30+ Collector’s Items That Aren’t Worth Keeping

This article appeared in Carterfive and has been published here with permission.

These Collectibles Might Be Nostalgic But They Won’t Fatten Your Bank Account

No longer are collectibles a hobby fueled by the notion of preserving history or inducing nostalgia. Collectors now actively seek out items that one day will fetch them a pretty penny in the resale market. From stamps to cookie jars, people have collected them all. Some items, though, have seen their value depreciate. Here are 40+ collectibles that aren’t really worth keeping, after all.

Beanie Babies

Beanie babies have been a collectible item for a very long time now. The Ty toy collection has been a kids’ favorite since the ’80s.

Beanie Babies

In 1995, the craze caught on with adults, as Beanie Babies became financial investments due to their high resale values. The toys were flipped on eBay and sold for 10 times the original price! But, the fad died down quickly and so did their resale price!

Vinyl Records

Vinyls are cool collectibles, period. Sadly, though, they no longer hold the same rarity that they did once upon a time.

Vinyl Records

In 2017, Sony Entertainment announced that it would begin pressing vinyl records again, introducing an era of what is referred to as the ‘vinyl revival.’ So, unless you have a really rare and old record, you won’t be making much money off vinyl records.

Norman Rockwell Collector Plates

One of the most famous press illustrators in the world, Norman Rockwell ruled the scenes during his time. His cover illustrations for The Saturday Evening Post entertained readers for over five decades.

Norman Rockwell Collector Plates

Even though his paintings sell for millions of dollars, the same can’t be said for the collected plates. These plates, featuring the artist’s work, are worth no more than $10 each, according to Antique Trader. Well, it seems safe to say that this might not be the best choice for collectibles if you’re looking to sell them someday.

Pez Dispensers

Some toys just don’t meet collectible standards. Pez is the brand name of an Austrian candy and is associated with the manual candy dispensers that we’ve all come to know and love.

Pez Dispensers

It does sound like the perfect item to build a collection off of, but sadly, these dispensers only go for a buck or two each. Even the rarest of them — like the limited edition Elvis Presley Pez dispenser collection — is valued at a very low $9.20. It hardly seems worth the hassle.

Pandora Charms

Pandora charms are among the most recent items that people have turned into collectibles. These accessories blew up on the scene in the early to mid-2000s. Most teenage girls were sporting these charm bracelets and necklaces during that decade.

Pandora Charms

Slowly, as some charms were discontinued, their value went up. However, this is only true for the few and rare charms. Exclusive designs — like the Winiper Staff Charm, the Blue Primrose Path, and Perfume Bottle/Scent Charm — have been retired and so, they can now fetch a pretty penny!

Newer ‘Star Wars’ Toys

The 1970s Star Wars toy collection has the power to boost your bank account. These collectible items can fetch quite a few bucks in the resale market. Figurines such as Yak Face (Saelt-Marae) are worth thousands of dollars when you’ve got the right buyer.

Newer ‘Star Wars’ Toys

The newer Star Wars toy collection doesn’t hold the same place in the market. Trying to sell action figures and toys from the ‘90s and ‘00s isn’t worth as much money, as they’ve been recently mass-produced.

Vintage Band T-Shirts

Vintage band tees have become the underdog of the fashion world. So, it’s no wonder that people think this type of clothing will fetch them big bucks when resold.

Vintage Band T-Shirts

That’s not the situation. An Eagles or a Queen t-shirt won’t make you much money, even if it’s in pristine condition, or from the live concert. Unless you have a rare t-shirt, you’re pretty much out of luck.

Royal Family Memorabilia

The royal family hasn’t lost its hold on the people. Whenever any event takes place in the British royal family, people all over the world join in. These events are commemorated by the people in the form of memorabilia.

Royal Family Memorabilia

The faces of the royal family, quotes, and whatnot are printed and sold on cups, or mugs — you name it, it’s available somewhere. Collecting them might be fun, but since these items are mass-produced, turning them into a financial collectible collection is next to impossible.

New Comic Books

Marvel and DC together have ushered in a new dawn of comic lovers. These superhero franchises have turned countless viewers around the world into hardcore fans.

New Comic Books

Old comics that were published between 1930 to 1950 have become so valuable that they could pay for a small village. The new comics, however, don’t hold the same value in the market. So, don’t make the mistake of buying up every new comic you come across, thinking that they’ll become collectibles!

Stamps

We have all, at one point or the other, decided to start a stamp collection. An entire generation grew up collecting stamps as a hobby. Sadly, this collection doesn’t necessarily hold the key to the bank.

Stamps

Stamps are mass-produced items, and it is the very rare stamps that fetch a good sum when sold. Finding the right stamp for a willing buyer is like finding a needle in a haystack. So don’t pin all hopes of becoming a millionaire on this hobby!

Pogs

Everybody, who grew up in the ‘90s, knows that Pogs — Milk caps — were once the most coveted toys around the block. People built up massive collections of these toys, and showing off who had the biggest one was a flex.

Pogs

Even though the game and the toys were very popular, they don’t hold a lot of value in the market these days. A collection of Pogs can fetch around $10, while individual Pogs go for $1 each. It’s better to keep these items as a memory than an investment.

