11 Surprising Vintage Items That Are Worth a Small Fortune

In today's online marketplaces, vintage is in, and you may be surprised by what passes for valuable vintage these days. Items that you once considered ordinary household tools, decor, or closet staples might be worth serious cash today. If you've been brainstorming clever ways to help pay your rent, taking advantage of the rising demand for retro home decor and sustainable fashion staples could be the answer.

Keep an eye out for these 11 items that have commanded serious cash on the resale market recently.

First-Generation iPods

Estimated market value: $600

It might seem counterintuitive to think of the iPod as a vintage electronic, but the sleek portable music players were released more than 20 years ago at this point. Versions of the very first iPods, which were released in 2001, are worth about $600 on eBay if sold in their original boxes.

First-generation iPods that are missing a few original parts are worth a few hundred dollars as well.

Ralph Lauren sweaters

Estimated market value: $400

The Ralph Lauren brand understands the value of vintage, so much so that the company has a vintage section on its website where it sells its own classics. Elsewhere, vintage Ralph Lauren sweaters in good condition easily sell for a few hundred dollars.

Sweaters from the 1990s featuring the brand's iconic Polo Bear often sell for $300 to $400 (sometimes more) on eBay.

1950s Royal Typewriters

Estimated market value: $500

Royal Typewriter Company changed the game when they released their portable typewriter in the 1920s. When it comes to resale value, the company's portables from the 1950s tend to command the biggest paydays, especially typewriters in fun colors like bubblegum pink and turquoise.

Currently, a 1950s pink Royal typewriter is attracting many eyes on eBay with a $500 asking price.

Midcentury glass barware

Estimated market value: $25 to $350

In the mid-20th century, quirky glass barware became wildly popular, and sets kept in good condition are worth hundreds today. Brands to look out for include Federal Glass, Hazel-Atlas, and Culver.

Recent sales for Hazel-Atlas sets on eBay range from about $25 to $350. The $350 sale was for a well-preserved cocktail shaker, glass, and tray set from the 1950s with a popular pink elephant pattern.

1980s American Girl dolls

Estimated market value: $255

Even though you are still able to buy new American Girl classics today, dolls that were made in the '80s by original creator Pleasant Company have become valuable collectibles. The vintage dolls are identifiable by white bodies and the words "Pleasant Company" imprinted on the back of their necks.

A Samantha doll from 1986 with her original outfit recently sold on eBay for $225.

American Library Association 'Read' posters

Estimated market value: $300

The American Library Association began its "Read" poster campaign in the '80s, and countless celebrities and popular characters were featured in the series that appeared in public libraries, schools, and more. If you happened to nab a "Read" poster of your own, some have become quite valuable today.

A 1980 poster featuring Muppets Miss Piggy and Kermit recently sold for $300, and a 1994 poster featuring Shaq recently went for $99.

Duck decoys

Estimated market value: $250

Duck decoys, or wooden ducks, were originally created as hunting aids. Over many years, they became popular decor and valuable collectibles. Some brands and models sell for thousands of dollars.

Many recent sales on eBay fall in the $200 to $300 range, including a Canvasback duck by designer Charlie Bryan that recently sold for $250.

1960s PYREX percolators

Estimated market value: $250

A fun collectible for both coffee enthusiasts and PYREX collectors, the 1960s PYREX percolator is a valuable, mid-century gem if you are able to find one in good condition.

A six-cup glass percolator from 1963, unused and with its original box, recently sold on eBay for $250.

Art Deco clocks

Estimated market value: $200

The Art Deco style popular in the early 20th century made its way into many products, including wall clocks. The shapes and colors of these products tend to be reminiscent of popular architecture of the era, and key brands to look out for include Westclox and Telechron.

Even with some wear and tear, an Art Deco-style Telechron alarm clock from the '40s recently sold for $200.

RCA Victor radios

Estimated market value: $195

RCA Victor's radios went through a range of styles through the 1930s, '40s, and beyond, from art deco-inspired pieces to colorful plastic tube radios at the turn of the century.

Wooden art deco radios tend to be the most valuable; one from 1934 recently sold for nearly $200.

1990s Levi's

Estimated market value: $20 to $100+

Believe it or not, your old jeans could be worth quite the payday. Vintage Levi's in popular '90s styles have been a hot item on eBay lately, with jeans selling from $20 to well over $100.

In the past week alone, a pair of women's blue 501s from the '90s sold for $80, and the same style in black went for $100.

Bottom line

Many people find selling vintage items, from clothing to glassware to older electronics, to be a fun way to make extra money on the side, and some even turn the hobby into a steady income stream.

However, knowing which vintage items are worth the effort is an important piece of the puzzle. If you think you have some valuable gear, look for recent sales on eBay (check out the "sold" listings) or do some research through a service like Worthpoint to get a better idea of value.

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