cashing in on what’s hot

We consulted with the team at Astor Galleries in Kingston, NY, a collectibles and estate appraisals and liquidation business, to bring you the “hottest” list of items you can cash in on. For more information on the goods that are trending, visit AstorGalleries.com.

Banks
Yes! Mechanical and “still.” As major collections of mechanical banks are being sold, prices are high and going to established collectors. Less pricey tin banks are attracting new, younger collectors.

 

 

 

Space Memorabilia
Space memorabilia with historic value, especially when signed, are getting snapped up. Pins and patches, photographs and magazine articles – from early launches through the space shuttle  flights. Higher prices are paid for items that have actually flown in space and they go into orbit for items that have gone to the moon.

Costume Jewelry
Vintage pieces marked with makers’ names like Miriam Haskell, Hattie Carnegie and Trifari sell for more now than in the last 10 years. Modernist silver jewelry is hot, especially Mexican pieces by William Spratling and American pieces by Art Smith. Look for enamel bangle bracelets and anything with big colored stones, like large pins and cocktail rings.

Fifties Furniture
Today’s buyers are on the hunt for blond and light wood pieces from the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s – sofas, chairs, tables and desks with sleek design and clean lines. Oak and clunky is out. Anything marked Eames, Saarinen, Bertoia, Nelson, Wormley, Robsjohn-Gibbings, Finn Juhl, Herman Miller or Knoll is in demand, but unmarked and less expensive mid-century pieces are also wanted.

Vintage Christmas
True vintage and antique Christmas decorations continue to draw interest. Bottle brush trees, Buddy L trucks and Santa-anything. American-made Shiny Brites are the epitome of mid-century holiday décor. Look for Shiny Brite or Made in U.S.A. marks on the metal cap.

And do not ignore the collectible toys. They are also going up in value, especially if you have the original packaging.

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