Antique Silverware

Silverware has been around for a very long time. It’s inherently an heirloom product. Families pass down silverware collections from generation to generation, no matter where you are in the world.

Antique Silverware

Silverware might hold a lot of sentimental value, but the same can’t be said for its resale value. If you try to sell your fancy cutlery online, like on eBay, you will come across many other listings for entire antique sets by people. Hence the value of this collectible item has been driven down considerably.

Porcelain Dolls

More often than not these collectible items are used as an extra in horror movies! Porcelain and ceramic dolls have been popular among collectors for ages.

Porcelain Dolls

The resale value for these dolls, though, isn’t high. In fact, they go for around $10 per piece. So, it goes without saying that these dolls aren’t the best way to rack in the dough.

Model Train Sets

If you’re a locomotive lover, you probably have your private collection of model train sets. These collectibles have websites and clubs dedicated to them. However, the resale value of the trains is nothing to boast about.

Model Train Sets

In rare instances, these trains sell at a good price. Take, for instance, the Howard Gondola — which was listed on eBay for $1,715. But, mostly, entire train sets in good condition go for as little as $100.

Barbie Dolls

Whether you’re young or old, hip or nerdy, chances are you’ve probably heard of Barbie. This iconic fashion doll was first introduced in 1959 and has since become a franchise so vast, it has spawned movies, TV shows, games — and, of course, countless dolls!

Barbie Dolls

However, unless you have a mint condition original Barbie from the early days, chances are it won’t get you very good resale prices. Since these toys were mass-produced, finding one in good condition isn’t difficult for interested buyers!

Vintage Playboy Magazines

Playboy magazines have a fan following of their own. A publication full of scandalous history, these magazines have helped many boys, as they say, grow up. Whether you bought the magazines for the articles or the pictures, selling them today might not be the best idea.

Vintage Playboy Magazines

Unless you’re holding onto a first edition copy from before 1970, these mass-produced items aren’t good for much. So, it’s better to keep these on your bookshelf for memories rather than selling them to earn some money!

Precious Moments

Precious Moments are little porcelain figurines centered on an angel named Timmy. Introduced in 1978, these figurines have been proudly collected and gifted across America.

Precious Moments

But, it seems like Precious Moments are good for just that — precious moments. The figurines don’t rank very high in collectible value, with even rare ones getting sold for a few hundred dollars only. It’s better to enjoy this collection for the nostalgia it offers than have any financial motive for it.

Baseball Cards

There was a time when holding a piece of America’s favorite pastime in your hand gave you bragging rights. Collections of baseball cards were proudly carried and showcased, with children making a game out of trading cards and building the biggest collections.

Baseball Cards

If you own such a collection, it’s best if you just keep them for the good times. These cards are low in demand. Even one featuring star player Ken Griffey Jr. is only worth $100.

Funko Figurines

Funky Figurines are designed for only one purpose – to be collected. Created in 1998, these collectible toys have turned numerous TV and movie characters into miniature figurines perfect to keep on a desk or a shelf.

Funko Figurines

Since these toys are so recent, it’s hard to pinpoint how well they will fare in the resale market. So, don’t blow all your money building a collection in the hopes of future investment. But, Funkos do make the cutest decorations — so if you have a particular favorite, be sure to snag it!

Hummel Figurines

Some collectibles see peak glory days, but fall down just as fast. Such is the case with Hummel figurines, a popular World War II souvenir sent back home by Americans stationed in West Germany.

Hummel Figurines

These figurines saw their price increase dramatically in the 1970s as a collector’s item, but the flurry didn’t last long. As of today, unless you have an extremely rare figurine, chances are it won’t sell for much. Your best options would be to either sell them to a nearby thrift shop, or let them continue adorning your shelves.

Franklin Mint Collectibles

The Franklin Mint dolls have been advertised as a collectible investment — buy them today for a great payoff tomorrow. Collectors, therefore, ensure that they keep their dolls in pristine condition and have already listed them for resale!

Franklin Mint Collectibles

Even though the sellers are now trying to get around $200 for one doll, most Franklin Mint dolls go for around $20 to $50, without their original packaging. Not the best investment, after all.

Film Camera

Today, we all basically walk around with cameras in our pockets. But, once upon a time, cameras needed their own separate cases or bags. Vintage cameras are a thing of beauty no doubt, but they’re also a lot of hassle for people who collect them.

Film Camera

According to a New York pawnbroker, people come in with film cameras from the ‘70s and ‘80s, which end up being worth nothing. The film for the camera cost more than the camera itself! Not such a sound investment for the new buyers.

VHS and DVD Collections

VHS tapes were once highly coveted items. Before Netflix and Hulu changed the way people consume movies and TV shows, VHS and DVD collections were all the rage. The disappearing technology has driven up the price for these tapes, but only in our minds.

VHS and DVD Collections

These collections are only worth something if you find the right buyer. Even then, don’t get your hopes too high. It would be better if you keep them for nostalgic purposes than for investment.

Morgan Dollars

Morgan Dollars are now a dime a dozen. These silver coins found popularity in the late 19th century and again in the 1920s when their prices shot up — way up. But, even though the older dollars are almost a century old, today they hardly fetch any money.

Morgan Dollars

Supposedly, Morgan Dollars are one of the most common silver coins that someone can own. Their resale value ranges from $10 to $100. Not the best long-term collectible to focus your energy on.

