10 Antiques You Should Never Throw Away (Seriously, Don’t Do It)

You ever toss something out and then find out it was worth real money? Yeah… that feeling sticks with you. I’ve been in the antiques and estate world long enough to know that the trash pile is often where the treasure starts.

So today, I’m giving you 10 antiques and collectibles people throw away all the time — that they absolutely shouldn't. I’ve seen these show up in donation bins, estate clean-outs, and garage sale free boxes… and I’ve also seen them fetch hundreds (even thousands) at auction.

Let’s get into it.

1. Old Postcards

Don’t laugh. Holiday postcards from the early 1900s — especially Halloween — are huge with collectors. Some real photo postcards can sell for $100–300+. They’re small, but they pack value.

2. Broken Jewelry

Even tangled, chipped, or missing stones — if it’s vintage or signed, it could be worth serious cash. Think Bakelite bangles, Haskell brooches, and bold mid-century pieces.

3. Vintage Christmas Ornaments

Shiny Brite sets, mercury glass, early figural Santas... I’ve appraised single ornaments at over $200. And don’t toss the original boxes either — those alone sell.

4. Empty Perfume Bottles

Especially ornate atomizers or cut glass with silver detailing. I know — it sounds silly — but some go for $100+ and collectors love the aesthetic.

5. Silverplate Flatware

Not sterling, but still desirable. Some vintage silverplate sets — especially from hotel or Victorian service — have huge value in the resale world.

6. Old Yearbooks

If there’s a celebrity in there, jackpot. But even without, local historians, genealogists, and collectors love them. Think small-town pride meets archival value.

7. Mid-Century Lamps

Even if the shade’s missing. Names like Laurel, Stiffel, or funky “space-age” designs are hot with designers and decorators alike.

8. Handmade Quilts

19th-century patchwork, Civil War-era textiles, or even funky 1970s quilt tops can sell. And yes — even ones with wear and fading.

9. Vintage Electronics Packaging

Boxes, manuals, inserts… some Apple boxes sell for more than the old iMac that came in them. Don’t recycle it just yet.

10. Skeleton Keys & Old Locks

They’re rusty. They’re weird. And they sell. I’ve seen boxes of “mystery keys” bring $200–300 at auction just for the aesthetic.

Don’t Guess—Appraise It

If you're unsure about something in your home or an estate you’re handling, it’s worth getting a professional opinion before throwing it away.

If you’re going through a divorce or inherited estate, explore our divorce and estate appraisal services to make sure every asset is accounted for—and valued properly.

For those wanting to protect antiques with documentation, we offer certified insurance appraisals that can help you avoid headaches down the road.

And if your “junk” includes fine art, sculptures, or framed pieces, our Phoenix-based art appraisal service is trusted, discreet, and USPAP-compliant.

Get Peace of Mind

Even if you're just cleaning out a garage or downsizing, don’t throw it out until we’ve had a look. Contact us today for a quick consultation or full appraisal review.

Remember: every great antique story starts with, “I almost threw it away.”