Fort Myers, FL – What’s the Value of Your Collectibles? 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 buying and selling used items, the three most overused, and in some cases misused adjectives are antique, vintage and collectible. So, let’s look at the difference between those terms and how they help determine the value of what you are selling or buying. First, for something to be considered an antique it must be at least 100 years old. Vintage can be anything that’s 20 years old to 99 years old. Vintage items also tend to capture a sense of nostalgia that is relevant to the culture at the time the item was produced, whether that be a flapper dress from the 1920s or a poodle skirt from the 1950s. A collectible is something that’s worth more now, than what it was originally purchased for at the time it was created. That’s the easiest way to describe it. Not everything that was marketed as a collectible becomes one. Collectibles typically become more valuable when certain subcultures claim it as something that defines themselves or their hobby. Which items become collector’s items depends on who designed them, their historical significance, the time period they were created and more. We are lucky here in Southwest Florida to be able to have the expertise Sal and John from Judy’s Jewelry Antique and Estate Jewelry of Fort Myers, FL  bring to evaluating collectibles of all kinds. 

Whether you have a piece of Americana, like an old Coca Cola sign or an old GI Joe Doll, collectibles sustain their value. Right now, automobile memorabilia and space travel memorabilia are among the most sought-after collectibles. Whether it was the stay-at-home restrictions related to COVID-19 or the high gas prices that followed, automobile memorabilia is in hot demand. Some examples include: 

• Petroleum company signage 
• Oil cans 
• Auto posters 
• Chrome grills
• Emblems, hood ornaments and literally anything related to the automotive world 
• Along with cars, collectibles relating to outer space have remained high in value and in demand. Popular space-related collectibles include: 
• NASA memorabilia
• Anything related to SpaceX
• Star Wars and Star Trek memorabilia 

Here are some other collectibles that continue to be bought and sold for good value:

Toys

Vintage toys always have been a hot item in the collectible industry. A new spike in the demand for retro board games has increased their value even more. Board games such as backgammon, Ouija, Monopoly, Risk, and essentially any Milton Bradley classic are hot right now. Additionally wind-up toys, tin trains, diecast cap guns, and antique cars have all seen a steep increase in value.

Vinyl records

The entertainment industry has always had ups and downs in the collectibles market, but vinyl records continue to have a steady stream of collectors willing to buy them. Classic albums from the Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Eton John, Bob Dylan, Queen, Johnny Cash, and the Sex Pistols are guaranteed collectible items that hold value.

Bring in your old antique, vintage and costume jewelry for an appraisal. We buy diamonds, gold, silver, platinum and other precious metals. Give us a call at 239-481-9600 and schedule an appointment to bring your items in for us to take a look at. We also buy military and historical artifacts, oil paintings, marble statues, vintage and antique toys, select antique furniture, jade, porcelain, unique collectibles and more. Before you throw cash in the trash bring it in for an appraisal. We pay cash for items we buy.

We not only buy jewelry, we also sell it! If you are looking to purchase any beautiful pieces, we will be happy to help you! We pride ourselves on carrying beautiful, and unique pieces that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a gift for a loved one, or something for yourself, we can help you make the perfect choice! Because our items are unique and one-of-a-kind we do not post items for sale on the website as inventory moves fast. Contact Sal or John for an appointment to come get an appraisal.