Yowsa, Yowsa, Yowsa!
A box of Quaker CAP’N CRUNCH Peanut Butter Cereal from 1963 sold for over $2,800 recently on eBay.
Seriously!!
You bet. Unusual consumer wares people purchased for under a dollar over 50 years ago, can be quite collectible today but are unfortunately being sent to the landfills on a daily basis due to lack of education on current odd collecting trends.
Believe it or not, a high-end wood dining room set originally costing over $5,000 for in the last 20 years, will most likely only sell for over $700, but find a ’60s cereal box, or a vintage ’50s Rushton Star-Creation stuffed animal and you could see over a $1,000!!
Literally, “One person’s trash can be another man’s treasure!”
Let’s take a look at ten- far-out, and odd collectibles people would pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to own.
1: Vintage Beer and Soda Pop Cans
Beer cans from the ’30s and ’40s can be extremely collectible. Search for “flat-top” cans with a “church key” (separate key added to the side of the can, used to open it.). Also, “cone-top” cans produced between 1935-1960. Higher values are realized by design, condition, and collectibility.
2: Vintage Cult, VHS Tape Horror Flicks from the 1980s-1990s
“Look! Out in the kitchen! “It’s a stove! It’s a dishwasher! No, it’s “Attack of the Killer Refrigerator.”
If it’s weird or considered “Deadstock,” its trending in the collecting realm. Similarly, this is the case with this corny, horror VHS tape from the Grunge Era, which can sell for over $300.
3: Space Age, Mid-century Modern portable TV’s
4: Early 1970s-1980s Disposable Pampers Paper Diapers
Quality is the key factor here. Let’s face it: They just don’t make them like they used to.
5: Vintage 1960s-1970s, Vanity Fair Nylon Tricot-Sheer Ladies Panties
Yes, indeed folks, ’tis a fact! Those vintage prissy panties are highly sought-after today. Of course, look for never worn or lightly-used panties. (A hint for dating the panties; watch for the satin tiny square pillow tab found on the elastic waistline, and a double nylon mushroom gusset.)
6: Vintage 1972 Hasbro Toy Company, Big-eyed Blythe Dolls
Everyone loves adorable big eyes! The original Kenner Blythe fashion doll who was created by designer Allison Katzman in 1972 and sold through Kenner Co. She measures only 11-inches tall and has large eyes that can change color with the pull of a string. Her looks are based on the big-eyed artwork of Margaret Keane and the cartoon character, Betty Boop. Note: Reproductions have been manufactured by other companies in the 21st century.
7: Mid-century Luxurious One-flush Colorful Toilets, Sinks and Bathtubs
Why would anyone want a gaudy, second-hand toilet? Has anyone purchased a new water-saver toilet lately? Those old toilets were a bit more powerful, quality-made, and came in a variety of fun colors to appease the consumer. A blue, green, yellow, peach, pink, maroon or white toilet, bathtub or sink- from the mid-century- can sell for over $400 today each.
8: Vintage 1950s-1960s Frozen TV Dinner Boxes (Old School Art)
9: Vintage 1960’s Multiple “Pop-Top” Unbreakable Horrors Toys
In 1964 the MPC produced 5-inch solid plastic “Horror” monster figurines- mostly sold two per package. The smaller figurines were half the size of the larger ones. These aren’t just idle plastic figures-their heads are detachable and can be popped out of their sockets. Eight types of skinny, scrawny horrible monster figures were produced. These plastic monster toys are considered GOLD in the world of vintage monster-related collectibles.
10-Iconic Celebrity-Owned Memorabilia Collecting (Personal Effects)
Some bubblegum that Britney Spears had chewed, sold for $14,000 at auction! Weird, but true. Items touched or owned by celebrities, bring in thousands of dollars. It’s like being in close contact with their favorite celebrity. I would make sure I had the COA (certificate of Authenticity) on items sold on an auction site. Whether it be clothing, food, objects or any particular memorabilia…basically any celebrities personal belongings; it can be super valuable- especially after they are deceased!
Collectors of all genres are willing to pay outrageous prices just to bring back a piece of their past, for sentimental reasons, decorating purposes, or just for the thrill of the hunt and finding the item/items.
Be careful-The hobby of collecting can quickly turn into hoarding, so remember:
“You spend the first part of your life collecting things-and the second half getting rid of them.”-Isabel Allende
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