Common Items Most People Don’t Know Are Valuable

2. Old Trunks

During eras when immigration and long-distance travel by boat and wagon were prevalent, large steamer trunks were commonplace. These trunks served as storage for clothing and household essentials during extended voyages by sea or overland on covered wagons. Certain steamer trunks can command substantial value, especially if crafted by renowned furniture makers or if they have a compelling history of voyages. Even the most modest old cedar wood chests often hold significant worth, typically fetching at least a few hundred dollars. They serve as not just storage but also as repositories for family heirlooms or blankets, embodying a sense of historical elegance and significance.

Trunks crafted during the mid-1800s were constructed to endure the rigors of wagon travel, rendering them highly prized for their strength and durability. Discovering one with documented evidence of traversing the Oregon Trail or participating in the California gold rush would hold tremendous financial and historical significance. Designer trunks were also sought-after items in bygone centuries, with prestigious fashion houses like Louis Vuitton producing exquisite wood chests. Should you come across a designer chest, you could easily be looking at several thousand dollars in value. Chests crafted from cedar wood are particularly coveted due to their distinct aroma, which many appreciate when storing vintage blankets and bedding.