Indian Head Pennies

The value of any collectible item in the market depends on the supply. If too many exist on the market, the value will decrease significantly. The Indian Head Pennies, minted between 1859 and 1909, have a similar story.

Indian Head Pennies

Even though these coins were extremely valuable during the postwar period, their worth has gone down considerably owing to their number. Around 100 million of these were produced by the end. It’s better to just keep one of these pennies at home for entertaining stories rather than financial gains.

Happy Meal Toys

Mcdonald’s is famous for many things — its food, quick service, witty advertisements, as well as its Happy Meal toys. The fast-food brand has been giving away toys with its Happy Meals since 1907, much to the delight of the kids and collectible enthusiasts.

Happy Meal Toys

However, unless you have a toy in mint condition, inside the packing and with the Happy Meal box, it’s not worth much. The chances of you having all three are close to none so — in other words — you’ll have better luck collecting something else.

Brown Furniture

Brown furniture refers to antique pieces of furniture that are usually dark-stained and sturdy. This can include pieces like cabinets, bed frames, dining room tables, and more.

Brown Furniture

Brown furniture with historical value has gained quite a reputation and value in the resale market. However, average items from the 19th and 20th centuries won’t fetch you much money. The trend has shifted to mid-century modern and Art Deco pieces — and so, brown furniture has somewhat lost its appeal.

Children’s Books

All parents like to pass a piece of their childhood to their kids — either through clothes, experiences, and/or stories. Sometimes, these parents are even ready to shell out a little extra money to get a copy of this book.

Children’s Books

But, unless you have an incredibly rare first-edition copy, these books are pretty easy to find. With the internet, almost everything is available instantly. So, don’t go thrift-shop hunting for some children’s books. It won’t be worth your time unless you get really lucky and find a first edition copy!

Cabbage Patch Kids

Cabbage Patch Kids were very famous when they were first released in the late 1970s, and their value only increased in the 1980s. Parents fought over these unusual dolls that were priced for around $30 retail!

Cabbage Patch Kids

Even though you might think Cabbage Patch Kids must now be a collector’s item, it isn’t so. The dolls are rarely in good condition, so they don’t make a profit. It’s better to hang onto your doll for nostalgic purposes.

Vintage College Pennants

If your grandparents or parents went to a prestigious college, like Harvard or Yale, it’s possible that you have a lot of vintage college pennants lying around your house. But, if you’re thinking of turning it into a profit, you might want to think twice.

Vintage College Pennants

Personal college items like this hardly hold any value to people other than the owners themselves. Very few people will want to own somebody else’s college pennant. So, maybe hold onto that flag for the good old days.

Hot Wheels

Hot Wheels have been around since the ‘60s, and they’ve entertained countless children for hours on end. Sadly, these toy cars from Mattel are basically worthless today.

Hot Wheels

Since these cars were mass-produced and usually end up being severely depleted because of their usage, they fall short of being a collectible dream and are sold for a few dollars only. Unless you have a special version in mint condition, you’re pretty much out of luck.

Autographed Sports Memorabilia

Autographed sports memorabilia was all the rage once, with people shelling out ridiculous amounts of money for them. Even though the prices for these collectibles are still relatively high, selling memorabilia is now riddled with complications.

Autographed Sports Memorabilia

Firstly, buyers are more often than not doubtful about the authenticity of the product, and convincing them might not be possible every time. Secondly, the recent period of time has seen a mass production of items with sports stars’ autographs on them — making signed sports memorabilia a not-so-special collectible anymore.

Cookie Jars

Cookie jars are not the most common collectibles people look for. But, ever since Andy Warhol’s collection of 175 ceramic cookie jars sold for $247,830 in 1988, they have also come under the microscope as a possibility.

Cookie Jars

Sadly, not everyone can dredge up the same interest as a pop star, and the price for a regular individual would be a few dollars for a jar. So, it’s better to use the jars you have to store cookies than your dreams to become a millionaire.

Souvenir Bells

Once upon a time, just like fridge magnets and brochures, people brought back porcelain or metal bells from their travels and events they attended. Even events like the FIFA World Cup had these bells customized for them.

Souvenir Bells

However, you can find these bells on the internet easily for a few dollars. So, while they might be a good souvenir for your travels, they might not be the best item in your house for the resale market!

Salt and Pepper Shakers

Much like porcelain bells, salt and pepper shakers have been a souvenir for people to showcase where they’ve been. Whether they’re quirky or elegant, these delightful little pieces easily find buyers in the market.

Salt and Pepper Shakers

These might be easy to sell, but they won’t necessarily earn you much. It’s very rare for a set to be sold for more than $50 to $80 dollars. It might be better to dress your dining tables with the sets you have than to pawn them on eBay.

Old Newspapers

Newspapers might be an everyday item, but some newspapers hold headlines that changed the course of history. A lot of people preserve newspapers from olden times and then sell them off in a bid to get rich.

Old Newspapers

These mass-produced items might not be the best collectibles, though. Unless you have first prints of iconic editions, like the one declaring the sinking of Titanic, you probably won’t get much out of it. Furthermore, the internet has made it easy for people to have a look at any newspaper they want.

