10 Old Things Worth Checking Before You Throw Them Away
A drawer, attic or old cupboard may hold more history than first appears. Before a clear-out, look for marks, original parts and documentation. Here are ten types of objects worth examining, with guides to help you investigate further.
1. Silver cutlery and hollowware
Look for 830S, 925S, maker's marks and pattern names. A knife's steel blade and any filling inside its handle must be distinguished from its silver content. Our guide to Norwegian silver marks explains what to look for.
2. Vintage wristwatches
Record the brand, model and any numbers, and keep boxes and service records. A non-running watch may still interest a collector. Read what affects the value of vintage watches.
3. Gold rings and jewellery
Check gold fineness marks, maker's marks and the setting before selling solely by weight. Design and gemstones can affect an assessment. Our diamond ring guide explains the main considerations.
4. Coins and banknotes
Keep a collection together with its old labels and holders. Date, variety and grade can make a substantial difference. Do not polish coins before they are assessed. Read our guide to old coins and collectable value.
5. Vintage advertising signs
Photograph the front, reverse and maker's details. Logos, construction and mounting traces help with identification. Our Norwegian-language Norwegian guide to original enamel signs and reproductions explains several clues.
6. Money boxes and bank advertising
Bank names and bus operators connect bus-shaped money boxes with local history. Keep the wheels, base cover and any key together. Read the story of OBA's three bus-shaped money boxes.
7. Porcelain and ceramics
Look for factory backstamps, model and decoration numbers, and signatures. An individual cup or vase may be of interest even when the rest of a service is missing. Our guide to Nora Gulbrandsen and Porsgrund porcelain shows how the clues are used.
8. Glass and design objects
Keep labels, packaging and information about the maker. Examine the rim, foot and surface in good light. Compare forms and details with glass and crystal in our shop.
9. Vintage toys
Original decoration, mechanisms, correct parts and boxes are important for tinplate toys. Never force a stuck winding mechanism. Our guides in Norwegian explain tinplate toy identification and preserving toys and collectables.
10. Knives and traditional craftsmanship
A knife's blade, handle, fittings and sheath may have been made by different craftspeople. Record the marks on each component. Our article on Norwegian sheath knives gives documented examples.
What should you do next?
Set aside objects you want to investigate, keeping their parts and documentation together. Our photography guide explains useful views for an initial assessment.
Østlandet Brukt & Antikk buys individual objects and collections. Contact us with photographs and a short description. For a whole property, you can also read about estate clearance services on our Norwegian website.
