With 30 years of reselling under my belt, I’m the go-to guy when friends need a quick appraisal. And over the years I’ve noticed a recurring phenomenon: The vintage items most people consider valuable usually aren’t, and the things they want to toss are often hot collectibles.
Here’s why: Many of us get our idea of what’s valuable from our parents. But markets change, and new collectors have different tastes.
What disregarded treasures are hiding in your home right now? The answers might surprise you. In this series, we’ll explore hot collectibles you might already own. This edition focuses on European brands.
1. Iittala glassware
Broadly speaking, the resale value of clear glass and crystal has plummeted over the past 15 years. But exceptions make the rule, and Iittala glassware is a big exception.
Dating back to 1881, Iittala is perhaps the most well-known maker in Finland’s long glass-blowing history. The company was founded by Peter Magnus Abrahamson in Iittala, Finland, a village situated about 70 miles from Helsinki.
The company’s focus on working with the world’s most innovative artists is the key to its unbreakable success. Here are just a few of the pioneering artists who’ve partnered with Iittala over the decades:
- Alvar Aalto
- Oiva Toikka
- Kaj Franck
- Timo Sarpeneva
Not sure if your vase is by Iittala? Look for small red decal on the underside or near the rim. The Iittala logo is a simple red circle encasing a white lower-case “i” with the brand name “Iittala” underneath.
Recently on eBay, this Iittala glass bird figure designed by Oiva Toikka sold for $958, and this set of three candleholders designed by Timo Sarpeneva sold for $340.
2. Denby ceramics
For decades, Denby dinnerware has graced the wedding registries of young couples around the world. Handcrafted in England since 1809, the company boasts that at least 20 pairs of hands touch every piece of pottery during the production process. The durable stoneware comes in gorgeous patterns and classic colors that can easily adapt to any style. Pieces from the 1960s and ’70s typically have a matte glaze, but more contemporary pieces are high-gloss.
In the resale world, these patterns command the highest prices:
- Arabesque (in solid brown or Samarkand)
- Halo
- Storm
- Azure Shell
- Luxor
- Metz
- Gypsy
- Baroque
The Denby mark appears on the underside of each piece. The logo features a rectangle with rounded edges containing the words “Denby Made in England.” Some pieces may also include the brand “Langley” (the result of a 1959-1982 merger between the two companies).
On eBay, this full set of Denby in the Baroque pattern sold for $569.99, and these seven Denby Luxor dinner plates sold for $224.
3. Ekornes Stressless recliners and accessories
Leave it to the Norwegians to not only reinvent the recliner, but also to make it high art. Still in business today, Ekornes was founded by Jens E. Ekornes in 1934. Originally producing wicker furniture, the company shifted focus to metal spring manufacturing in the late 1930s and early ’40s.
The company’s iconic Stressless recliner debuted in 1971. Designed to fit the natural curves of the human body and built to last decades, the chair was an immediate hit around the world. By 1980, sales surpassed 100 million kroner (roughly $9 million today).
Not sure if your much-loved recliner is a genuine Stressless? Here’s a quick way to check: Examine the tilt control knobs on either side of the seat. The word “Stressless” will be molded into the plastic. Paper labels attached under the ottomans and chairs often tear off over the years.
On eBay, this Ekornes leather recliner recently sold for $1,695, and this teak and leather ottoman sold for $239.99. Even small upgrades like Ekornes chair-mounted side tables are in-demand. This 11-inch model sold for $94.99 on eBay.
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