Thomas Kinkade Collection

The thing that killed the value of Thomas Kinkade’s artwork after his death was the same thing that made him money while he was alive. The ‘Painter of Light’ reproduced his paintings so much during his lifetime that they’re essentially worthless today.

Thomas Kinkade Collection

After his death in 2012, the value of the artist’s work dropped massively, with many of his paintings being priced at $20. The Guardian also reported that his work could be found in one in twenty U.S. homes. It’s quite different from the exclusivity of collectibles.

iPods & Other MP3 Players

Gadgets have proven to be incredible collectibles over the years, but the same cannot be said for the gizmos popping up now. It’s too soon to estimate the value of iPods or any other MP3 players, as they were mass-produced for the market.

iPods & Other MP3 Players

Recently, an iPod Nano was sold for a meager $69. So, if you’re holding onto all your music players for future investments, it’s better to put them in the back of your cupboard for a very long time.

License Plates

A quirky collection tends to bring in more money, or so is the saying. However, this doesn’t apply to collections of license plates — a hobby for many people who aim to collect plates from different states, with a variety of stories behind them.

License Plates

License plates, just like stamps, are easy to come by. Hence, their collectible value has decreased significantly. Even if you have a collection featuring all 50 states, you might get much less than what you were hoping for.

Vintage Pins

After the salt and pepper shakers, these pins might be the most charming items on the list that one can collect. However, it doesn’t make them any more valuable than the others!

Vintage Pins

Whether they’re from old events, concerts, or an anniversary pin of a sports team, vintage pins probably won’t sell for more than five to twelve bucks online. Only extremely rare ones sell in thousands. Otherwise, these little trinkets are better for a bout of nostalgia and laughter than for earning money.

Vintage College Clothing

Personal items, until they carry the trace of historical incidents, don’t really hold weight in auction markets anymore. This is the case with vintage college clothing, too. Be it a t-shirt or a hoodie, you’re not likely to find success selling your grandma’s Harvard t-shirt on eBay.

Vintage College Clothing

Most likely, you’ll get around $30 for a vintage college sweatshirt. It’s better to hold onto it rather than make a sale.

Wheat Pennies

Yes, it’s true that rare coins are probably one of the most collectible options for people looking to make good dough. But, not every penny will fetch you a good sum.

Wheat Pennies

Wheat pennies are coins that have wheat stalks printed on them. Even though these coins have seen their value appreciated, it’s not worth the hassle to go down and track one. At most, one wheat penny will fetch you a couple of dollars.

Farm Tools

Anything vintage has a story to tell, be it big or small. Things like farm tools also tell a story of struggle, and give us the first glimpse into evolution. However, these tools also became décor items for a period of time, leading to mass-produced reproductions flooding the market.

Farm Tools

A lot of these tools have gone unsold as the trend has shifted to a more modern and cleaner look. If you’re planning to sell a pitchfork you have lying around, don’t expect to get more than $50 for it!

Pokémon Cards

Yes, at one point, you had to catch them all. But, now if you’re trying to sell them, you’re probably not going to find a lot of luck.

Pokémon Cards

The Pokémon fad during the ’90s was the best time to sell these cards. Nintendo ensured that some rare and special cards were on the market, sending the collectors into a frenzy. Now, the market is flooded with Pokémon merchandise, which has hurt the resale value of these cards.

Feast Your Eyes on These Amazing Vintage Photos

Kids with Balloons – Disneyland, 1961

It looks like this adorable pair of siblings wished upon a star, which ended up coming true! Make no mistake about it, these two are not auditioning for the seven dwarfs, as much as Snow White and her friends would enjoy that. Anyone who is a fan of any Disney movie needs to embark on a trip to Disneyland at least once in their lives. If you didn’t go as a child, make sure that you take your own children.

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Kids with Balloons – Disneyland, 1961

Fashion Models – 1960s

It’s a shame that these glamorous individuals grew up in a time when color photos were less prevalent. We are dying to know exactly what colors were on these awesome looking dresses. We can already guess two of them – the lady second from left was dressed in white and the one furthest on the right was obviously in all black. Whatever the colors of the other two might have been, it appears that these four knew how to strike a pose.

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Fashion Models – 1960s

Keeping Cool in the Summer – New York City, 1943

Many things have changed in New York City over the years. The people have changed, classic stores and restaurants have come and gone. One thing though that has remained fairly consistent for as long as we could remember is the hot summers. Even back in 1943, there were heat waves in the middle of the summer and New Yorkers would find numerous ways to keep themselves cool. Take these friends, for example, who are pouring buckets of freezing cold water on each other.

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Keeping Cool in the Summer – New York City, 1943

Couples Sunbathing – 1940s

Is it just us, or were these two couples looking forward to their double date day out, only to have = a fifth wheel join in at the last minute? Based on this vintage photo from the 40s, that looks like what happened. At any rate, this group of friends looked like they were enjoying themselves enough on their trip to a nature reserve. They are actually sitting on some rocks above a lake. They just took a dip in the waters and were drying off in the Summer sun.

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Couples Sunbathing – 1940s

Sitting on Mercedes-Benz – 1970s

It is a pose that is timeless and many try to imitate it even now. This lady seems to be an originator of the classic “sit on the hood of one’s car” pose. It also helps when the car looks as good as the person in front of it. This Mercedes-Benz has an undeniable vintage feel to it. We just hope that the lady makes sure to put on some shoes before she drives that beautiful vehicle.

