Not all antique stores are created equal. Some are pretty well versed in the antique realm and are therefore able to price things accordingly. Others, however, may have no idea the treasures they are sitting on, which can be very fortunate for you if you know what to look for.
Here are 6 items to keep your eyes open for the next time you visit an antique store.
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China
Take the time to learn about the different seals and patterns of china pieces. Some plates can be worth hundreds of dollars because they are part of a very unique set. If you’re extra lucky, you might even find a complete set that has been passed around and eventually ended up at the antique store, with no one uncovering its actual worth.
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Jewelry Boxes
Jewelry boxes are treasure troves for reasons you might not expect. The box itself may not be too special, but people often leave lovely little things hidden inside.
If you come across a jewelry box, always check to see what was left in the drawers. If you happen upon jewelry or coins it might be worth taking them to a specialist, like the people at Infinity Coins, to have your findings appraised. They just might be worth more than you think.
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Furniture
We live in a culture where things that are covered in dust are equated with trash. That isn’t always the case. A dirty old table at an antique store may actually be a hand-crafted mahogany desk that just needs a little tender love and care to have it back to mint condition.
Always pay special attention to the things other people take for granted.
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Books
There are so many incredible books that you can find at antique stores. Not everyone cares much for the written word, especially with the convenience of eBooks, but that doesn’t mean that hard copy books don’t still have a place in this world.
There is a special market for hymnals from the early 1800s or classics that have hardly had their covers cracked. Next time you’re at an antique store take a second to look through the book section.
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Art
Original oil paintings can be found at antique stores and often times, no one who works there really knows what they are worth. If you have an eye for fine art or are willing to do a little research you might find a treasure worth investing in.
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Clothes
You might be rolling your eyes because when you think of clothes at an antique store you get a strong whiff of mothballs, but even among the mothballs and dust, there are treasures. Sometimes you can find a classic leather duster or a real fur coat that has been tossed to the side by someone who didn’t realize what it was they had.
Antique stores are full of stories that you’ll never be able to learn, but if you’re willing to put in the time, there is a good chance you’ll be able to find something that is really worth having.
Think of it as an actual treasure hunt, if you get really lucky you just might find forgotten coins or a dish from ancient China. There is a good chance you’ll get out of it what you’re willing to put in.
