Best yardsale find or resale surprise? AKA the 2k investment booster

[MishMash]

I'm an avid yardsaler/thrifstorer, it's how we've furnished/decorated our houses, and provided extremely cheap entertainment over the years (super cheap board games, fishing, hunting and camping equipment etc.).  DH and I have had our fair share of epic finds (and resales) over the years but I re discovered something I purchased 4 years ago and received quite the nice surprise yesterday.

4 years ago right before an out of state move I purchased a Tiffany and CO sterling silver zippo lighter from around the 50's for a quarter.  I took it home researched it, couldn't find anything on it and figured it was a fake Tiffany stamp but I could more then make a profit selling the sterling so no loss.  We got busy with the move, it got tossed in a jewelry box where I forgot about it for a while.  Fast forward to yesterday and I'm going through that box and find it shoved in the back.  I started researching it again and lo and behold it actually IS real, and in fact very rare, rare enough that one of them sold this past summer on Ebay for over 2k, and it was in worse shape.  Needless to say that sucker is getting sold! 

But, it made me wonder if anyone else has ever purchased and resold at a yardsale for a hefty profit, or rediscovered something in their house during a purge that turned into a surprise investment account stuffer?

[southern granny]

I too love yard sales, but bargains are harder to find now that the early birds get out there and scoop up the bargains.  But two years ago I bought a pair of earring for 75 cents and sold them on ebay for $92.00.  I bought a $2500 dining room set for $500 in excellent condition (for my own use, not to sell) .  It was less than a year old.  The woman had to move in with her elderly parents and didn't want to put it in storage.  I love it.

[MrsCoolCat]

This post makes me want to go to yard sales and for that very same reason, but I just never got around to it.

[Vorpal]

In about 2000-2001, when my wife and I were still dating but living together, we found and bought a cool 50's modern coffee table from a small antique store in Hempstead, TX, for the grand sum of $75 (or was it $125? I forget). We loved the thing and used it until we bought our first house in 2003. The house was too small to comfortably fit a coffee table in the living room, so the table was placed in storage in our detached shop, where it sat. One day in Summer 2006, my wife and I visited Lowe's for paint or somesuch. She was browsing the magazines, and she came upon an article in Dwell about a famous Italian designer, Carlo Mollino. She noticed how much his furniture looked like our coffee table, so once we were back at the house, I suggested that she Google "Carlo Mollino coffee table." The first hit was our coffee table... and it was a completed eBay auction for $135,000. Needless to say, we were floored but also very skeptical. However, after a bit of research, emails, and phone calls, it was determined that our table was the real deal -- and likely an early version of the piece.

Six months later, it sold at auction for $150,000.

Here's a picture of a similar (same?) one just in case you happen upon one in your local antique store ;) :
http://www.artnet.com/artists/carlo-mollino/coffee-table-model-1114-u1r9mL2Ct6-MJixw_ny33g2

[caliq]

In about 2000-2001, when my wife and I were still dating but living together, we found and bought a cool 50's modern coffee table from a small antique store in Hempstead, TX, for the grand sum of $75 (or was it $125? I forget). We loved the thing and used it until we bought our first house in 2003. The house was too small to comfortably fit a coffee table in the living room, so the table was placed in storage in our detached shop, where it sat. One day in Summer 2006, my wife and I visited Lowe's for paint or somesuch. She was browsing the magazines, and she came upon an article in Dwell about a famous Italian designer, Carlo Mollino. She noticed how much his furniture looked like our coffee table, so once we were back at the house, I suggested that she Google "Carlo Mollino coffee table." The first hit was our coffee table... and it was a completed eBay auction for $135,000. Needless to say, we were floored but also very skeptical. However, after a bit of research, emails, and phone calls, it was determined that our table was the real deal -- and likely an early version of the piece.

Six months later, it sold at auction for $150,000.

Here's a picture of a similar (same?) one just in case you happen upon one in your local antique store ;) :
http://www.artnet.com/artists/carlo-mollino/coffee-table-model-1114-u1r9mL2Ct6-MJixw_ny33g2

!!!

You win

[EarlyStart]

I usually stop at yard sales and look at any art. I really like art, but art collecting is a really expensive hobby. I've never had any huge scores in terms of dollar amounts, but I did buy two really nice framed prints by a well known local artist for about $25. They'd each be an easy, quick $100, but I like having them. This was more of super-discount than a resale score.

[Miss Prim]

I got a free painting from my daughters boss who  was redecorating and found out it was worth a couple hundred dollars, but I like it so I am keeping it!                 Miss Prim

[MrsCoolCat]

I usually stop at yard sales and look at any art. I really like art, but art collecting is a really expensive hobby. This was more of super-discount than a resale score.

