Collectors want two things: to treasure items that make them happy and, if they are lucky, to collect something right before it becomes a super-hot collectible. Sometimes, though, collectors go awry and buy things that they think will become more valuable with time. Here are some things that you should only collect if they make you happy. They are not worth a lot of money and are not rare.
Think an old, rusted oil can is worthless? Think again. Drive to the sales report to see how the colors, graphics and rarity of cans like this Red Giant Oil container attract petroliana and automobilia collectors and high prices.
What do you think you’d find on your dining room wall under old paint or inside the backing of an old mirror? Probably just unremarkable old wallpaper or a dusty purchase receipt. One Connecticut couple found so much more as they carefully restored their old home.
Kovels Antiques, Inc., was founded by Ralph and Terry Kovel. Hailed as “the duke and duchess of the antiques world,” they have written more than 100 books and special reports about collecting. Their bylined column is the longest-running syndicated weekly column in the country, distributed to more than 150 newspapers. Their guides include the annual Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide, which has sold over 4 million copies since its first edition.
