Three Commonly Overlooked Valuables in the Average Home

What kind of valuable tangible property could you or your client be overlooking? Whether you're inheriting personal property or helping a client downsize, knowing how to identify valuables in the home is essential. Here are three types of personal property often hiding in plain sight, how to ensure they're protected, and how to obtain the most value out of them.

Silver

This runner up to gold is often collecting dust in a kitchen drawer or the back of an old cupboard. Silver currently hovers around $30/oz, and although dwarfed in comparison to gold’s $2,700/oz value, millions of Americans own silver in some form. The most valuable kinds of silver pieces can come in the form of large collections, such as flatware sets, tea sets, serving pieces, and coins – like many of those that Valuables Appraisal Service has had the opportunity to appraise.

The value of these pieces can vary significantly depending on certain key factors. The purity of the silver is one of the most important factors that determines worth. For example, silver-plated pieces hold much less value than pieces of higher purity. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and is the most common type you will find in the home. Certain manufacturers of Sterling silver can also command higher prices in the world of collectors -- such as Christofle, Georg Jensen, Steiff, and Gorham. These brands typically hold more value and can sell for much higher prices than simple melt or scrap value. Verifying the type and makers of silver pieces is an ability that a certified personal property appraiser can assist with.

Books

While not as eye-catching as fine jewelry or precious metals, the common bookshelf can be an unlikely hiding spot for first edition, autographed, and otherwise valuable books. Antique books might be overlooked due to a sometimes tattered appearance, but they can be sought-after collector items if properly identified. The condition, authenticity, and age of certain books are typically the determining factors of worth. Antique books kept in good condition can sometimes be some of the more valuable items in a household, and rare books can even fetch high prices at auction.

Vintage Electronics

In our fast-moving world where things become outdated in a matter of months, it’s easy to overlook vintage electronics as old junk – but well-kept, vintage electronics are some of the most sought after items by dedicated collectors because of their age and rarity. Vintage cameras, computers, and audio equipment can fetch top dollar when in mint, working condition. The technical specifications of these old machines can also mean the difference between an item being worthless or a collectors item, but it can be difficult to ascertain the details without professional help. Certified appraisers can help clients identify vintage electronics with high fair market values and the best avenues for selling them, whether its at auction or on online selling platforms such as eBay.

Final Thoughts

Original vs. reproduction; prestigious makers vs. commonplace manufacturers; and true antiques/vintage vs. modern pieces – these nuanced factors can mean the difference of thousands of dollars, whether one is inheriting or donating items, insuring them, or are looking to sell. Get in touch with Valuables Appraisal Service to discuss how our certified experts can identify these key factors and help protect and accurately value your or your client's belongings with our appraisal and brokerage services.