What you say about art is very true. I never knew it was so expensive and a common hobby among the rich, or that it could also make you money, COULD. I recently went to Art Basel in Miami and met up with a broker that collects art. These artists, whose names us common non art enthusiasts know nothing about, can increase in value, etc. Idk it just baffles me because I'm cynical and thinking how is this child's "finger painting" going for that much?! Guess it is in the eyes of the beholder, esp with art. One piece sold for a newb and your next piece of "art" can instantly be worth more now. It baffles me!

[Unique User]

In about 2000-2001, when my wife and I were still dating but living together, we found and bought a cool 50's modern coffee table from a small antique store in Hempstead, TX, for the grand sum of $75 (or was it $125? I forget). We loved the thing and used it until we bought our first house in 2003. The house was too small to comfortably fit a coffee table in the living room, so the table was placed in storage in our detached shop, where it sat. One day in Summer 2006, my wife and I visited Lowe's for paint or somesuch. She was browsing the magazines, and she came upon an article in Dwell about a famous Italian designer, Carlo Mollino. She noticed how much his furniture looked like our coffee table, so once we were back at the house, I suggested that she Google "Carlo Mollino coffee table." The first hit was our coffee table... and it was a completed eBay auction for $135,000. Needless to say, we were floored but also very skeptical. However, after a bit of research, emails, and phone calls, it was determined that our table was the real deal -- and likely an early version of the piece.

Six months later, it sold at auction for $150,000.

Here's a picture of a similar (same?) one just in case you happen upon one in your local antique store ;) :
http://www.artnet.com/artists/carlo-mollino/coffee-table-model-1114-u1r9mL2Ct6-MJixw_ny33g2

That is flippin awesome!  DH brought home a single seat ski chair he found next to a dumpster once with the idea of making it a swing.  Sat in the yard for 6 months until I got tired of it, sold it on ebay for $600. 

[JLee]

In about 2000-2001, when my wife and I were still dating but living together, we found and bought a cool 50's modern coffee table from a small antique store in Hempstead, TX, for the grand sum of $75 (or was it $125? I forget). We loved the thing and used it until we bought our first house in 2003. The house was too small to comfortably fit a coffee table in the living room, so the table was placed in storage in our detached shop, where it sat. One day in Summer 2006, my wife and I visited Lowe's for paint or somesuch. She was browsing the magazines, and she came upon an article in Dwell about a famous Italian designer, Carlo Mollino. She noticed how much his furniture looked like our coffee table, so once we were back at the house, I suggested that she Google "Carlo Mollino coffee table." The first hit was our coffee table... and it was a completed eBay auction for $135,000. Needless to say, we were floored but also very skeptical. However, after a bit of research, emails, and phone calls, it was determined that our table was the real deal -- and likely an early version of the piece.

Six months later, it sold at auction for $150,000.

Here's a picture of a similar (same?) one just in case you happen upon one in your local antique store ;) :
http://www.artnet.com/artists/carlo-mollino/coffee-table-model-1114-u1r9mL2Ct6-MJixw_ny33g2

Holy crap.

[paddedhat]

I have a good buddy who was about to get stiffed on some construction work, when the customer offered to give him a sculpture that he claimed was very valuable. It looked like a melted lump of bronze to him, but it appeared to have more value that a big bag of nothing, which was the other choice. Fast forward twenty years, and my buddy had a check for almost $40K, from one of the big name art auction houses. Apparently, if you find the correct signature cast in the bottom of a silly looking lump of metal, it can be worth a ton of cash, LOL

[MishMash]

That is one EPIC find Winston! The best I had so far was a painting, paid 4 for it sold it 2 months later for 3500, it was a Florida Highwayman scene...enough to buy the missing appliances in our new to us, bought during the crisis, house and the move across country.

This did inspire me to go back this weekend and get appraisals on a few things I've picked up over the years.  I got a bunch of the appraisals back this morning and it looks like the 6 things I sent in have a total auction value of a little over 10k (so 12k with the lighter).  My out of pocket on all the items was under 100 bucks.  A couple of pieces I am keeping (I have a thing for early American painted furniture/folk art) but the rest are going to auction.  Hopefully it will serve as a nice little account boost over the next month or so.  And we may even keep a small portion to do something totally unMustachian with, though I'm not sure I have that in me lol.

