Unearth Hidden Treasures: Grandma’s Kitchen Could Be a Goldmine!
Before you dismiss grandma's kitchen as outdated, think again! Those seemingly ordinary items might be worth a fortune. From vintage Pyrex to antique copper pots, the value of vintage kitchenware is skyrocketing. Are you sitting on a goldmine?
Designers and antiquing experts are revealing the hidden gems lurking in our grandmothers' kitchens. It's not just about fancy china; everyday items like Mason jars and casserole dishes are becoming highly sought after by collectors. The stories behind these objects, used and loved for decades, are a significant part of their appeal.
Copper Pots: Don't underestimate the appeal of copper! Natalie Page notes that 19th-century antique copper pots are the most coveted, with French sets potentially costing around $1,500.
Cut Crystal and Glassware: These pieces are often in perfect condition, as they were usually reserved for special occasions. Avoid the dishwasher though – the high heat will cloud the glass.
Solid Sterling Silver Flatware: Austin Carrier describes this as often kept safely in its original wood boxes, it’s common to find a complete set, with solid silver being the most valuable.
Handmade Ceramics: Look for brands like Heath and Rookwood Pottery.
Pyrex Mixing Bowls and Casserole Dishes: Amanda Keller advises against adding them to the garage sale pile, highlighting the 1956 Pink Daisy, 1957 Butterprint, and 1983 Colonial Mist patterns as particularly valuable, ranging from $50 to $1,400.
Corningware Casserole Dish Sets: The humble Cornflower blue design is still worth quite a bit of money today.” Keller says
Jadeite Mixing Bowl Sets: These can range from $300 for mixing bowls to $1,200 for a complete set of dinnerware.
Mason Jars: A glass mason jar made by Van Vliet recently went for $23,000 at auction.
Vintage Enamelware: Depending on whether the enamel is used as cookware versus bakeware and if it is a set in good condition, the price of these ranges from $50 to $1,500.
Champagne Coupes: A quick search shows that similar pieces come in at around $400.
Cast Iron Skillets: The value of a vintage skillet can range from $200 to $2,000, or more.
Smoked Glass Crystal: Waters mentions some substantial sets of smoked glass are nearly $400.
Decorative Cookie Jars: Be on the look out for cookie jars that depict specific cartoon characters that were popular during that time,” Keller says.
But it's not only about monetary value. Decorative china is making a major comeback, with homeowners incorporating family heirlooms into their decor. Experts like Debbie Mathews LeRoy and Tess Hall are seeing a renewed interest in creating unique tablescapes and displaying china as art.
According to Debbie Mathews LeRoy, founder and principal designer of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs, an increasing number of homeowners are eager to incorporate family heirlooms into their existing decor or grow their own collections just as many do with antiques or vintage furnishings.
Preserving Your Treasures: Whether you use your china daily or only for special occasions, hand washing is the safest bet. Store your pieces in padded cases or cabinets to protect them from dust and chips.
Speaking of timeless items, don't overlook the potential hidden within your grandma's kitchen. Six particular items could transform your home, from vintage china and glassware to antique textiles, cookware or cutlery.
Remember, Georgie Wykeham says you should keep any 'Really good ceramics.' She continues, 'My Grandma had amazing plates, dishes, decorative china pots of oranges and lemons, she either hung it, had it in cupboards, or on display – none of it was a set, but it all worked so well together.'
So, before you declutter grandma's kitchen, take a closer look. You might just uncover a hidden treasure – both in monetary value and sentimental worth.
Do you have any valuable vintage kitchenware? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!