Grandma’s Hoard 20 Years Later

Before I go on my antique nerd rant, I will say there are exceptions to every rule. One of which that if an item is truly sentimental to you then value doesn’t matter. You should keep it regardless. However, the vast majority of stuff that is preserved and passed down through the family is saved due to “value”. The reality of it though is ninety percent of what Grandma used to keep in the China cabinet has no value today; and so, begins the rant. Occupied Japan porcelain, Noritake, Depression Glass, Hummels, Department 56, old newspapers, LIFE magazines, the list can go on forever! There are so many things that have been saved through time and collections built of valueless garbage. But hey, what are you going to do. Now again, within every class of valueless collectible there is the one percent rarity that is still worth something, maybe a few hundred. But the vast majority of it would be better well served letting your child or grandchildren blow it away with a BB gun.

Markets have changed so much over the past twenty years that if you don’t stay in the loop, you can get lost fast. You hear so many collectors and dealers say the antiques market has been turned upside down, and it’s the truth. While you might have a large amount of stuff not worth much, there is always still a hidden gem to be found. The biggest mistake you can ever make is prematurely throwing stuff away. Grandma could have a rare cereal box worth $2,000 that was forgotten in the basement. Or she might have an unreal collection of Barbie dolls from when she was a kid. That’s the stuff you want to look for, and so much more! When handling an estate, it is always best to consult with an auction house. That way it eliminates any outright selling, and everyone is working with the common goal of making the most possible money. It can never hurt to have someone working for your best interests.