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Sitting on Mercedes-Benz – 1970s

Ladies Strutting – London, 1930s

There is no denying that these ladies were dressed for a big occasion. It appears that they had just been dropped off at their desired location and were caught on camera while walking that last 100 yards to the venue. The end result was what many musicians today would be proud to have as an album cover. Remember the classic scene from Reservoir Dogs with the crew walking in slow motion down the street? These ladies were the original Reservoir Dogs.

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Ladies Strutting – London, 1930s

Friends Having a Picnic – 1900s

Picnics have pretty much been common practice since the dawn of man. Therefore, to see a vintage image of two women and one of their sons sitting in the park together, eating fruit and cake shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. Even still, to think that this photo was taken over a hundred years ago is absolutely mind-boggling. Everything from the dresses to the fancy little teapot scream out that this was from a completely different era.

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Friends Having a Picnic – 1900s

Holding Hats in the Wind – Philadelphia, 1947

The truth is that this photographer probably couldn’t have captured such a great image if he tried. As these individuals made their daily walk to the office, they all held their hats in unison, implying that the wind was just a bit too wild at that very moment. At any minute, their hats could have blown off their heads, so they were all forced to put a hand on their heads. As vintage as it comes.

Holding Hats in the Wind – Philadelphia, 1947

Date Night – 1950s

When it comes to dating, things have changed a lot. Nowadays, it is considered more normal to dress more casual and go to more formal places for your first date. However, back in the 1950s, it was pretty standard to do the opposite: go to a classic American diner dressed in your finest attire. We find this couple absolutely adorable, as the man holds the milkshake for his date to have a taste. Dating is just not the same anymore.

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Date Night – 1950s

T-Birds – New York, 1950s

It seemed like every young man who wanted to be a part of the in-crowd tried looking like Danny Zuko from Grease. Or maybe it was Danny Zuko who tried to look like everyone else. Whatever the case may be, it was a fashion trend that was prevalent throughout the 50s. What is great about vintage photos like these is imagining what this gang of guys must’ve been doing on that very day. Also, are they still around to tell the story of what happened next?

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T-Birds – New York, 1950s

College Professor – 1930

For all the teachers out there, this image must speak volumes. Teaching can be a draining, arduous profession. You are trying to improve the knowledge of many students. That’s not all though: when all the lessons have been taught and the day is done, one has to go home, mark their papers and plan for the next day. So we can appreciate this college professor’s ability to kick back for a moment, relax, and pose with a pipe in his mouth.

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College Professor – 1930

Mexican Border, 1950

Even without the title of this page, it probably wouldn’t take you long to guess where this photo was taken back in 1950. Words such as “Tequila” and “Adios Amigos” scream out that this was taken in the land of the U.S.’s Spanish-speaking neighbors – Mexico. The vibrant colors and flashy signs don’t give a clear indication of where this was exactly taken. However, if you look at one particular billboard, it says in smaller print, “come back again.” This must be the border.

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Mexican Border, 1950

Human Resume – 1930s

The ways that people find work has evolved over the last century. For a while, the main way to apply for work has been to submit a printed sheet of your resume to companies. Nowadays, you are able to e-mail it or even have companies hire you through your LinkedIn account. However, back in the 1930s, some took to the streets and screamed out their resumes. Then there are people like the guy in this vintage photo, who wore his resume as a human billboard.

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Human Resume – 1930s

Father Sitting With Son – 1937

It’s an observation that many historians have already made – but it seems like people a hundred years ago looked much older than they actually were. 30-year-olds back in 1937 could potentially look double their age! Take this man, for example. By today’s standards, he could probably pass for 60 years of age, but if we had to guess, we’d say that he was at least decade younger when this photo was taken. He does look old enough to be this boy’s grandfather.

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Father Sitting With Son – 1937

Skateboarding to Work, 1982

One of the more recent photos on this list of vintage photos, this guy proves that you can still stay true to yourself even if you work for a corporate company. In truth, skateboarding started back in the 1940s. However, it would take a few decades before the sport became popular amongst the masses. However, by the time this photo was taken, skateboarding culture had already become rife. We imagine that this guy slipped his shoes into his briefcase.

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Skateboarding to Work, 1982

Tehran – 1960s

This vintage photos clearly demonstrates how fast things can change in less than half a century. Back in the 1960s, Iran’s capital, Tehran, was just like any other major Western city at the time. Not only was the infrastructure of the city modern and metropolitan, but society was generally much more secular. People had a lot more freedom to dress the way they wanted and live how they saw fit. Then, the Iranian Revolution came about, paving the way for the Iran you see today.

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Tehran – 1960s

Midwest Businessman – 1939

It’s certainly not one of the biggest cities in the United States. However, this didn’t stop the people of Omaha, Nebraska living the big city life back in the 1930s. Take this man, for example, who was certainly a figure of importance simply based on his impressive-looking attire. Giving the Mad Hatter a run for his money, it seemed that the further back a photo is taken, the more one’s attire was an indication of their financial status.