[happyfeet]

Winston's story is pretty amazing.  Nothing even CLOSE to that one.  But over the years - I am a "thrifter"  I have picked up the following:
Hermes scarf $4 - holding on and using that one
2 Chanel scarfs - each $4 using one and sold one on ebay for $150
1 signed fancy vase for $3 - online selling for $350.  Haven't parted with it yet.
Lots of Eileen Fisher clothing picked up for a few dollars - sells for much more on Ebay
Have a pair of pants I got for $1 and bid up to $40 on Ebay currently.
Coogi sweater(UGLY!) paid $5 sold on ebay for $95.

Not huge amounts but it all adds up over time. 

[RunningWithScissors]

My favorite score at a garage sale is a set of 4 mid-century, Fritz Hansen 3103 series plywood chairs.  Cost me $10, and they're listed on eBay for about $200 each.  Of course, I can't bear to sell them...yet.

It was satisfying to know that my interior design education had some practical use!  Now that the boomers are retiring, there's quite a few sets of Scandanavian old growth teak furniture available.  It's possible to find it at estate sales, then resell in larger cities where the hipsters have re-discovered the merits of mid-century furniture.

I used to attend antique auctions and keep myself to a strict budget.  Once the dealers had finished fighting over the choice pieces, I could usually pick up some original engravings for a few bucks.  Century old furniture is made so much better than brand new particleboard stuff, and usually costs less.

[partgypsy]

In about 2000-2001, when my wife and I were still dating but living together, we found and bought a cool 50's modern coffee table from a small antique store in Hempstead, TX, for the grand sum of $75 (or was it $125? I forget). We loved the thing and used it until we bought our first house in 2003. The house was too small to comfortably fit a coffee table in the living room, so the table was placed in storage in our detached shop, where it sat. One day in Summer 2006, my wife and I visited Lowe's for paint or somesuch. She was browsing the magazines, and she came upon an article in Dwell about a famous Italian designer, Carlo Mollino. She noticed how much his furniture looked like our coffee table, so once we were back at the house, I suggested that she Google "Carlo Mollino coffee table." The first hit was our coffee table... and it was a completed eBay auction for $135,000. Needless to say, we were floored but also very skeptical. However, after a bit of research, emails, and phone calls, it was determined that our table was the real deal -- and likely an early version of the piece.

Six months later, it sold at auction for $150,000.

Here's a picture of a similar (same?) one just in case you happen upon one in your local antique store ;) :
http://www.artnet.com/artists/carlo-mollino/coffee-table-model-1114-u1r9mL2Ct6-MJixw_ny33g2

Holy crap.

yes you win the internet!

[k-vette]

My brother bought a Vietnam era seismic detector for $15.  He thought his wife would like the bag it was in, and was going to give the detector to a 7 yr old nephew to play with.  I looked it up and found none available, so I promptly sold it on eBay for him for $1,000. 

At one yard sale I spent maybe 5-6 bucks.  Hard drives and an iPod nano.  Everything was $1, condition unknown.  Everything worked, so I think it was about $200 on eBay.

I dream of finding something like that table!   Keep your eyes peeled for anything that looks like antique ivory.  Asian art sells for tens of thousands to millions right now.

[EarlyStart]

I usually stop at yard sales and look at any art. I really like art, but art collecting is a really expensive hobby. This was more of super-discount than a resale score.

What you say about art is very true. I never knew it was so expensive and a common hobby among the rich, or that it could also make you money, COULD. I recently went to Art Basel in Miami and met up with a broker that collects art. These artists, whose names us common non art enthusiasts know nothing about, can increase in value, etc. Idk it just baffles me because I'm cynical and thinking how is this child's "finger painting" going for that much?! Guess it is in the eyes of the beholder, esp with art. One piece sold for a newb and your next piece of "art" can instantly be worth more now. It baffles me!

Yeah, it can be really mind blowing how much some art goes for. I know of people that have been able to spot artists before they blow up successfully, but I'd never even try. This kind of eye is much rarer than people who pick stocks well. The odds are not in your favor.

[MishMash]

My brother bought a Vietnam era seismic detector for $15.  He thought his wife would like the bag it was in, and was going to give the detector to a 7 yr old nephew to play with.  I looked it up and found none available, so I promptly sold it on eBay for him for $1,000. 

At one yard sale I spent maybe 5-6 bucks.  Hard drives and an iPod nano.  Everything was $1, condition unknown.  Everything worked, so I think it was about $200 on eBay.

I dream of finding something like that table!   Keep your eyes peeled for anything that looks like antique ivory.  Asian art sells for tens of thousands to millions right now.

