Every estate has a few items that punch above their weight. Here are the categories most likely to surprise a St. Louis family — and the red flags that can sink value if not handled properly.
Vintage toys (1940s–1985)
Pre-1985 toys with original boxes are often the single most valuable discovery in a basement cleanout. Look for:
- Star Wars figures 1977–1985 — loose figures $5–$80, carded $150–$5,000+.
- Barbie 1959–1972 — condition is everything; mint-in-box can reach four figures.
- Hot Wheels Redlines 1968–1977 — certain casting colors are five-figure items.
- Lego pre-2000 sealed sets — specific Space, Pirate, and Castle sets.
- Lionel trains pre-1970 with original boxes.
Advertising & petroliana
Old gas-station porcelain signs, neon clocks, and branded oil cans are a significant national market. Condition, rarity, and brand drive price. A good porcelain sign can bring $500 to $50,000.
Fine pens
Vintage Parker, Sheaffer, Waterman and Montblanc pens, especially pre-1960, often sell for $100–$1,500 each. Usually found in desk drawers and nightstands.
Fountain-pen ink, sealing wax, letterpress
These niche supplies have devoted buyers. Do not throw away what looks like old craft supplies without a professional look.
Sports memorabilia
The difference between a $5 autograph and a $500 autograph is authentication. Never clean, never re-frame, never sign over old autographs. Let us document them in their current state.
Military & war artifacts
WWI and WWII uniforms, medals, paperwork, and photos — particularly with documented provenance — can be significant. Always leave firearms and edged weapons untouched until a licensed handler arrives.
Jewelry & costume jewelry
Not just gold and diamonds. Designer costume jewelry (Miriam Haskell, Trifari, Eisenberg, Weiss) can bring $50–$500 per piece. Signed Bakelite is a strong market.
Red flags that destroy value
- Refinishing antique furniture.
- Polishing old silver (buyers want original patina).
- Cleaning or coating bronze sculptures.
- Ironing or washing vintage textiles.
- Separating matched sets — china, silver, crystal — before appraisal.
- Removing original boxes, papers, or packaging from toys and ephemera.
One sentence that will save you money: Before you clean anything, restore anything, or throw anything away, please call us for a fifteen-minute look.