While thrift stores are a good place to find reasonable valuable items, it’s rare to come across a particularly high-quality item. Often, those items are already in someone else’s shopping cart before you even spot them. Here are some tips to help you find those items! Read on to discover where to find valuable items at Goodwill. Here are some places to start:
Vintage Pyrex
One of the best ways to find affordable Vintage Pyrex is at a local thrift store. Goodwill is usually filled with great Pyrex pieces, and you can find sets for less than $20. Prices can vary, but they generally range from $6 to $20. To begin your collection, you can start by purchasing inexpensive pieces, like simple refrigerator dishes and mixing bowls. However, you should note that limited-edition promotional pieces are often more valuable.
The Gooseberry pattern, which was produced from 1957 to 1968, was among the most popular. This pattern was so popular that it became synonymous with the “Cinderella nesting bowl,” with handles on each side. This pattern was also produced in white on turquoise and red on yellow. You can also find Pyrex in pastel yellow. For the full collection of vintage items, head to Thrift World, which has locations in Omaha, Kansas City, and Independence, Mo.
Another way to find Vintage Pyrex is by checking the markings on the glass pieces. The older pieces will have the Pyrex stamp on the bottom of the glass. The earliest Pyrex pieces will have “Pyrex” in all capital letters inside a circle with a small figure blowing glass. Later, the company added “Made in U.S.A.” to its labels. Eventually, this format disappeared.
A wooden toothpick is also an excellent way to clean the crevices on a Pyrex bowl. Insert the toothpick into the crevices with a slight pressure, rotating it to clean the surface. Stacking and storing Pyrex upside down can mar the finish. If you have more than one piece, place heavy paper in between them. To maintain the best condition of your Pyrex, use a lidded plastic food container when stacking them.
When looking for Pyrex at Goodwill, remember to check the markings. Many pieces will contain a Pyrex symbol on the bottom, as well as the word “PYREX” in flames. Also, look for the number “6283 PYREX” on the handle. It is not unusual for these items to have lead paint, so check the labels carefully before purchasing. A few Pyrex pieces may have been cracked or damaged, but they are still perfectly usable.
Antique Ball jars
You may have noticed an abundance of antique Ball jars at goodwill stores. While they may be made decades ago, you can still find some that date to as early as the 1880s. Each one is special, no matter what decade it is from. You can also look at the large number stamped on the bottom, which is the mold number. These mold numbers do not have any relationship to the jar’s manufacture date. If you do not know the mold number, you can use a chart to help you determine the approximate decade.
Another way to get antique Ball jars is to attend estate sales. These sales are typically held in
the homes of the deceased and are a treasure trove for canning and craft supplies. These sales may even include a canner! While you’re there, be sure to check for any signs of cracks, chips, or dents. Besides, new jars are usually cheaper than used ones.
Another option is to post an ad on Craigslist. Craigslist is a hit and miss scenario, so be prepared to haggle. Make sure you inspect the jars in person before making a bid. Using a camera, you can take photos of the jars’ mouths to ensure they’re not cracked or chipped. If you’re buying an antique ball jar for a price you’re happy with, go for it.
When you’re shopping at a goodwill, be sure to ask about the history of the jar. You might be surprised to learn that people store chemicals in canning jars and can’t clean them properly with soap and water. Before making a purchase, check to see whether the jars have been used for anything. It’s best to ask if there are pictures of the contents of the jars.
Depression glass
There are many ways to discover valuable items at goodwill. Depression glass is a popular type of vintage glassware. During the Great Depression, it was widely available and inexpensive.
Depression glass is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Some pieces are worth hundreds of dollars each, while others are simply fun to display. Here are some tips for finding valuable items at goodwill. To get started, visit a local goodwill store.
For example, you can look for depression glass patterns on covered footed bowls. These bowls were often sold as powder jars, as well as centerpieces for a table. These glass pieces have a textured surface, and manufacturers often created them by using molds or cutting glass. You can tell if the glass is pressed or cut if the edges are sharp. Also, remember that depression glass is not just for use in centerpieces. There are many types of glassware available, including colorful Carnival glass, milk glass, and Depression glass.
Paintings by famous artists
It’s not uncommon to find paintings by famous artists at Goodwill. The Goodwill store’s Salvador Dali sketch was recently sold for $4,500 at an online auction. The auction house said all the proceeds would go to its job training program. But not every famous art piece can be resold.
Sometimes, the Goodwill finds an unknown work of art that will be worth thousands of dollars. Fortunately, that’s not always the case.
In one case, a woman from North Carolina purchased an abstract painting by a famous Russian artist for only $10. It had been appraised at $15,000 to $20,000 at an auction house. The woman also paid a hefty $20 for a casserole dish, which was also an heirloom. The painting’s owners hope to sell it again, but this time, they’ll donate the proceeds to Breast Cancer research.
Another recent sale at a Goodwill store in the Baltimore area netted $40,000. The sale of a painting by famous artist Edouard-Leon Cortes from the 19th century is expected to close by Wednesday. The buyer will receive a letter of authenticity certifying its authenticity. Ultimately, all the proceeds of the sale will go to a Goodwill job training program. This is a great way to get the art that you’ve always wanted.
A recent event at Goodwill featured paintings by well-known artists, from the impressionists to
the modern era. One painting was created by a French impressionist called Edouard-Leon Cortes. During the Goodwill sale, the artist will discuss his work, answer questions, and hold a live auction on November 16.
David Irvine is another talented artist. A self-taught illustrator, David Irvine has made his name well known by adding popular TV characters to thrift store paintings. In fact, he has several stores on Etsy, Society6, and Redbubble. One of these is also a goodwill favorite. Its owner, Katherine Mathews, was moved by the purchase of the painting. She is a proud owner of the piece.
