You’d be surprised what’s hiding in plain sight. That vase on the mantel, the set of chairs in the dining room, the framed print you’ve walked past for years — any of them could be worth far more than you think.
At Palm & Sage, we’ve seen it happen dozens of times. A family preparing for a move or managing an estate assumes everything is “just old stuff,” only to discover pieces worth hundreds — sometimes thousands — of dollars.
Here’s how to start identifying what might be valuable in your own home.
1. Look for Maker’s Marks and Signatures
This is the single most important step. Turn items over. Look at the bottom of ceramics, the back of paintings, the underside of furniture. You’re looking for:
Stamps, labels, or engravings on furniture (e.g., Henredon, Baker, Drexel Heritage)
Signatures on paintings or prints — even small ones in the corner
Hallmarks on silver (sterling is marked 925 or “Sterling”)
Maker’s marks on the bottom of ceramics and porcelain
If you find a mark you don’t recognize, photograph it and search online or bring it to a certified appraiser. A single mark can be the difference between a $20 vase and a $2,000 one.
2. Check the Materials
Older, high-quality pieces were often made from materials that are expensive or rare today:
Solid wood vs. veneer or particleboard — solid hardwoods like walnut, mahogany, and cherry hold significant value
Real silver vs. silver plate — a magnet test can help (silver is not magnetic)
Oil paintings vs. prints — look at the surface texture under light; oil has visible brushstrokes and texture
Real gemstones vs. costume jewelry — weight, clarity, and a jeweler’s loupe can reveal the difference
3. Consider the Age
Generally, items made before 1970 are worth investigating. Anything pre-1920 is almost certainly worth an appraisal. But age alone doesn’t equal value — condition, rarity, and demand all play a role.
Signs of age to look for:
Hand-cut dovetail joints in drawers (pre-1900 furniture)
Irregular glass with slight imperfections (antique mirrors and windows)
Patina on metals — a natural aging that collectors prefer over polished surfaces
Style cues: Art Deco (1920s–1930s), Mid-Century Modern (1940s–1960s), and Victorian (1830s–1900) are all highly collectible
4. Research Recent Sales
Once you’ve identified a potential piece, look up what similar items have actually sold for — not what they’re listed for. Use:
LiveAuctioneers.com or Invaluable.com for auction results
eBay’s “Sold” filter for real market prices
Replacements.com for china, crystal, and silver patterns
1stDibs for high-end furniture and art benchmarks
This gives you a realistic baseline. Asking prices can be wildly inflated; sold prices tell the real story.
5. Don’t Overlook the “Small” Items
Some of the most valuable items in an estate aren’t the obvious ones. Keep an eye out for:
Vintage watches (Omega, Rolex, even lesser-known Swiss brands)
First-edition books or signed copies
Vinyl records in good condition (certain pressings are worth hundreds)
Vintage toys and games in original packaging
Estate jewelry — even pieces that look modest can contain valuable stones or gold
6. When in Doubt, Call a Professional
The biggest mistake families make is guessing. Items get donated, discarded, or sold at garage-sale prices when they’re actually worth real money.
A professional estate sale company like Palm & Sage will walk through the property, identify items of value, and bring in certified appraisers for anything that warrants a closer look. We’ve caught valuable pieces that owners had no idea about — from signed lithographs tucked behind furniture to sterling silver buried in kitchen drawers.
The Bottom Line
Every home contains surprises. Before you donate, discard, or sell anything, take the time to look carefully — or better yet, let someone who does this every day take a look for you.
If you’re preparing for an estate sale or just curious about what you have, we’re happy to help. Schedule a consultation and we’ll walk through it together.