Here's how much these iconic antiques are worth
Do you have any of these valuable items hiding in your attic?
Early 20th-Century French Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk
What it was worth (1984): $750
What it's worth now: $15,000
This beautiful piece of appeared in Fendelman's very first column for "Country Living" in 1984.
PHOTO: Weston Table
American Thermos Co. Roy Rogers Lunch Box
What it was worth (2004): $300
What it’s worth now: $65
This is now worth less than a fourth of its original appraised value, but we still love the western theme.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
International Harvester Buddy L Toy Truck
What it was worth (1989): $1,200
What it’s worth now: $3,500
This might be you don't let your kids play with.
PHOTO: Antiques Roadshow
Early-20th-Century Halls Excelsior Mechanical Bank
What it was worth (1987): $275
What it’s worth now: $1,750
After 31 years, this was appraised for more than six times its original value.
PHOTO: 1st Dips
1985 Australian Thoroughbred Print
What it was worth (2012): $225
What it’s worth now: $100
This would look perfect in any room boasting a -inspired aesthetic.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
1960s Bonnie Cashin Coat
What it was worth (2008): $600
What it’s worth now: $800
This jacket was made by , one of the originators of American sportswear. She also created uniforms for women fighting in World War II.
PHOTO: EnokiWorld.com
Blue Onion Condiment Set
What it was worth (1995): $350
What it’s worth now: $225
This was originally called the "bulb" pattern. Copy the classic look with the budget-friendly cornflower print found on
PHOTO: Hand and Heart Antiques
Cast-Iron Water Sprinkler
What it was worth (1997): $425
What it’s worth now: $1,500
We're not sure how useful would be today, but the duck design is pretty cute (and that updated price tag is pretty impressive).
PHOTO: 1st Dips
Phillips & Clark Stove Co. Art Andes 20 Stove
What it was worth (1986): $3,500
What it’s worth now: $5,000
This is quite a bit bulkier and much more intricate than today's models, but it will no doubt make a statement in your home.
PHOTO: The Stove Guy LV
1950s Rand McNally Terrestrial Globe
What it was worth (2004): $50
What it’s worth now: $65
Rand McNally, a company founded way back in 1856, today.
PHOTO: Andrew McCaul
19th-Century Lehnware Bucket
What it was worth (2001): $22,000
What it’s worth now: $22,000
We certainly wouldn't be using — which has surprisingly retained its value over the years — for its intended purpose.
PHOTO: Olde Hope Antiques
Sterling Silver Tiffany Demitasse Spoons
What it was worth (2010): $1,400 for a set of 7
What it’s worth now: $750
Although they've decreased in value by nearly 50 percent, are still stunning.
PHOTO: Jesus Ayala/Studio D
European Enamelware Coffee Pot
What it was worth (2005): $350
What it’s worth now: $200
We'd love to have our coffee or tea served from .
PHOTO: The French Corner
1904 National Cash Register
What it was worth (2015): $900
What it’s worth now: $1,000
from National Cash Register — now called NCR Corporation — for thousands of dollars.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
Albion Union Windmill Salesman's Sample
What it was worth (2006): $3,500
What it’s worth now: $3,500
Fendelman says Saleman's Samples pieces that have original parts are .
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
Circa-1910 Shoemaker's Nail Holder
What it was worth (1989): $75
What it’s worth now: $75
Although was originally used for nails, it could hold a variety of trinkets. Plus, think about how charming it would look on your dresser.
PHOTO: Urban Remains
Late-19th-Century Tiffany Table Lamp
What it was worth (2004): $12,000
What it’s worth now: $12,000
Compared to current — which are sold for a few hundred dollars — is quite a bit pricier.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
Early-20th-Century Diamond Dyes Color Card
What it was worth (2013): $350
What it’s worth now: $350
Despite being around 100 years old, is still vibrant.
PHOTO: Alison Gootee/Studio D
Circa-1940s Folk Art Croquet Wickets
What it was worth (2005): $1,800
What it’s worth now: $3,600
These animated wickets are much more fun than the .
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
1899 Shreve, Crump & Low Sterling Loving Cup
What it was worth (2015): $700
What it’s worth now: $2,700
According to its , Shreve, Crump & Low — founded in 1796 — is "America's oldest purveyor of fine gifts." in the original finish, and you'll more than double the value.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
Wallace Nutting Brace-Back Bow-Back Windsor Chair
What it was worth (1987): $2,500 for a set of 6
What it’s worth now: $1,800
Maybe it's time to get your kitchen furniture appraised: This set of is worth nearly $2,000 today!