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Midwest Businessman – 1939

New Year’s Eve – 1960

There ain’t no party like New Year’s Eve party and over the years, people have done some pretty outlandish things to bring in the New Year. Two things that many people love are cocktails and jacuzzis. So when New Year’s Eve of 1960 came around, a party organizer decided to combine the two together, commissioning the design of a jacuzzi shaped like a Martini glass, and hiring two women to dance in it while wearing metallic sheen bikinis.

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New Year’s Eve – 1960

Times Square – 1904

Boy, things have changed. These days, New York’s Times Square is the commercial hub of the Big Apple. It is one of the most visited locations in the whole of the U.S. and the amount of neon lights and billboards is absolutely staggering. However, back in 1904, over a century ago, Times Square looked like a completely different street. Other than the One Times Square building situated in the center of the photo, there is hardly any similarity between then and now.

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Times Square – 1904

Ice Skater In A Suit – 1937

It’s something you don’t really see anymore, but back in the 1930s, it was perfectly normal to see men who were dressed formally putting on some ice skates and looking for the closest rink. Nowadays, people go ice skating in everyday attire, casual clothes such as jeans and tracksuit bottoms. Back then though, it wasn’t just fashion trends and circumstances that were different, it was the mentality. If you want to go ice skating after a hard day at the office – go for it.

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Ice Skater In A Suit – 1937

Red Square, Moscow – 1978

For many centuries now, Moscow’s Red Square has been the epicenter of Russian life, culture, and politics. Between the iconic St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Kremlin, and the home of the President, it is a square that has staged some of the most important moments in the country’s history. To this day, it is arguably the most visited part of Russia and attracts millions of tourists from around the world every year. Of course, this was a time when the Soviet flag waved loud and a proud.

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Red Square, Moscow – 1978

Stylish Man – 1940s

There is no denying that in the 1940s, life was so uncertain and war was on the minds of millions of people around the world. However, this didn’t stop people from waking up in the morning, dressing up smartly, and going down the street just because they could. That was the ultimate symbol of American freedom, being able to do just that. Take this man, for example, who was undoubtedly the best-dressed guy on the main street that day.

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Stylish Man – 1940s

Beauty Pageant – 1920

It might come as a surprise, but this particular beauty pageant is pretty recent as far as the classic competition goes. It is believed that beauty pageants have been a thing since the medieval era. But in the last couple of centuries, they have become a truly prestigious event for those who compete. Amazingly, just a year after this photo was taken was the very first Miss America pageant, which took place in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

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Beauty Pageant – 1920

Boy With Mohawk – 1951

The Mohawk hairstyle is a classic example of a cultural phenomenon that has confused roots. While many believe that the Mohican people sported this hairstyle en masse, it was actually the 1939 movie Drums Along The Mohawk that popularized this misconception. And while the hairstyle became popular in the 1970s and 1980s, there were some who were brave enough to sport the hairstyle years beforehand. Take this young teenager, for example, who certainly got the attention of his friends.

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Boy With Mohawk – 1951

Burger King – 1970s

While fast food chains have, in general, been around for a while now, it’s amazing to think that Burger King was only two decades old when this photo was taken back in the ’70s. The logo of this classic burger restaurant hasn’t changed too much. However, it is relatively easy to guess the time period that this vintage photo came from, especially from the disco-esque, psychedelic color scheme of the restaurant’s exterior. Some things just never change, and Burger King is a good example.

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Burger King – 1970s

Harlem – 1970s

In a number of ways, the 1970s was one of the worst decades in Harlem’s history. After the government spent millions of dollars on a ten-year plan to improve virtually every aspect of the neighborhood, little signs of growth were seen. Due to widespread issues revolving around poverty, substance abuse, crime, and poor education, this was one of the areas of Manhattan that suffered considerably. While the neighborhood still has issues to this day, there have been considerable improvements.

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Harlem – 1970s

Punk Rocker – 1970s

If there was ever a subculture that completely radicalized the way that rock n’ roll was perceived, it has to be the punk genre. This style added a new layer of attitude to what was already considered to be a style of music that pushed the envelope. Bands such as The Sex Pistols, The Clash, and the Ramones were at the forefront of punk and heavy influenced the way people dressed, talked and even thought. This man was a typical subscriber to the genre.

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Punk Rocker – 1970s

Man Riding Harley – 1955

The leather jacket and the greased up hair. If you weren’t rocking these two things in the 50s, then you just weren’t cool enough. Being a skilled rider of a motorbike was just the cherry on the cake and a perfect excuse for a vintage photo like this one. If you’ve seen the movie Grease, then you might mistake this guy for Danny Zuko. The only difference is that not even John Travolta’s character rode a Harley.

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Man Riding Harley – 1955

Hitchhiker with Flowers – Oklahoma, 1973

We are purely speculating that this young lady was hitchhiking while carrying a bouquet of flowers. For all we know though, she was simply standing on the side of the road on Valentine’s Day and selling flowers to passersby who needed to buy last minute. There is no denying that the connection between her holding flowers and wearing a shirt with a flowery theme is a cool little detail. However, it’s certainly not as cool as the actual lady.

