Collectibles that are worth more than you think

Auctions are exciting for buyers and sellers alike. Buyers live for finding that something no one else knew was valuable, and sellers will search to the ends of the earth for rare items that could earn big returns.

Let’s have a look at items that are worth quite a bit more than you thought.

Vintage computers

Travelled to the States in the 1970s? We hope you carried a computer home. Vintage computers can earn you serious money. But take note, we said vintage, not old. Early Apple computers, for example, although not technically ‘vintage’ are worth a ton. The first line of desktop computers that Apple made, the Apple-1, have reportedly sold for close to $900,000.

Guitars

Antique and vintage guitars are at the top of the list of valuable musical items. The 1958-’59 Gibson Explorer and 1960s Fender Stratocaster, for example, could we worth millions of Rands. And if someone famous played it, crank up that number!

Dolls

A first edition Barbie doll can earn you quite a bit of money. If it’s in the box and unused, it is worth even more.

Comics

While we are talking about items in boxes. Comic books and comic character figurines are popular items amongst collectors. However, if you purchased a figurine as an investment, keep it in its box. You will lose big time if you open it. Comic books, on the other hand, should be kept in acid-free bags and placed in a box to prevent damage from bending. Comic books that are graded will additionally tell you what that particular book is worth. The grade is based on a number of factors, which we will elaborate on in a later article. For now, a grade of 1, for example, means that the book is in poor quality whereas a grade of 10 is considered a mint condition book.

Movie memorabilia

Posters, costumes and items used on set that appeared in movies can be worth a lot of money. If your parents worked in the film business in the old days, go and have a look at what they kept from the set.

Books

First Edition books are extremely valuable to book collectors. So, if you have stashed your grandparents’ old books in a box in the garage, go and have a look if any of those are first editions. The right book could earn you good money. And again, if it is autographed, up that number.

Fine art

Some paintings are worth far more than others. Paintings that were purchased in the old days by artists who happened to become famous for whatever reason years later could be worth a lot of money today. Some people, for example, have original Frans Claerhout paintings lying around. Those paintings are probably worth thousands.

Other items that could earn you a lot at auction or sale include; diaries or letters sent to or from notable people (especially during the war); toys, cookware, cutlery, watches, shaving kits or similar items from notable times in history; silver that is from a company like Tiffany or is very old.

SA Auction will let you know when collectibles are up for auction. Get in touch to find out if your item is valuable or follow the registration process to bid on collectibles online.