Attic finds – Discover forgotten valuable antiques

Most people have probably heard the story of a valuable attic find. Whether in an inherited home or your own attic – suddenly, out of nowhere, a valuable painting, an antique sculpture, or a rare collectible appears and turns out to be worth a fortune. But how likely is such a story? And what should you do if you truly believe you’ve found something of value?

Finding Valuable Paintings Is Possible – but Not the Norm

The chance of finding a valuable painting in the attic and instantly becoming a millionaire is rather slim. A painting of such value – if acquired legally – would most likely be displayed somewhere prominently, not left to gather dust in an attic or cellar. On top of that, the indoor climate in these spaces can severely damage the painting.

However, there are other antiques that are more commonly found in attics and later recognized as true treasures. These include, for example, high-quality porcelain sets, vintage jewelry, or art objects made from precious materials like gold or silver. Often, such items end up in the attic simply because personal taste has changed over time.

Whether an item is merely old or actually valuable can sometimes be determined with a few simple tests. But the actual market value can only be accurately assessed by an expert. At our auction house, we offer a free appraisal to give you an initial idea of what your object might be worth.

EXCURSUS: How Can I Recognize a Valuable Attic Find?

Signatures and Artist Proofs

Older paintings and artworks can often be identified by signatures or artist marks. A quick internet search may already reveal helpful clues.

Engravings and Manufacturer Marks

Antique items like porcelain or furniture often carry engravings, seals, or other markings that indicate a traditional manufacturer. These details are important in assessing the value.

Materials and Period Characteristics

Gold, silver, solid wood – the materials used often say a lot about an object’s quality. Different eras favored different materials, which can help place the item in time.

Condition

A piece in good original condition or one that has been carefully restored can be significantly more valuable. Damaged items, on the other hand, tend to fetch lower prices.

Provenance – the Origin of a Find

An object’s proven provenance can increase its value, especially if it comes from a notable collection or a historically important context.

Rarity and Historical Significance

The rarer and more culturally or historically significant an item is, the higher its potential market value tends to be.

Simple Tests to Determine Value

• Jewelry: High-quality jewelry often bears a hallmark indicating its purity (e.g., “750” for 18-carat gold). An acid test can confirm whether the gold is real. Authentic gold does not tarnish, while gold-plated items tend to show oxidation over time.
• Paintings: A UV light test can provide insight – modern paints often fluoresce, which may suggest later touch-ups or forgeries. The back of the painting can also be telling: old canvases usually have a yellowish to brownish patina, while modern copies or fakes often appear unnaturally clean or artificially aged. Stamps or labels from previous owners or galleries can also point to a significant provenance. If you’re unsure, our experts are happy to assist with a free valuation request.

What Should I Do if I Think I’ve Found Something Valuable?

If it’s not immediately clear that the potential treasure belongs to you, the first step should be to clarify the ownership. This is especially important in inheritance situations, which can become complicated if the object is not specifically mentioned in a will. In such cases, it typically becomes part of the estate.

If the item clearly belongs to you and you’re considering selling it, a professional evaluation is strongly recommended. Experts can help determine a realistic value. If you need assistance with the appraisal, feel free to reach out to our auction house – our specialists offer a free initial valuation. You’ll also find forms for your valuation request and detailed information about the sales process on our website.

Selling Antique Finds Through an Auction House

Selling a valuable item through a reputable auction house offers significant advantages over a private sale. Through targeted advertising and marketing, we connect with passionate collectors willing to pay high prices – often even above the standard market value.

Private sales, in contrast, involve many uncertainties – such as lack of expertise, difficult price negotiations, or the risk of underselling the piece. As an auction house, we provide professional mediation and optimal pricing. Our experts from various art fields determine a realistic auction value and support you through the consignment process.

Disadvantages of Selling Privately

• Lack of Expertise: Without professional knowledge, there’s a real risk of selling something well below its actual value.
• Uncertain Payment: Selling through online platforms or privately can lead to fraud or payment issues.
• Limited Buyer Reach: Auction houses can target specific collectors and investors, whereas private sales often attract a much smaller audience.
• Legal Uncertainty: Legal issues can arise, especially when selling abroad or with inherited items.
• Negotiation Hassles: Buyers at flea markets or online often try to drive the price down, which can make the sales process frustrating.

If you’re looking for a way to sell old paintings or other antiques, feel free to contact us.
You’ll find our valuation request form and an overview of the auction process on our website.