15 Famous Collectible Antiques from the 20th Century

The 20th century was a time of innovation and change, and its antiques have become treasures for collectors today. From iconic furniture pieces to rare toys and timeless jewelry, these collectibles hold both historical and aesthetic value. Many of these items represent the cultural shifts and technological advancements of their time. Collectors seek out these antiques not only for their craftsmanship but also for the stories they tell. Some items have even seen their market value skyrocket, making them highly sought after in auctions. Whether it’s vintage watches, art, or memorabilia, each piece is a window into the past.

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Art Deco Furniture

Art Deco furniture, popular in the 1920s and 1930s, features sleek, geometric designs combined with luxurious materials like lacquered wood, chrome, and glass. This period was marked by an emphasis on elegance and modernity, influencing furniture pieces such as chairs, desks, and coffee tables. Designers like Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann and Jean-Michel Frank were leaders in creating these masterpieces, which often include intricate patterns and shiny finishes.

The market value for well-preserved Art Deco furniture can range from $1,500 to $10,000, with rare and iconic pieces exceeding $50,000.

Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Mid-century modern furniture, which became popular from the 1940s to the 1960s, emphasizes clean lines, organic shapes, and functional design. This style was a reaction to the ornate and cluttered designs of previous eras, promoting simplicity and practicality. Key designers like Charles and Ray Eames and George Nelson revolutionized the furniture industry with their innovative designs.

Depending on condition and designer, mid-century modern furniture can range from $500 to $20,000, with high-end pieces reaching up to $50,000 or more.

1950s Coca-Cola Memorabilia

Coca-Cola memorabilia from the 1950s is highly collectible due to its nostalgic appeal. These items, including vintage bottles, promotional signs, and early vending machines, represent a time when Coca-Cola became a major cultural and marketing force in America. The distinct red and white branding is instantly recognizable and evokes memories of mid-century Americana.

Vintage Coca-Cola items can range in price from $500 to $30,000, with rare pieces, such as vintage vending machines or porcelain signs, commanding even higher values.

Tiffany Lamp

Tiffany Studios, founded by Louis Comfort Tiffany, is renowned for its stunning stained glass windows and lamps. The company pioneered the use of copper foil in stained glass, allowing for more intricate designs. Tiffany lamps, in particular, remain highly sought after for their beautiful colors and detailed motifs, often featuring nature-inspired themes such as flowers and vines.

A Tiffany lamp can sell for anywhere between $5,000 and $50,000, with rare designs reaching over $100,000 at auctions.

Vintage Rolex Watches

Rolex watches, particularly those from the 1950s and 1960s, are prized for their craftsmanship and timeless design. Vintage models like the Submariner, Daytona, and Datejust have become symbols of luxury, precision, and status. These watches were designed with durable materials such as stainless steel, and their movement systems are celebrated for their precision.

Vintage Rolex watches can range from $5,000 to $100,000, with rare models like the Rolex Daytona “Paul Newman” fetching upwards of $500,000 or more.

Steiff Teddy Bears

Steiff teddy bears, first created in 1902, are cherished for their craftsmanship and high-quality materials. These bears, often made with mohair fur and jointed limbs, have become one of the most beloved collectible toys in the world. Steiff’s iconic “button in the ear” is a symbol of authenticity and a key feature that collectors look for when valuing these bears.

Prices for Steiff teddy bears can range from $300 to $30,000, with rare models, like the 1904 “Teddy Bear with a Growler,” reaching up to $50,000.

Royal Worcester China

Royal Worcester, a prestigious British porcelain manufacturer, is known for its finely crafted china, particularly from the 20th century. The company’s pieces often feature delicate floral patterns, gold detailing, and hand-painted designs, making them highly prized by collectors. Royal Worcester’s fine china has been a symbol of elegance in both domestic and ceremonial settings.

Market value for Royal Worcester china typically ranges from $100 to $10,000, with special patterns and limited editions fetching even higher prices.

Vintage Advertising Posters

Vintage advertising posters from the mid-20th century are highly collectible due to their iconic, graphic designs. These posters often featured bold typography and vibrant imagery to promote products like automobiles, beverages, and vacations. Some of the most sought-after designs feature advertisements for Coca-Cola, Shell, and various travel destinations.

Vintage advertising posters can range from $200 to $25,000, depending on the rarity, design, and condition. Certain rare posters from renowned artists can exceed $100,000.

Fabergé Eggs

Fabergé eggs are known for their intricate design and use of precious materials, including gold, diamonds, and enamel. Created by Russian jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé, these eggs were commissioned by Russian tsars as Easter gifts. Each egg is unique, often containing hidden surprises such as miniature portraits or mechanical toys.

Fabergé eggs can range in value from $100,000 to $30 million, depending on their rarity, materials, and historical significance.

Vintage Vinyl Records

Vinyl records, particularly from the 1950s to 1970s, are highly valued by collectors. First pressings and limited editions from famous artists such as The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and Bob Dylan are especially sought after. The condition of the record, as well as the packaging, plays a significant role in its market value.

Vintage vinyl records can range from $10 to $100,000, with rare albums in excellent condition selling for as much as $50,000 or more, depending on the artist and rarity.

Early Comic Books

Comic books from the Golden Age (1930s-1950s) are incredibly valuable to collectors, especially issues featuring the first appearances of iconic superheroes like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. These early comics have become cultural artifacts, capturing the spirit of the time they were created in. High-grade copies of rare comics are especially prized.

Prices for early comic books can range from $100 to $50 million, with rare comics like “Action Comics #1” selling for upwards of $3 million.

Depression Glass

Depression glass, produced during the Great Depression in the 1930s and 1940s, is highly collectible due to its vibrant colors and patterns. Pieces such as bowls, plates, and pitchers were often given away as promotional items by stores, making them affordable during tough economic times. Popular colors include pink, green, and amber, with floral and geometric patterns.

The value of Depression glass ranges from $50 to $3,000, with rare patterns and colors reaching upwards of $5,000 at auctions.

Art Nouveau Jewelry

Art Nouveau jewelry, popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is known for its organic, flowing designs inspired by nature. Featuring motifs like flowers, insects, and animals, the jewelry is often crafted from gold, silver, and enamel. Renowned designers such as René Lalique and Georges Fouquet created exceptional pieces that remain highly collectible.

Art Nouveau jewelry can range in price from $1,000 to $100,000, with pieces by famous designers reaching values of $500,000 or more.

Vintage Typewriters

Vintage typewriters, once a staple of both home and office, are now highly valued for their mechanical charm and historical significance. Early models from brands like Underwood, Remington, and Olivetti are particularly sought after. Collectors appreciate both their craftsmanship and their place in the history of communication.

The market value for vintage typewriters ranges from $50 to $5,000, depending on the model, condition, and rarity of the piece.

Antique Clocks

Antique clocks, such as mantel clocks, pocket watches, and grandfather clocks, have long been cherished by collectors for their intricate craftsmanship. These clocks, particularly from the 19th and early 20th centuries, often feature detailed mechanisms, ornamental designs, and high-quality materials like brass and marble. They represent not only horological advancements but also the beauty of timepieces.

The market value for antique clocks can range from $200 to $50,000, with rare and beautifully crafted pieces often exceeding $100,000.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.