PHOTO: Erik Gould
Circa-1940 Polka-Dot Cocktail Set
What it was worth (2008): $450
What it’s worth now: $400
Every hour is happy hour when you're mixing drinks with this .
PHOTO: Lara Robby/Studio D
Late-1800s Pennsylvania Chalkware Rooster
What it was worth (2005): $950
What it’s worth now: $950
are lightweight models that are actually made with plaster of Paris.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
Circa-1920 Pieced Quilt
What it was worth (2011): $2,500
What it’s worth now: $1,000
Although decreased in value by more than 50 percent, we think every handmade quilt is priceless.
PHOTO: Philip Friedman/Studio D
Walter Von Nessen Art Deco Constellation Lamp
What it was worth (2002): $400
What it’s worth now: $2,000
, husband of industrial designer Greta von Nessen, co-founded Nessen Studios, now Nessen Lamps Inc., with his wife.
PHOTO: 1st Dibs
1920s Distler Busy Lizzie Tin Windup Toy
What it was worth (1995): $500
What it’s worth now: $500
"doing everyday things" are rare to find, Fendelman says.
PHOTO: Vectis Auctions LTD
Fanny Farmer Uncle Sam Container
What it was worth (2001): $45
What it’s worth now: $45
was named after the culinary queen, though she had nothing to do with the sweet business.
PHOTO: Efingegifts
1892 Presidential Campaign Souvenir Bandana
What it was worth (2012): $1,200
What it’s worth now: $500
displays the faces of the 22nd President of the United States, Grover Cleveland, and his second vice president, Adlai Stevenson.
PHOTO: Christopher Coppola/Studio D
1900 Wool Yacht Flag
What it was worth (2004): $200
What it’s worth now: $650
If just is appraised for $650, we wonder how much the yacht it flew on is worth!
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
Griswold Cast-Iron Cake Mold
What it was worth (2003): $275
What it’s worth now: $200
Griswold Manufacturing produced from 1865 to 1957.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
1950s Royal Typewriter Quiet de Luxe
What it was worth (2006): $350
What it’s worth now: $350
After many ownership and business changes, Royal Typewriter Company is now known as Royal Consumer Information Products Inc., and today.
PHOTO: Courtesy of Tony Casillo of TTS
Mid-19th-Century Shaker Box
What it was worth (1987): $275
What it’s worth now: $5,500
, which probably stored dry goods in a pantry, is now worth 20 times its original appraisal from 31 years ago.
PHOTO: John Keith Russell Antiques Inc.
Late-19th-Century Thonet Bentwood Chair
What it was worth (1985): $350
What it’s worth now: $500
was invented by Michael Thonet, a furniture maker born way back in 1796.
PHOTO: 1st Dibs
1846 Polk Presidential China by Edouard Honoré
What it was worth (2009): $25,000
What it’s worth now: $5,000
from James Polk's presidency is now worth just a fifth of its original appraisal.
PHOTO: Winterthur Museum
McCoy Spring Bulb Planter
What it was worth (1998): $75
What it’s worth now: $30
would look beautiful in any garden.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
1920s-'30s Hubley Cast-Iron Door Porter
What it was worth (2003): $600
What it’s worth now: $700
Fendelman says the key to telling from replicas is the weight — knockoffs are usually lighter.
PHOTO: 1st Dibs
WWI War Bond Poster
What it was worth (2001): $1,000
What it’s worth now: $500
was likely an advertisement for war bonds.
PHOTO: Spencer Weisz Galleries
Oak Hoosier Cabinet
What it was worth (2008): $1,000
What it’s worth now: $1,800
would fit perfectly in a
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
Circa-1900 Enterprise Manufacturing Cast-Iron Coffee Grinder
What it was worth (2006): $750
What it’s worth now: $2,000
Although was used to grind coffee beans, it now makes for an interesting decoration 100 years later.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
Early-20th-Century Sewing Bird Clamp
What it was worth (1987): $150
What it’s worth now: $100
We can just imagine all the beautiful pieces that were made with the help of .
PHOTO: Pook and Pook
Early 20th-Century French Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk
What it was worth (1984): $750
What it's worth now: $15,000
This beautiful piece of appeared in Fendelman's very first column for "Country Living" in 1984.