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Hitchhiker with Flowers – Oklahoma, 1973

New Shoes

This famous and iconic picture was taken outside of the Am Himmel orphanage in Vienna, Austria, by Gerald Waller. Soon after it was taken, Life magazine published this photo for its December 30, 1946 edition. This blissful boy, six-year-old Hans Werfel, had just got a gift of shoes donated by the Junior Red Cross in the U.S. Austria struggled for years after World War II with shortages and a terrible economy. Can you imagine growing up as a child in that environment and finally getting a brand new pair of shoes?

New Shoes

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Rock N’ Roll

When Rock N’ Roll music first burst on the scene, parents were quick to condemn the new genre of music. They were certain it promoted juvenile delinquency, which is really funny to think about today. Looking back at pictures of young kids rocking out in the fashion of the time is pure gold. Just look at this little guy’s face. He doesn’t look more than 13 years old and having the time of his life. He probably snuck out to go to the dance with all of his delinquent friends.

Rock N’ Roll

Inspecting Women’s Swimsuits – 1920s

You might be looking at this vintage photo and thinking to yourself, “what on Earth is going on?” We wouldn’t be surprised because we were also asking the same question. That is a testament to how much society has changed in the last hundred years. This man was basically measuring women’s swimsuits to determine if they were too short or not. Nowadays, this practice doesn’t happen in most parts of the world, but in the 20s, it was the norm.

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Inspecting Women’s Swimsuits – 1920s

Best Dressed Couple – Chicago, 1975

Isn’t this just the coolest couple you have ever seen?! Like something out of a movie, these two lovebirds don’t care if it’s a Saturday afternoon, they are proud to dress in the most flamboyant of colors and own the sidewalk during their day off. However, the likelihood is that they are actually dressed for a special occasion. If there was a slicker dressed couple at that wedding, we would love to see them. Who knows, maybe everyone was dressed like this!

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Best Dressed Couple – Chicago, 1975

Getting Some Shade – France, 1955

Remember the song “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” by Roy Ayers? Well, we believe that this should be changed to “99% of People Love the Sunshine,” because let’s face it – not everyone’s a fan. While this French lady was happy in 1955 to sit out in the sun while drinking some lemonade, it made sense for her to sit under the yellow shade to protect her pale skin from the sun’s rays. We love the yellow theme connected by the shade, the lemonade, and her blonde hair.

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Getting Some Shade – France, 1955

Elvis Mania

Long before the Beatles came to the U.S. and kicked off the British Invasion, Elvis Presley was causing women to swoon with his swinging hips, dangerous good looks, and deep voice. With pictures like this showing a young female fan losing control at one of his shoes, it’s no wonder parents thought these tunes were a bad influence on their youth. People were seriously scared of all the insanity caused by Elvis’ crazy fans, but later Elvis fandom became much more mainstream.

Elvis Mania

Slappin’ Da Banj’

They say that to visit the same place but in a different time is like visiting a foreign country, and they’re right. The picture below, taken in the 1920s, depicts a sight that would be so foreign to us now. However, there are few things as universal as music, and we would likely be enjoying this kid’s song just as much as his dog is. This cute kid is plucking and slapping away without a care in the world.

Slappin’ Da Banj’

Sitting on a Caddy – 1975

Up until this very day, Cadillacs have been an undeniable symbol of wealth and style. It seems like this guy didn’t just have the flashy car, but he also had the clothes to complement it. We are firm believers that if you can afford it, then why not buy it? One thing is for sure – the custodian of this caddy kept his prized possession in top condition and was so proud that he just needed to take a photo of him sitting on the hood.

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Sitting on a Caddy – 1975

Lady with Knitted Top – 1960s

What is so mesmerizing about this vintage image is how the knitted top that the lady is wearing seems to be ahead of its time. While the tie and collar design is pretty cool, the knitting gives it a quality reminiscent of an 8-bit video game, something you would associate more with 80s culture. Not only does the contrast of the orange and black stand out, but the lady’s mascara pops in a complementary way.

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Lady with Knitted Top – 1960s

Friends Posing on the Beach – 1950s

If you don’t like going to the beach, then there must be something kind of wrong with you. Fine, sand can be annoying, but other than that, it’s one the most wonderful experiences in the world. It brings people together and is a fantastic place to take friends, family and even a date to. This charming group of friends took it upon themselves to have a group photo, showing the horizon in the background.

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Friends Posing on the Beach – 1950s

Mini Master Flash

This little guy epitomizes black culture of the ’80s. Remember what a boombox is? For those too young to remember, we’ll let you guess which item it is in the image below. Back then, instead of downloading music you would press “record” on the double tape deck when your favorite song came on the radio. Interestingly, the 1980’s style seems to have made a comeback, so this guy would look just as hip today as he did back then.

Mini Master Flash

Brooklyn Bridge – 1883

There are just some images of New York that are iconic, and one of those is this one of the Brooklyn Bridge. In 1869, the construction of this landmark began, and after 14 years, the link between New York and Brooklyn opened. The ribbon cutting was witnessed by thousands of people. It was presided over by President Chester A. Arthur and New York Governor Grover Cleveland. This image was one of the first taken after the bridge went into use.

Brooklyn Bridge – 1883

Pumpin’ Gas – 1960s

Nowadays, we all get out of the car to pump our gas, but back in the 60s, there was always a gas attendant to help with that. This Milwaukee gas attendant is looking to deliver quality service. Not only would they fill your gas tank, but they would often wash your windows, and some would even check your tire pressure. That is what full service used to mean. There are still some gas stations that offer this in more rural areas of the US and internationally, as well, but they are a rare find.

