Apple computers were the hot processing item of the ’80s and ’90s, and the company is still putting out some of the best items on the market. However, one of the original Apple II computers, one of the first successful personal computers on the market, was sold from 1977 to 1993, and as one of the first mass-produced computers, it became an important cultural object.
Make sure you know what that old tech is worth – a woman once donated a rare Apple 1 computer to a Silicon Valley recycling firm, not knowing it was worth $200,000.
Vintage Clocks
Small desks and wall clocks in the Art Deco style peaked in the 1930s and '40s. Their shapes and materials reveal the opulence of the era—think gold accents, mirrored faces, and geometric designs that imitated the rising skyscrapers popping up in major cities at the time.
Many clocks can be sold for $50, but higher-value models by esteemed makers like Westclox and Telechron can reach nearly $1,000 in value.
Milk Glass Easter Eggs
These delicate novelty glass eggs were originally sold blank so that Victorian ladies could embellish them with spring greetings and pictures. Eventually, the sentiments were usually damaged by washing or handling.
These eggs were also quite useful at the turn of the century. If hens weren't laying eggs, one could put these eggs under the hen; then she would produce.
Vintage handbags
Yes, these items are becoming such a hot commodity that they appear on the list twice. Again, it's dependent on the brand and model – for example, a rare, vintage black Chanel alligator evening handbag is listed on eBay for $15,995. Any space in your yearly budget for that kind of item? We didn't think so.
The bag is even pre-owned and was made between the years 1984-1986. If you're trying to save, an authentic vintage Gucci handbag is selling for only $12,000. As you can tell, the thing that brings in the most cash is the designer name – it can't just be any old bag.
Retro Typewriters
Typewriters were once delegated to dusty attics and the backs of closets, but antique dealers have a big eye for these old pieces of word processing power. They're important relics that used to clack away in every office and house, long before the smartphone or computer existed. There wasn't even a delete key! They're starting to give vinyl records a run for their money and have started to command large sums.
Branford House Antiques sells items like these, and while one went for around $7,500, that's not even close to the highest price one of them can command. The Malling-Hansen Writing Ball, known as the “Rolls Royce of typewriters,” can be worth up to $100,000!