration. Original nibs are often much prized and difficult to replace. Old pens are preferred to modern reproductions.
Early Apple products and accessories
Old Macs, iPods, iPhones, keyboards, and even original cables, have sold for thousands of dollars. Authenticity, packaging and early production runs are the most important factors to collectors. Items in working order are preferred, but rarity is the most important factor.
First-edition books and early printings
Rare books don’t often appear valuable at first glance. First editions, early printings, and limited runs, however, have sold for real money. Dust jackets are often more important than page condition. Copies in great shape haven’t always found buyers. A lot of important books were lost just because no one took the time to look.
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