PHOTO: Weston Table
American Thermos Co. Roy Rogers Lunch Box
What it was worth (2004): $300
What it’s worth now: $65
This is now worth less than a fourth of its original appraised value, but we still love the western theme.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
International Harvester Buddy L Toy Truck
What it was worth (1989): $1,200
What it’s worth now: $3,500
This might be you don't let your kids play with.
PHOTO: Antiques Roadshow
Early-20th-Century Halls Excelsior Mechanical Bank
What it was worth (1987): $275
What it’s worth now: $1,750
After 31 years, this was appraised for more than six times its original value.
PHOTO: 1st Dips
1985 Australian Thoroughbred Print
What it was worth (2012): $225
What it’s worth now: $100
This would look perfect in any room boasting a -inspired aesthetic.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
1960s Bonnie Cashin Coat
What it was worth (2008): $600
What it’s worth now: $800
This jacket was made by , one of the originators of American sportswear. She also created uniforms for women fighting in World War II.
PHOTO: EnokiWorld.com
Blue Onion Condiment Set
What it was worth (1995): $350
What it’s worth now: $225
This was originally called the "bulb" pattern. Copy the classic look with the budget-friendly cornflower print found on
PHOTO: Hand and Heart Antiques
Cast-Iron Water Sprinkler
What it was worth (1997): $425
What it’s worth now: $1,500
We're not sure how useful would be today, but the duck design is pretty cute (and that updated price tag is pretty impressive).
PHOTO: 1st Dips
Phillips & Clark Stove Co. Art Andes 20 Stove
What it was worth (1986): $3,500
What it’s worth now: $5,000
This is quite a bit bulkier and much more intricate than today's models, but it will no doubt make a statement in your home.
PHOTO: The Stove Guy LV
1950s Rand McNally Terrestrial Globe
What it was worth (2004): $50
What it’s worth now: $65
Rand McNally, a company founded way back in 1856, today.
PHOTO: Andrew McCaul
19th-Century Lehnware Bucket
What it was worth (2001): $22,000
What it’s worth now: $22,000
We certainly wouldn't be using — which has surprisingly retained its value over the years — for its intended purpose.
PHOTO: Olde Hope Antiques
Sterling Silver Tiffany Demitasse Spoons
What it was worth (2010): $1,400 for a set of 7
What it’s worth now: $750
Although they've decreased in value by nearly 50 percent, are still stunning.
PHOTO: Jesus Ayala/Studio D
European Enamelware Coffee Pot
What it was worth (2005): $350
What it’s worth now: $200
We'd love to have our coffee or tea served from .
PHOTO: The French Corner
1904 National Cash Register
What it was worth (2015): $900
What it’s worth now: $1,000
from National Cash Register — now called NCR Corporation — for thousands of dollars.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
Albion Union Windmill Salesman's Sample
What it was worth (2006): $3,500
What it’s worth now: $3,500
Fendelman says Saleman's Samples pieces that have original parts are .
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
Circa-1910 Shoemaker's Nail Holder
What it was worth (1989): $75
What it’s worth now: $75
Although was originally used for nails, it could hold a variety of trinkets. Plus, think about how charming it would look on your dresser.
PHOTO: Urban Remains
Late-19th-Century Tiffany Table Lamp
What it was worth (2004): $12,000
What it’s worth now: $12,000
Compared to current — which are sold for a few hundred dollars — is quite a bit pricier.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
Early-20th-Century Diamond Dyes Color Card
What it was worth (2013): $350
What it’s worth now: $350
Despite being around 100 years old, is still vibrant.
PHOTO: Alison Gootee/Studio D
Circa-1940s Folk Art Croquet Wickets
What it was worth (2005): $1,800
What it’s worth now: $3,600
These animated wickets are much more fun than the .
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
1899 Shreve, Crump & Low Sterling Loving Cup
What it was worth (2015): $700
What it’s worth now: $2,700
According to its , Shreve, Crump & Low — founded in 1796 — is "America's oldest purveyor of fine gifts." in the original finish, and you'll more than double the value.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
Wallace Nutting Brace-Back Bow-Back Windsor Chair
What it was worth (1987): $2,500 for a set of 6
What it’s worth now: $1,800
Maybe it's time to get your kitchen furniture appraised: This set of is worth nearly $2,000 today!
