You know those dusty boxes collecting cobwebs in the attic might hold more than just childhood memories. They could be a treasure trove waiting to be unearthed! The 1950s were a vibrant era of design and innovation, and certain items from this period have become highly sought-after by collectors, sometimes fetching hefty sums at auction. We’ve scoured the internet to bring you some valuable gems from the 1950s that could be lining your shelves (or hiding under a forgotten sheet):
Tin Toys
Those nostalgic wind-up cars and robots from your childhood aren’t just toys anymore. In good condition, particularly rare or well-known brands like Marx Toys or Linemar, they can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars at auction. A near-mint boxed set of a 1950s lithographed tin Ferris wheel sold for over $5K in 2022!
Eames Furniture
The iconic designs of Charles and Ray Eames continue to be coveted by design enthusiasts today. Look for classic pieces like the molded plastic shell chairs or the Eiffel Tower coat rack. An original Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman set can easily reach five figures at auction, proving that good design is truly timeless.
Pyrex Kitchenware
Those colorful glass mixing bowls with the distinctive “flameware” design aren’t just functional – they’re collectible! Rare colors or patterns are especially sought-after, like the limited-edition pink “Gooseberry” or the “Lucky in the Oven” design featuring cartoon chickens. A complete set of nesting bowls in the rare “Spring Blossom” pattern can bring in over $1K for collectors.
Early Rock & Roll Records
If you have a dusty record collection from the early days of rock & roll, it might be worth revisiting those LPs. Original pressings of records by Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, or Little Richard, especially in mint condition, can be highly valuable. A pristine copy of Elvis Presley’s 1954 single “That’s All Right” sold for over $300K in 2019!
Barbie Dolls (and Accessories!)
The original Barbie, which was launched in 1959, has become a pop culture icon. Early Barbies in their original packaging, especially with unaltered features and unique accessories, can be pretty valuable. A mint-condition Barbie from the ponytail era, complete with her original swimsuit and accessories, can fetch over $5K at auction.
Comic Books
Those superhero comics you devoured as a kid could be worth a small fortune today, especially if they’re in pristine condition. Early issues of Marvel or DC comics featuring iconic characters like Superman, Spider-Man, or Captain America can be highly sought-after by collectors. Action Comics #1, featuring the first appearance of Superman, sold for a record-breaking $3.2 million in 2021!
Original Monopoly Sets
The classic board game Monopoly has been a family favorite for generations, but early editions can be quite valuable. Look for sets produced by Parker Brothers in the 1950s, with wooden houses and hotels instead of plastic ones. A complete 1952 edition of Monopoly with all original components can sell for over $1K to avid game collectors.
Vintage Tupperware
Those brightly colored Tupperware containers your mom used to store leftovers might be more than just kitchenware. Early Tupperware products have become collector’s items, particularly rare colors or patterns like the “Pink Flamingo” or the “Colorama” line. A complete set of canisters in the rare “Pineapple” pattern can fetch over $500 online.
Original Rock & Roll Movie Posters
Movie posters from the golden age of rock & roll can be a great find. Look for eye-catching posters promoting films featuring Elvis Presley, The Beatles, or other early rock stars. An original, unrestored poster for the 1958 film “Jailhouse Rock” starring Elvis sold for over $66K at auction in 2020.
Atomic Age Cocktail Glasses
The 1950s embraced the “Atomic Age” aesthetic, and that translated into some truly unique glassware. Look for brightly colored cocktail glasses with a “space age” vibe featuring unusual shapes, uranium glass (which glows under a black light!), or quirky patterns. A set of four uranium glass “Fire King” cocktail glasses with a rocket design recently sold for over $300 online.
Vintage Cameras
Those old cameras gathering dust in the back of the closet could be valuable collector’s items. Popular brands like Polaroid, Kodak, or Leica, especially early models in good working condition, are sought-after by photography enthusiasts. A well-maintained Polaroid SX-70 camera from the 1970s (a late bloomer of the 50s aesthetic) can fetch over $200.
Original Mickey Mouse Memorabilia
Disney memorabilia, particularly items from the early days of Mickey Mouse, can sell for a pretty penny. Look for vintage Mickey Mouse toys, figurines, or cel animation drawings from the 1950s. A rare, hand-painted cel of Mickey Mouse from the 1928 short film “Steamboat Willie” sold for over $1.8 million at auction in 2013!
Original Betty Boop Merchandise
This sassy cartoon flapper from the 1930s, though slightly pre-dating the 1950s, still holds a special place in collector’s hearts. Look for vintage Betty Boop dolls, figurines, or merchandise from the early days of her popularity. A mint-condition Betty Boop doll from the 1930s can fetch over $1K at auction.
Norman Rockwell Illustrations
The iconic magazine covers and illustrations by Norman Rockwell are highly collectible. If you have any original prints or vintage magazines featuring his work, particularly Saturday Evening Post covers, they could be valuable. A Saturday Evening Post cover by Norman Rockwell from the 1950s can sell for tens of thousands of dollars at auction.
