What's It Worth? Surprising Valuables Hiding in Los Angeles Homes
Insights from our estate appraisal experiences across Southern California
Every Los Angeles home tells a story. Behind closed doors and tucked into forgotten corners are objects that quietly hold value—sometimes significant value—that owners often overlook. After years of appraising estate contents across Southern California, we've developed an eye for spotting treasures others miss.
Here's our field guide to commonly overlooked valuables and what drives their worth in today's market. Who knows? You might be sitting on something special without even realizing it.
Midcentury Furniture: Not Just Old Sofas
That "dated" furniture from the 1950s-70s that's been relegated to the guest room? It might be worth more than your new living room set.
Los Angeles has long been a hub for Midcentury Modern design, with pieces by Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Knoll, and Danish designers like Hans Wegner and Finn Juhl found in homes across the city. Even "everyday" furniture from this era by less renowned manufacturers can command impressive prices.
Recently, we found neglected Walter Lamb for Brown Jordan patio furniture that the family had planned to donate. After proper cleaning and restoration, the two side tables and three lounge chairs sold at auction for over $10,000. The family had no idea of the significance or value.
What drives value: Designer pedigree, original upholstery, and clean lines typically command higher prices. Look for manufacturer labels under cushions or on the underside of pieces. Even without labels, distinctive shapes and quality construction can indicate value.
Art Pottery and Ceramics: Beyond Pretty Dishes
Those "crafty-looking" vases and bowls gathering dust? They might represent important studio pottery worth hundreds or even thousands.
Southern California has been a ceramics powerhouse since the mid-20th century, with notable potters like Beatrice Wood (who worked in Ojai until age 105), Laura Andreson (UCLA), Harrison McIntosh, and countless others creating works that are now actively collected.
In a recent Hollywood Hills estate, we found two smaller pieces by Peter Voulkos (1924-2002) tucked away in a China cabinet unbeknownst to the estate executor. They brought in over $5,000 at auction.
What drives value: Maker's marks (usually found on the bottom), distinctive glazes, and excellent condition are key factors. Even unsigned pieces with distinctive characteristics can be valuable if they can be attributed to known makers.
Costume Jewelry: Sometimes Not So "Costume" After All
That tangle of "fake" jewelry in the dresser drawer? It might contain valuable designer pieces worth far more than their materials suggest.
Los Angeles, with its connection to the entertainment industry, has been home to countless jewelry designers and has attracted pieces from around the world. We regularly find valuable signed pieces by designers like Miriam Haskell, Eisenberg, Trifari, and sometimes even Chanel or Schiaparelli mixed in with truly costume pieces.
During one Beverly Hills estate clearance, we discovered a Bakelite bracelet collection that the family had dismissed as "plastic junk." The collection brought over $3,000 at auction.
What drives value: Designer signatures, quality of materials, and uniqueness of design all matter. Current collector trends heavily influence prices, with some previously overlooked styles now commanding premium prices.
Books and Paper Ephemera: Not Just Old Paper
Those boxes of books in the garage? That stack of old movie posters rolled up in the closet? Paper items are frequently undervalued by families but eagerly sought by collectors.
Los Angeles's literary scene and film industry have filled homes with potentially valuable books, scripts, posters, and photographs. First editions, signed copies, limited runs, and entertainment-related materials can all be surprisingly valuable.
At a Pasadena estate, we discovered a collection of classic Hollywood brownline prints from movies including Ben Hur, North by Northwest, and The Time Machine (1960). Much like architectural blueprints, brownline production copies were made in very limited runs (2-3 copies) for sharing among film studio departments. The collection, which had been boxed up and stashed under a bed for decades, sold for over $10,000.
What drives value: For books, first editions, author signatures, and condition are paramount. For film memorabilia, connection to classic or cult films, rarity, and condition drive prices.
Asian Art and Artifacts: Beyond Decorative Objects
That "decorative" Buddha statue or those "souvenir" Japanese prints? They might be authentic pieces with significant market value.
Los Angeles's Pacific Rim connections and diverse population have brought countless Asian artifacts into local homes. Many families don't realize the age, cultural significance, or artistic importance of these pieces.
One family in Palos Verdes had several antique Edo period Japanese katana, tsuba, and tsuka that had been purchased by their grandfather while stationed in Japan after WWII. The collection brought over $10,000 at auction.
What drives value: Authenticity, age, artistic significance, and provenance all matter. Even when documentation is missing, expert evaluation can often determine a piece's origin and value.
Records and Media: Not Just Outdated Technology
Those boxes of old records, film reels, or video games? In the age of digital everything, physical media has developed cult followings and collector markets.
Los Angeles's music industry connections mean many homes contain vinyl records that might be rare pressings, promotional copies, or albums by artists who have developed cult followings. Similarly, the film industry has filled homes with film reels, scripts, and other media that collectors prize.
At one Pasadena estate, we found a collection of 1920-1950 vintage 78 RPM vinyl records. The collection, which had been stored in a closet for decades, sold for over $34,000 to enthusiast collectors.
What drives value: Rarity, condition, original packaging, and cultural significance all play roles. Some categories that were previously ignored by collectors have seen dramatic price increases in recent years.
What Should You Do?
If you're wondering about potential treasures in your home or a family estate, consider these steps:
- Resist the urge to clean out without assessment. Many valuable items are discarded because they appear outdated or ordinary.
- Look for signatures, marks, and labels. These can be subtle—on the bottom of ceramics, inside furniture, or stamped into metal pieces.
- Consider professional evaluation for items that seem distinctive, well-crafted, or unusual. Most reputable auction houses offer complimentary consultations.
- Document provenance when possible. The story of who owned an item or where it came from can significantly impact value.
- Remember that market trends change. Items that were once overlooked can become highly sought-after as tastes evolve.
The objects that surround us often contain more history, craftsmanship, and value than we realize. Whether you're downsizing your own home or handling a family estate, taking time to identify potential treasures ensures that value isn't inadvertently lost.
After all, recognizing the value in what we already have is perhaps the most sustainable luxury of all.