PHOTO: Erik Gould
Circa-1940 Polka-Dot Cocktail Set
What it was worth (2008): $450
What it’s worth now: $400
Every hour is happy hour when you're mixing drinks with this .
PHOTO: Lara Robby/Studio D
Late-1800s Pennsylvania Chalkware Rooster
What it was worth (2005): $950
What it’s worth now: $950
are lightweight models that are actually made with plaster of Paris.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
Circa-1920 Pieced Quilt
What it was worth (2011): $2,500
What it’s worth now: $1,000
Although decreased in value by more than 50 percent, we think every handmade quilt is priceless.
PHOTO: Philip Friedman/Studio D
Walter Von Nessen Art Deco Constellation Lamp
What it was worth (2002): $400
What it’s worth now: $2,000
, husband of industrial designer Greta von Nessen, co-founded Nessen Studios, now Nessen Lamps Inc., with his wife.
PHOTO: 1st Dibs
1920s Distler Busy Lizzie Tin Windup Toy
What it was worth (1995): $500
What it’s worth now: $500
"doing everyday things" are rare to find, Fendelman says.
PHOTO: Vectis Auctions LTD
Fanny Farmer Uncle Sam Container
What it was worth (2001): $45
What it’s worth now: $45
was named after the culinary queen, though she had nothing to do with the sweet business.
PHOTO: Efingegifts
1892 Presidential Campaign Souvenir Bandana
What it was worth (2012): $1,200
What it’s worth now: $500
displays the faces of the 22nd President of the United States, Grover Cleveland, and his second vice president, Adlai Stevenson.
PHOTO: Christopher Coppola/Studio D
1900 Wool Yacht Flag
What it was worth (2004): $200
What it’s worth now: $650
If just is appraised for $650, we wonder how much the yacht it flew on is worth!
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
Griswold Cast-Iron Cake Mold
What it was worth (2003): $275
What it’s worth now: $200
Griswold Manufacturing produced from 1865 to 1957.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
1950s Royal Typewriter Quiet de Luxe
What it was worth (2006): $350
What it’s worth now: $350
After many ownership and business changes, Royal Typewriter Company is now known as Royal Consumer Information Products Inc., and today.
PHOTO: Courtesy of Tony Casillo of TTS
Mid-19th-Century Shaker Box
What it was worth (1987): $275
What it’s worth now: $5,500
, which probably stored dry goods in a pantry, is now worth 20 times its original appraisal from 31 years ago.
PHOTO: John Keith Russell Antiques Inc.
Late-19th-Century Thonet Bentwood Chair
What it was worth (1985): $350
What it’s worth now: $500
was invented by Michael Thonet, a furniture maker born way back in 1796.
PHOTO: 1st Dibs
1846 Polk Presidential China by Edouard Honoré
What it was worth (2009): $25,000
What it’s worth now: $5,000
from James Polk's presidency is now worth just a fifth of its original appraisal.
PHOTO: Winterthur Museum
McCoy Spring Bulb Planter
What it was worth (1998): $75
What it’s worth now: $30
would look beautiful in any garden.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
1920s-'30s Hubley Cast-Iron Door Porter
What it was worth (2003): $600
What it’s worth now: $700
Fendelman says the key to telling from replicas is the weight — knockoffs are usually lighter.
PHOTO: 1st Dibs
WWI War Bond Poster
What it was worth (2001): $1,000
What it’s worth now: $500
was likely an advertisement for war bonds.
PHOTO: Spencer Weisz Galleries
Oak Hoosier Cabinet
What it was worth (2008): $1,000
What it’s worth now: $1,800
would fit perfectly in a
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
Circa-1900 Enterprise Manufacturing Cast-Iron Coffee Grinder
What it was worth (2006): $750
What it’s worth now: $2,000
Although was used to grind coffee beans, it now makes for an interesting decoration 100 years later.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
Early-20th-Century Sewing Bird Clamp
What it was worth (1987): $150
What it’s worth now: $100
We can just imagine all the beautiful pieces that were made with the help of .
PHOTO: Pook and Pook
Early 20th-Century French Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk
What it was worth (1984): $750
What it's worth now: $15,000
This beautiful piece of appeared in Fendelman's very first column for "Country Living" in 1984.
