Collectors can expect to pay more for antique puzzle boxes, especially rare examples featuring exotic and expensive materials like ivory or jade. This 19th-century puzzle box, made of whalebone with an inlaid shell, sold in 2022 for $18,750. If you want to keep valuable items safe or like a good mind challenge, consider a special box you can only open after solving its puzzle. Puzzle boxes—also known as secret or trick boxes or mechanical puzzles—are cleverly constructed with obscured lids, hidden latches, secret openings, and complex mechanisms. Unlocking them requires completing a series of ..read more

A vintage Dawn doll in an original box. When I was growing up, I quickly lost interest in baby dolls as soon as I discovered Barbie. My cousin, who was five years older than me, gave me her Barbies from the early 1960s, which fueled my fascination with them. And Santa had a lot to do with it, too! So, when Dawn dolls were introduced in the early 1970s, I was more interested in obtaining Barbie’s latest accessories than embracing the newcomer on the block. I did have one Dawn doll, though, and I see that as a failed experiment for this particular toy consumer. In other words, Santa got zero req ..read more

Combining innovative mechanics with a complex story and tons of attitude, Fallout became the RPG of the year in 1997. Turning the end of the world into an exciting adventure isn’t easy, but Fallout has been managing it since 1997. Known for its grim despair, unexpected humor, and surprising moments of optimism, Fallout has become one of the biggest video game franchises in the world. Anyone familiar with RPGs (role-playing games) has heard of Fallout. The original Fallout series was a successful game franchise. When Bethesda Softworks, the creators of The Elder Scrolls, acquired the rights to ..read more

In 1889, Hamilton Carhartt bought two sewing machines and installed them in a small loft in Detroit. He originally created his clothing line for men who worked building the railroads, and the brand remains popular for anyone who does outdoor physical labor. However, Carhartt has also become a surprisingly popular streetwear look and a hot designer trend in the music industry. Carhartt jackets, once a brand only seen on construction sites, are now hot vintage collectibles. HOW IT STARTED Much like the railroads, the Carhartt brand spread far and fast from its origins in that tiny loft with a co ..read more

A metal detectorist found two antique Roman bracelets in Wales. Image Source: Amgueddfa Cymru–Museum Wales Exploring an area with a metal detector can lead to the discovery of long-hidden antiques and historical artifacts—for example, consider the story of Andrew Hutchinson. In September 2023, Hutchinson was using his metal detector in Anglesey, Wales, when he unearthed two copper alloy bracelets. Following additional evaluation, the bracelets were declared to be antique Roman treasures six months later. Evan Chapman, senior curator of archaeology at Amgueddfa Cymru, said the bracelets depict ..read more

Little Horse Vintage in Louisville, Colorado, is a must-visit shop for its wide collection of vintage vinyl. Like any truly special antiques shop, Little Horse Vintage in Louisville, Colorado, is much more than a storefront. The space alone is overwhelming in the most delightful way possible, at least for collectors. The shop is more than just row after row of vintage and rare books and a mighty selection of vintage vinyl. Every corner is full of items that make people happy, as owner Mike Price puts it. The store has all kinds of inventory, from nostalgic action figures to vintage political ..read more

Every collector or vintage enthusiast dreams of that one big score—the piece of roadside furniture that turns out to be worth thousands or that long-closeted box containing a rare book in pristine condition. One such hobbyist found her “white whale” on Facebook Marketplace, and while it was a free painting, the experts at Antiques Roadshow let her know that it was worth much more. Ardrea Sanders with her free Facebook find. Photos courtesy: Ardrea Sanders A SECONDHAND MARKETPLACE SCORE WorthPoint spoke with Ardrea Sanders, who acquired a painting from a Facebook Marketplace post. When she took ..read more

A heart charm bracelet marked Bijoux Terner. If you’re just getting into thrift shopping and foraging garage sales for bargains, Bijoux Terner is a brand you’ll likely run across at some point. This company has marketed a vast number of goods over several decades, and they’re still in business. Is it a brand worth picking up, though? That really depends on the item and what you plan to do with it. Looking at some details about Bijoux Terner as a company and the products it has sold offers a clearer picture of how to approach this brand in the secondhand marketplace. Bijoux Terner History Bijou ..read more

An alexandrite and diamond ring with a GIA certificate. While some garnets and sapphires are color-changing stones, a favorite among gem-seekers is alexandrite. Stones like these have intrigued fine jewelry lovers for centuries. But did you know there’s a glass stone used in costume jewelry that also goes by the name of alexandrite? The fine and faux versions of alexandrite change color beautifully when exposed to different light sources. However, the colors they exhibit are vastly different, so they don’t look alike at all. It is wise to become familiar with the attributes of each of these st ..read more

After many successful and historically significant sales—including a new world record—“auction house to the stars” and WorthPoint Industry Partner Julien’s Auctions has announced recent changes that will strengthen its position and allow the business to continue its record growth. This dress, worn by Princess Diana, went for a record-breaking $1.14 million at auction, making it the most expensive dress ever worn by the princess. Julien’s Auctions has added to its senior leadership team and expects to grow the company globally. According to a recent press release, Julien’s will officially welco ..read more