Grandma's Hidden Treasures Now Worth Big Money

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

From singing bird boxes to vintage radios, the items Grandma stashed away in her attic or closet could now be worth serious money. Collectibles like 18th-century Swiss music boxes, 1940s catalin radios, and antique mechanical banks are being rediscovered and fetching high prices from enthusiasts.

Why it matters

As tastes and trends change over the decades, many everyday household items from the past have become highly sought-after collectibles. This story highlights how some of Grandma's forgotten possessions may have hidden value, providing an opportunity for families to uncover potential windfalls in their own attics and basements.

The details

The article spotlights several types of vintage items that have gained value, including: 18th-century Swiss singing bird boxes worth $35-$150, vibrant 1940s catalin radios valued at $1,500-$25,000, Victorian-era pond yachts priced at $50-$500, cast-iron mechanical banks from the 1800s that can fetch over $1,000, and antique stick-and-ball hat racks from the late 1800s selling for $100-$500. It also highlights the enduring appeal of Paul Revere-style punch bowls and vintage cast-iron door knockers.

• The singing bird boxes date back to the 18th century.
• Catalin radios were popular in American homes in the 1940s.
• Pond yachts first gained popularity as an adult pastime in Victorian England.
• Mechanical banks were first patented in the U.S. in 1869.
• Stick-and-ball hat racks were a Victorian-era design trend.