PHOTO: Weston Table
American Thermos Co. Roy Rogers Lunch Box
What it was worth (2004): $300
What it’s worth now: $65
This is now worth less than a fourth of its original appraised value, but we still love the western theme.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
International Harvester Buddy L Toy Truck
What it was worth (1989): $1,200
What it’s worth now: $3,500
This might be you don't let your kids play with.
PHOTO: Antiques Roadshow
Early-20th-Century Halls Excelsior Mechanical Bank
What it was worth (1987): $275
What it’s worth now: $1,750
After 31 years, this was appraised for more than six times its original value.
PHOTO: 1st Dips
1985 Australian Thoroughbred Print
What it was worth (2012): $225
What it’s worth now: $100
This would look perfect in any room boasting a -inspired aesthetic.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
1960s Bonnie Cashin Coat
What it was worth (2008): $600
What it’s worth now: $800
This jacket was made by , one of the originators of American sportswear. She also created uniforms for women fighting in World War II.
PHOTO: EnokiWorld.com
Blue Onion Condiment Set
What it was worth (1995): $350
What it’s worth now: $225
This was originally called the "bulb" pattern. Copy the classic look with the budget-friendly cornflower print found on
PHOTO: Hand and Heart Antiques
Cast-Iron Water Sprinkler
What it was worth (1997): $425
What it’s worth now: $1,500
We're not sure how useful would be today, but the duck design is pretty cute (and that updated price tag is pretty impressive).
PHOTO: 1st Dips
Phillips & Clark Stove Co. Art Andes 20 Stove
What it was worth (1986): $3,500
What it’s worth now: $5,000
This is quite a bit bulkier and much more intricate than today's models, but it will no doubt make a statement in your home.
PHOTO: The Stove Guy LV
1950s Rand McNally Terrestrial Globe
What it was worth (2004): $50
What it’s worth now: $65
Rand McNally, a company founded way back in 1856, today.
PHOTO: Andrew McCaul
19th-Century Lehnware Bucket
What it was worth (2001): $22,000
What it’s worth now: $22,000
We certainly wouldn't be using — which has surprisingly retained its value over the years — for its intended purpose.
PHOTO: Olde Hope Antiques
Sterling Silver Tiffany Demitasse Spoons
What it was worth (2010): $1,400 for a set of 7
What it’s worth now: $750
Although they've decreased in value by nearly 50 percent, are still stunning.
PHOTO: Jesus Ayala/Studio D
European Enamelware Coffee Pot
What it was worth (2005): $350
What it’s worth now: $200
We'd love to have our coffee or tea served from .
PHOTO: The French Corner
1904 National Cash Register
What it was worth (2015): $900
What it’s worth now: $1,000
from National Cash Register — now called NCR Corporation — for thousands of dollars.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
Albion Union Windmill Salesman's Sample
What it was worth (2006): $3,500
What it’s worth now: $3,500
Fendelman says Saleman's Samples pieces that have original parts are .
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
Circa-1910 Shoemaker's Nail Holder
What it was worth (1989): $75
What it’s worth now: $75
Although was originally used for nails, it could hold a variety of trinkets. Plus, think about how charming it would look on your dresser.
PHOTO: Urban Remains
Late-19th-Century Tiffany Table Lamp
What it was worth (2004): $12,000
What it’s worth now: $12,000
Compared to current — which are sold for a few hundred dollars — is quite a bit pricier.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
Early-20th-Century Diamond Dyes Color Card
What it was worth (2013): $350
What it’s worth now: $350
Despite being around 100 years old, is still vibrant.
PHOTO: Alison Gootee/Studio D
Circa-1940s Folk Art Croquet Wickets
What it was worth (2005): $1,800
What it’s worth now: $3,600
These animated wickets are much more fun than the .
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
1899 Shreve, Crump & Low Sterling Loving Cup
What it was worth (2015): $700
What it’s worth now: $2,700
According to its , Shreve, Crump & Low — founded in 1796 — is "America's oldest purveyor of fine gifts." in the original finish, and you'll more than double the value.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
Wallace Nutting Brace-Back Bow-Back Windsor Chair
What it was worth (1987): $2,500 for a set of 6
What it’s worth now: $1,800
Maybe it's time to get your kitchen furniture appraised: This set of is worth nearly $2,000 today!
PHOTO: Erik Gould
Circa-1940 Polka-Dot Cocktail Set
What it was worth (2008): $450
What it’s worth now: $400
Every hour is happy hour when you're mixing drinks with this .