Just a note on Ivory/asian art, it is next to impossible to actually re sell unless you can document the provenance, and prove it wasn't smuggled or purchased illegally, and that it was purchased prior to certain dates in CITES (around 1970).  It also helps promote the currently highly illegal and sad ivory trade if you buy things without knowing the background.

My husbands grandfather has been a massive collector of Asian art since he left Shanghai right after WW2 (fled Germany and lived in China for a number of years before coming to the US, yes the man is 93 and in better health then my significantly younger father) and it's gotten near impossible for him to purchase or exchange pieces since the Asian market is re claiming so many things as lost art/national treasures.  The 2009 pact has made it even worse.  I would actually say avoid paying high prices for Asian art that you don't have rock solid documentation for unless you intend to keep it for your own pleasure...re sale will be next to impossible in most antiquities fields.

[MishMash]

Winston's story is pretty amazing.  Nothing even CLOSE to that one.  But over the years - I am a "thrifter"  I have picked up the following:
Hermes scarf $4 - holding on and using that one
2 Chanel scarfs - each $4 using one and sold one on ebay for $150
1 signed fancy vase for $3 - online selling for $350.  Haven't parted with it yet.
Lots of Eileen Fisher clothing picked up for a few dollars - sells for much more on Ebay
Have a pair of pants I got for $1 and bid up to $40 on Ebay currently.
Coogi sweater(UGLY!) paid $5 sold on ebay for $95.

Not huge amounts but it all adds up over time.

HA! I bought a silk Chanel scarf two weekends ago for 4 bucks too...that's staying in my closet, along with the Louis Vuitton speedy I bought for 15 (then sent to the manufacturer for a rip repair that cost 55 2 months ago...the worst condition one sells for 600 online, new is several thousand).  Normally I would sell these too but I am in an area that is very "label centric" and have found that it actually has helped me make work connections/been asked out on more after work networking events...how's that for sad and materialistic?

[Catbert]

I know this is an old thread, but I had to post my latest and all time best yard sale buy from yesterday.  I found a Burberry rain coat with a heavy button in liner (warmer in their terminology).  No tags but appears to be in new condition.  It's a size too big, but I was trying it on over shorts and a tee shirt.  I knew Burberry's were expensive - I figured at least $500 new so I happily paid the full $3 they were asking.

Then I went to the Burberry website and found the full length ones start at about $1500!  The one most similar to the one I got is $2400!!!

 https://us.burberry.com/gabardine-trench-coat-with-warmer-p39892281

Now I need to find somewhere cold and rainy to go. 

[paddedhat]

Had another interesting discovery the other day. I needed a nice piece of sheet metal to fabricate a bracket for something. I was eyeballing this little porcelain sign laying around the garage and nearly took the jigsaw to it. I found it laying around at a construction storage yard, many years ago.  At the last minute I gave it a second thought. It was in good shape and was basically a warning sign that "The premises were protected by the William J Burns International Detective Agency". I decided to Google it before I hacked it up. Well, the last one that was auctioned brought $125, and it was nowhere near the condition of this one. LOL, I was moment away from completing the trash to treasure to trash cycle.

[geekette]

Speaking (way back) about ivory - a few years ago when silver was high, I took some broken bits of silver things to a local jeweler to sell. I also took along a small carved elephant pendant I'd been given as a child. The jeweler said it was indeed ivory, and in very good condition, but he couldn't buy it or sell it.  At this point, I wish it were plastic :-(.

[darkadams00]

$495 ski boots in my size, boot bag, not a scratch anywhere, price tag in the box
1 year-old set of skis/bindings in the next size longer than I had been using (looked to have been used a handful of times at most)
1 set of ski poles
1 well-worn ski bag

$65.00 for the lot in a divorce yard sale (his skis sold by her, possibly while he was away on a business trip). I let them fight over ownership and division of the proceeds.

I've saved hundreds of dollars using that equipment.

[10dollarsatatime]

A couple of weeks ago, I hit a tent sale for a going out of business boutique.  Mostly I was there for shipping boxes.  But I found cases and cases of these stupid little skirts for those elf on a shelf dolls.  You know... in case your kids needed a girl elf.  I ended up paying $15 for more than 100 of them.  I immediately sent them to Amazon FBA, where they are now selling, quite nicely, for $15.49 each. After fees, I get about $11 for each one.

And... I'm still working on this one with my little brother... he and my dad and another brother were dumpster diving behind this same boutique.  Brother realizes he's standing on a big Precious Moments box.  Pulls it out and it has a nearly pristine Cinderella's coach statue in it.  Research reveals that only 1500 were ever made.  And the only one we could find any information on sold for more than $1500.