With 30 years of resale experience, I'm the go-to guy when my friends need a quick appraisal. And over the years, I've noticed a recurring phenomenon: the old items that most people think are valuable tend to no longer be, and the items they want to throw away are usually highly prized collectibles.
Here's why: Many of us get our idea of what's valuable from our parents. But markets change and new collectors have different tastes.
What forgotten treasures are currently hidden in your home? The answers may surprise you. In this series, we explore the most interesting collectibles you may already own.
1. RRL Vintage Clothing
I've written about vintage Ralph Lauren clothing before, but one sub-brand deserves its own mention. Double RL (sometimes spelled RRL or Double RL Ranch) was released in 1993 . It was high-end at the time, but it still seemed accessible to city dwellers who wanted to appear decidedly un-urban (er... guilty).
Over the years, RRL's retail price has increased and resale values have increased accordingly. If you were a fashion-conscious Gen Xer, look in the dark corners of your closet or rummage through the Rubbermaid bags in the garage. Some old RRL pieces could cover next month's mortgage payment (or at least property taxes).
On eBay, this men's RRL graphic hoodie recently sold for $495, and this cotton and leather biker jacket sold for $1,080. This Southwest-inspired women's cardigan is available on Etsy for a discounted price of $698.
Pro Tip: The Double RL brand started as a division of Polo – more specifically, Polo Country. Although this brand no longer exists, vintage clothing with the Polo Country label has a similar aesthetic to RRL and often sells for similar prices.
2. Wooden figures by Kay Bojesen
A few years ago I found a small wooden bird figurine at my favorite thrift store. Its minimalist design and impeccable construction immediately caught my attention. It turns out this little 60 cent bird was designed by Kay Bojesen of Denmark and was worth about $115.
After training as a goldsmith in 1910, Bojesen gradually devoted himself to carpentry and created stylized figures and children's toys. Bojesen believed that good design should be tactile, entertaining and long-lasting. Today his designs are considered part of Denmark's national iconography. Although Bojesen died in 1958 , his original designs are now owned and produced by the Danish design collective Rosendahl .
On eBay, this vintage Bojesen elephant recently sold for $140, and this toy soldier figure sold for $145 (even without his drumsticks!).
3. Old VCRs
Sometimes outdated technology is valuable technology. Like classic record players and early Apple computers, vintage VCRs can be worth a lot of money.
It's not just nostalgia (think home video) that's driving this market. Imagine the countless low-budget original films and television clips that never made the transition to digital. Buyers are hungry for equipment (and replacement equipment) that will allow them to revive their film interests.
In this category, some brands charge higher prices than others. In my experience, Sony, JVC and Panasonic are the biggest sellers. And if you're lucky enough to still have the remote (hint: check out the couch), add a 10 to 20 percent markup to the retail price.
Recently on eBay this Zenith VRE205 VCR was selling for $150 and this JVC Super VHS ET model was selling for $99.99. For certain Betamax machines, resale prices are even more impressive (remember those?). On Etsy, this Sony SL-J7 device costs $399.99.
random fandom
The theme of this article is important: There is no theme . In the world of resale and collecting, chance wins. Everything from electronics to clothing can be worth a surprising amount of money. All you need is an open mind, a little curiosity and a quick Google search.
As you prepare for spring cleaning, consider this: Any potential waste could be a source of income. Are you interested in exploring the wonderful world of chance finds? Discover my series about the hidden gems of the used market .
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