Fort Myers, FL – What Types of Antiques are Valuable? Ask Our Antique Expert

Serving clients in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, Alva, Lee and Collier County, Florida

When it comes to vintage and antique collectibles, there are always items that have more value than others. Some styles are more in demand and buyers are willing to pay more for specific categories of items. Believe it or not, popularity of certain antiques can even be determined by where you are located. Here in Southwest Florida, Sal from Judy’s Jewelry Antique and Estate Jewelry of Fort Myers, FL  finds that antique jewelry and World War II memorabilia are favorites. Overall, across the nation though, antiques that are the most valuable usually belong in the following categories: 

• Furniture
• Art
• Jewelry
• Home goods, such as lighting fixtures etc.
• Toys 
• Textiles 
• Historically significant
• Items related to the entertainment industry

Art

From kitschy, mid-century wall art to high-end art-deco designs, there is a lot of value in antique art. Wall art, specifically from designers like Erwin Walter Burger, Tamara de Lempicka, Romain de Tirtoff, and Andy Warhol, is particularly valuable right now. That doesn’t mean your art deco pieces aren’t valuable. Pieces from lesser-known artists such as DeGlopper, Bruneau, and Sieber pieces have gone for higher values than in previous years. 

Lighting fixtures

Antique lighting can be extremely valuable. It comes in a wide variety of styles. Types of globe lights, chrome wall sconces, UFO hanging pendants, double-cone desk lamps, hanging glass chandeliers, aluminum chandeliers, and plate-style space-age wall lights all recently have increased in value. Mid-century floor-lamps, pendant lights, and arc-lamps have maintained their value in recent years. Additionally, lighting designs from classic firms such as Casella, DeMajo, Sonneman, and Kalmar all continue to prove to be valuable.

Sculptures

Sculptures of many varieties recently have gained both popularity and value. There has been a drastic increase in the value of sculptures made by Aldo Londi. Metal brutalist designers such as those created by Fantoni, Jere and Tom Greenehave seen a recent spike in value as well. 

Furniture

Larger furniture items that are quite valuable on today’s market can include tulip chairs, rounded or curved shelving wall-units, Lucite waterfall tables, and mirrored waterfall tables. Additionally larger furniture designed by Gehry, Jacobsen, and Eames remains valuable in the antique industry.

Textiles

Vintage threads have gained and sustained popularity, particularly with the younger hipster generations. Textiles come in two broad categories: clothing and everything else. Valuable clothing textiles can include, but are not limited to:

• Vintage jeans–Levi’s is the most popular brand.
• Sneakers–including vintage Nikes and similar brands 
• 1970s–name-brand coats, couture dresses, and designer handbags 
• Other textiles that can be quite valuable in the antique world include rugs, quilts, and tapestries.

Glass

Whimsical colored art glass is still quite popular with both collectors and dealers. Look for the most value with Art Deco- and Art Nouveau-themed pieces. Vintage milk glass from Fenton and Westmoreland continue to sell well as do some types of Carnival glass. Overall, though, most types of vintage glass don’t sell as well as the other categories.

With over 30 years of experience as SWFLs leading Antique and Estate Dealer in Fort Myers, FL, you can expect expert customer service. We are the largest buyer of antique, vintage and costume jewelry, gold, silver, diamonds, coins and other precious metals in SWFL. We love history and sharing our knowledge of pieces and their place in time with our customers. Come in to get an honest appraisal of your items from Sal Lanzieri.