PHOTO: Lara Robby/Studio D
Late-1800s Pennsylvania Chalkware Rooster
What it was worth (2005): $950
What it’s worth now: $950
are lightweight models that are actually made with plaster of Paris.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
Circa-1920 Pieced Quilt
What it was worth (2011): $2,500
What it’s worth now: $1,000
Although decreased in value by more than 50 percent, we think every handmade quilt is priceless.
PHOTO: Philip Friedman/Studio D
Walter Von Nessen Art Deco Constellation Lamp
What it was worth (2002): $400
What it’s worth now: $2,000
, husband of industrial designer Greta von Nessen, co-founded Nessen Studios, now Nessen Lamps Inc., with his wife.
PHOTO: 1st Dibs
1920s Distler Busy Lizzie Tin Windup Toy
What it was worth (1995): $500
What it’s worth now: $500
"doing everyday things" are rare to find, Fendelman says.
PHOTO: Vectis Auctions LTD
Fanny Farmer Uncle Sam Container
What it was worth (2001): $45
What it’s worth now: $45
was named after the culinary queen, though she had nothing to do with the sweet business.
PHOTO: Efingegifts
1892 Presidential Campaign Souvenir Bandana
What it was worth (2012): $1,200
What it’s worth now: $500
displays the faces of the 22nd President of the United States, Grover Cleveland, and his second vice president, Adlai Stevenson.
PHOTO: Christopher Coppola/Studio D
1900 Wool Yacht Flag
What it was worth (2004): $200
What it’s worth now: $650
If just is appraised for $650, we wonder how much the yacht it flew on is worth!
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
Griswold Cast-Iron Cake Mold
What it was worth (2003): $275
What it’s worth now: $200
Griswold Manufacturing produced from 1865 to 1957.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
1950s Royal Typewriter Quiet de Luxe
What it was worth (2006): $350
What it’s worth now: $350
After many ownership and business changes, Royal Typewriter Company is now known as Royal Consumer Information Products Inc., and today.
PHOTO: Courtesy of Tony Casillo of TTS
Mid-19th-Century Shaker Box
What it was worth (1987): $275
What it’s worth now: $5,500
, which probably stored dry goods in a pantry, is now worth 20 times its original appraisal from 31 years ago.
PHOTO: John Keith Russell Antiques Inc.
Late-19th-Century Thonet Bentwood Chair
What it was worth (1985): $350
What it’s worth now: $500
was invented by Michael Thonet, a furniture maker born way back in 1796.
PHOTO: 1st Dibs
1846 Polk Presidential China by Edouard Honoré
What it was worth (2009): $25,000
What it’s worth now: $5,000
from James Polk's presidency is now worth just a fifth of its original appraisal.
PHOTO: Winterthur Museum
McCoy Spring Bulb Planter
What it was worth (1998): $75
What it’s worth now: $30
would look beautiful in any garden.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
1920s-'30s Hubley Cast-Iron Door Porter
What it was worth (2003): $600
What it’s worth now: $700
Fendelman says the key to telling from replicas is the weight — knockoffs are usually lighter.
PHOTO: 1st Dibs
WWI War Bond Poster
What it was worth (2001): $1,000
What it’s worth now: $500
was likely an advertisement for war bonds.
PHOTO: Spencer Weisz Galleries
Oak Hoosier Cabinet
What it was worth (2008): $1,000
What it’s worth now: $1,800
would fit perfectly in a
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
Circa-1900 Enterprise Manufacturing Cast-Iron Coffee Grinder
What it was worth (2006): $750
What it’s worth now: $2,000
Although was used to grind coffee beans, it now makes for an interesting decoration 100 years later.
PHOTO: Helaine Fendelman
Early-20th-Century Sewing Bird Clamp
What it was worth (1987): $150
What it’s worth now: $100
We can just imagine all the beautiful pieces that were made with the help of .
PHOTO: Pook and Pook
Do you have any of these valuable items hiding in your attic?
Helaine Fendelman knows her . Since 1984, she's appraised more than 1,594 items in 188 "What Is It? What Is It Worth?" columns for "Country Living." Now, the New York City appraiser is looking back and reevaluating 40 of the most from years' past. Here are Fendelman's 40 most memorable antiques worth money, from antique furniture, art, collectibles, antique toys, dishes and more.