From attic to auction: finding hidden treasures at home

Some of the best items on this marketplace never came from a shop — they came from a box in the attic, a drawer at a grandparent’s house, or a garage that finally got cleared out. Here is what to look for before anything goes to the charity shop.

Categories that surprise people

• Old electronics. Film cameras, early computers, mechanical keyboards and vintage audio gear have serious collector markets. That “obsolete” Walkman may be worth more today than it cost new.
• Toys in original boxes. Sealed or boxed toys from the 80s and 90s — building sets, action figures, die-cast cars — routinely sell for multiples of their original price.
• Costume jewellery and watches. Even non-precious pieces from known makers have dedicated buyers. Anything gold gets valued by weight at minimum.
• Vinyl, comics, and trading cards. Condition is everything — but even played-with collections find buyers when described honestly.

Research before you list

Search completed auctions for similar items to gauge real prices. Photograph maker’s marks, serial numbers and labels — they are often the difference between “old lamp” and “mid-century design classic”. And when in doubt, list it with a low start and a reserve: the market will tell you what it is worth.