Yahoo Finance 3 Items From the 1930s That Are Worth a Lot of Money
According to the Daily Montanan, only 1% of the people in the world born between 1930 and 1946 are still alive. While that’s a sobering statistic, the silver lining is that long after they’re gone, the things they held and touched — that kept them busy and entertained, that they enjoyed and collected and handed down to their children or forgot about in boxes in the attic — will remain.
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While the oldest Americans might find it hard to believe, nearly a century of history separates the 1930s from contemporary society. The physical items from that era serve as a bridge between that world and today’s — and the right ones can be worth a fortune.
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A Modern Collector Explores Yesteryear Relics
Thery Benjamin is the CEO of Musa Art Gallery and a dedicated collector of historical items and memorabilia. He’s not just a hobbyist. His work in curation has earned him expertise and connections in the all-important fields of appraisal and valuation — and he knows the ’30s well.
“The 1930s were a pivotal decade marked by remarkable creativity and resilience, despite the challenges of the Great Depression,” he said. “Items from this era not only embody the artistic and cultural shifts of the time but also represent the innovative spirit that defined it.
“At Musa Art Gallery, we believe that every item tells a story, and those from the 1930s are no exception. They offer a tangible link to a bygone era, reflecting the ingenuity and artistic expression that emerged from one of history’s most challenging periods. By sharing these stories, we connect with our past, understand our present and inspire future generations to appreciate the beauty and lessons of history. Here are three categories of 1930s items that could be particularly valuable.”
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Art Deco Furniture and Décor
Although it originated in France before World War I, the Art Deco style defined art, architecture, design and décor from 1925 to World War II, according to Art Deco Los Angeles. If you’ve ever seen the Empire State Building, you know the design style, which is defined by geometric patterns, sharp lines and stylized elements like zigzags and chevrons.
“The 1930s was the golden era of Art Deco, a style that symbolizes elegance, functionality and modernity,” said Benjamin. “Original Art Deco pieces, especially those by renowned designers, are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly sought after by collectors for their historical significance and craftsmanship.”
High-end luxury marketplace 1stDibs is currently listing the following pieces, among many others from the 1930s:
A 1930 furniture in wood Art Deco piece attributed to Louis Süe and André Mare is selling for $360,000.
A French Art Deco cabinet for collecting coins and medals with drawers in wood from 1930 is selling for $280,000.
A 1930 Art Deco Isolo carpet from France is selling for $250,000.
Vintage Advertising and Posters
Hollywood transformed into the big-studio powerhouse that came to define the film industry in the 1930s, and professional sports, magazine publishing and the food and beverage industry also matured during that decade — and their promotional materials from back then can be worth a lot of money today.
“Advertising from the 1930s often features vibrant colors, iconic typography and the dawn of modern marketing,” said Benjamin. “Original posters and promotional items from this period, especially those in excellent condition, can fetch high prices for their artistry and rarity.”
1stDibs is currently listing the following examples:
A 1933 “King Kong” film poster is selling for $75,000.
A Mickey Mouse “Silly Symphony” poster from 1938 is selling for $29,310.
An original 1930 Broders Art Deco poster celebrating hockey and skiing from Chamonix, Mont Blanc, is selling for $23,080.
Classic Tin Toys and Board Games
Millions of kids had hardscrabble childhoods in the 1930s because of the bleak economic conditions that dominated the time — but the industries that catered to them still had a banner decade.
“The 1930s saw the invention of many toys and games still beloved today,” said Benjamin. “Early editions or rare finds in this category, such as tin toys and the first Monopoly boards, are prized for their nostalgia and connection to a simpler time.”
In 2010, Sotheby’s auctioned off the toy collection of Malcolm Forbes, a capitalist, entrepreneur and publisher of the financial publication that bears his name. The crown jewel was the oldest known version of Monopoly, handmade by legendary game designer Charles Darrow. Antiques Trade Gazette wrote, “Thought to date from 1933, this was the earliest ‘Darrow’ set known to survive, the only one of circular shape, and the earliest to include a carbon typescript rules sheet.”
When the auctioneer’s gavel fell, the sale price was $146,500.
Monopoly is the decade’s most famous game, but it’s hardly the only one that can be worth money.
A 1936 Milton Bradley Babe Ruth board game is selling for $1,500 on eBay.
A 1930 Wooden Carnival Game by French Game & Novelty in Milwaukee is selling for $4,500 on 1stDibs.
A 1930s tin checkers board game is selling on Intondo for nearly $1,000.
Benjamin also mentioned tin toys, which were wildly popular in the ’30s, because they were more durable and inexpensive to produce than wooden toys. A quick search on Google Shopping reveals dozens of examples selling in the high hundreds or four figures.
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