I have 30 years of resale experience and am the go-to person when a friend needs a quick appraisal. I’ve noticed a recurring phenomenon over the years: the vintage items that most people consider valuable usually aren’t, while the things they want to get rid of are often popular collectibles.
Here’s why: Many of us learn what is valuable from our parents. But the market is changing, and new collectors have different tastes.
What overlooked treasures are hiding in your home right now? The answer may surprise you. In this series, we’ll explore popular collectibles you probably already own.
1. Hammond Organ
I am fortunate to have many friends in the resale industry, and to learn more about Hammond organs, I interviewed one of my best friends. Hammond organ technician Bobby Bergland has been buying, restoring and reselling this very special set of musical equipment for 30 years. A consummate musician himself, his appreciation for Hammond was both professional and deeply personal.
The first patent for the Hammond organ was 1934 Invented by its inventor, Laurens Hammond of Evanston, Illinois. Hammond’s invention, known in its early years as the “electric flute,” was the first organ to combine electrical and mechanical systems to produce a purer, more powerful sound.
According to Bobby, these are the most collectible and valuable Hammond models (in descending order):
- Hammond B-3 (produced 1955-1974)
- Hammond C-3 (1955-1974)
- Hammond A-100 (1955-1965)
- Hammond RT-3 (1954-1969)
“Buyers today care about two things: the condition of the console (the wooden box that houses the organ) and the functionality of the mechanical and electrical components,” Bobby said. The main buyers of the B-3 models were established rock and R&B bands, and Church was a reliable buyer of all of the above.
Recently on eBay, this Hammond B-3 model with bench Priced at $9,000, this A-100 model with bench Price is $1,495.
2. Faribault wool blanket
In the 1860s, Carl Kramer What it looked like after it was founded faribault mill Located in Faribault, Minnesota. The company is still going strong today, selling wool blankets, cotton sheets, pillows and a variety of cold-weather gear.
Similar to vintage Pendleton and Hudson’s Bay blankets, Faribault blankets are prized not only for their practicality but also for their artistic qualities. You’ll most likely find them hanging on the wall or placed on your bed.
Original works from the 1940s to 1970s sell best. Recently on eBay, this Bold Striped Faribault Blanket Selling for $100, this tartan plaid example Selling on Etsy for $220.
Faribault vs Faribault: Don’t click on spell check. faribault It is a sub-brand used by Faribault Woolen Mills in the 1960s and 1970s, and is closer to the pronunciation of the town name (FAIR-boh).
3. Uranium glass
The name uranium glass does not refer to a specific glass manufacturer but to any type of glass made from uranium glass. Trace amounts of uranium. The uranium added during the melting and shaping process produces a stunning yellow-green fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet light.
Uranium glass was popular from the mid-1880s to the early 1940s and was sometimes called “Vaseline” or “Canary” Due to the yellow tint achieved by some glass manufacturing companies. In the 1940s, glass’s popularity declined as uranium availability was restricted due to World War II.
Although uranium glass is produced by many companies, fragments found in the United States may have been manufactured by:
- Moser
- Cambridge Glass
- viking glass
- Fenton
- Boyd Crystal Art Glass
- Buckeye glass
Nowadays, this strange luminous glass is selling like hotcakes online. Recently on eBay, this detailed Glass centerpiece by Fenton Price is $849. On Etsy, this barrel bar in cambridge setting Listing price $1,559.99
Security Question: Understandably, the word “uranium” raises health concerns for most of us. according to science timesuranium glass is safe to own because its radioactivity levels are roughly equivalent to those produced by most household electronics. However, it is not recommended to use it as part of your daily tableware.
quality quotient
This month’s hot collectibles feature innovative designs and top-notch craftsmanship. Lacking any other knowledge about the resale market, being able to recognize quality is the most important skill for discovering the treasures around you.
As the retail market gets crazier, fashion cycles get shorter and quality becomes more rare. Take a moment to compare your favorite vintage pieces to contemporary pieces. It will make you appreciate what you already have more.
Curious about the wonderful world of antique collectibles? Check out my collection Hidden treasures in the second-hand market.