Pumpin’ Gas – 1960s

Halloween – the 1940s

Modern Halloween has kids running around as their favorite superheroes or cartoon characters, but the holiday used to be scary. In the early 1900s, Halloween costumes were meant to be frightening per the tradition of the holiday. What is scarier than a clown!? There is no doubt that this costume would have won the most frightening award. It was even traditional back then to do a photoshoot to make sure you commemorate the frightful look you chose for All Hallows Eve.

Halloween – the 1940s

Living Behind the Wall – East Germany 1980s

It wasn’t that long ago that Germany was divided by a wall, and daily life on each side was very different. On the west side of the wall, there was a booming economy and democracy, and on the other side, a socialist republic that echoed the lifestyle of Russia. The men and women lived in small apartments with multiple family members, and this image shows a few frustrated children. In 1990, the wall would fall, and the world of East Germany would change forever.

Living Behind the Wall – East Germany 1980s

Vintage Easy Rider – 1912

Did Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach ever imagine how much of an iconic statement riding and owning a motorcycle would become? In 1885, the first motorcycle was made. Ever since, those who want to stand out and perhaps be a little rebellious have used the purchasing of these two or three-wheeled machines to do just that. This is why it is such a great idea to take a family photo in one, like the Australian family who sits in this 1912 Henderson.

Vintage Easy Rider – 1912

We Need a Revolution! – Czechoslovakia 1968

For decades, the country then known as Czechoslovakia had lived with rules expected for a nation behind the Iron Curtain. However, the people had been looking for a little relief from the strict and confining rules set forth for them. In 1968, under Alexander Dubcek, the Czechs and Slovakians got their wish. For several months, Dubcek lifted travel restrictions, gave Slovakia autonomy, and so much more. The USSR didn’t like that, so they marched troops into the country and deposed Dubcek and put things back to the way they were.

We Need a Revolution! – Czechoslovakia 1968

Schooltime – Greece 1960s

Imagine going to school is a small cramped room with uncomfortable furniture and tons of children crammed into that tiny space. Wait, that basically describes school today, too! The only difference is that these young students in 1960s Greece had a lot more on their plates than just reading and writing. Determination brought them to school, and they worked hard to make sure they got the most out of the few hours of learning that they were getting.

Schooltime – Greece 1960s

Have I Got a Deal for You – 1920s

Car salesmen have been cutting deals for as long as the four-wheeled motorized mode of transportation has been available. In this image, these gentlemen gather around and try to barter for this car. Most cars ran about $850, so $100 for this beauty was quite a steal. It may not seem like a lot for the modern shopper, but back in the 1920s, that was a month’s salary for some. Having a car was not a necessity, it was a luxury. Thus, whichever of these gentlemen walked away with this car left with an elevated social status.

Have I Got a Deal for You – 1920s

Dresden Train Station – 1982

In the early 80s, Dresden, Germany, was still part of East Germany, and it was controlled by the GDR. However, there was still quite a bit of travel, especially between the countries behind the curtain. This train station was one of the main ones in this city. With a big band and plenty of ladies to dance the night away, these soldiers from an engineering division certainly look like they are having a great time.

Dresden Train Station – 1982

Let’s Get the Party Started – Texas 1940s

In the 40s, with the troops retiring from the war, there were many celebrations both because of the war being over and for the holidays. There is nothing like a dance to celebrate the joys of Christmas. With a big band and plenty of ladies to dance the night away, these soldiers from an engineering division certainly look like they are having a great time.

Let’s Get the Party Started – Texas 1940s

Boy Selling Lemonade – 1973

This boy decided to make the most of this hot summer day and sell lemonade to the people of his friendly neighborhood. While we are not so sure if he made the drink all by himself, we can guess that he put together the fancy little ad to accompany his stand. With the star-spangled banner waving in the background, this image encapsulates the American dream – to embrace the skills and tools at your disposal, and use them to maximize your full potential.

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Boy Selling Lemonade – 1973

Ladies Dipping Their Toes – 1944

This photo harks back to a simpler time when a group of ladies could enjoy themselves and still get in touch with their inner child. What stands out for us the most in this photo are the beautiful, colorful swimsuits.

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Ladies Dipping Their Toes – 1944

Road to Woodstock – 1969

Arguably the most iconic music festival of all time, Woodstock ran from August 15 to August 17 in the summer of ’69 and featured the likes of Santana, Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, The Who and Jimi Hendrix, to name a few. Those who were lucky enough to attend this rock n’ roll extravaganza flooded the Catskills like a modern-day pilgrimage. As you can see, some people tried to avoid large masses of fans by taking naps on their own cars.

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Road to Woodstock – 1969

Girls Just Want to Have Fun – 1980s

The 80s was, without question, a colorful time. As you can see, these young ladies knew exactly how to dress in accordance with the era. It was all about bright colors and bizarre hairstyles. We can imagine that the classic “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper blasted in the background while they had their group shot taken. When you think of the word “vintage,” its difficult to not have the 80s come to mind.

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Girls Just Want to Have Fun – 1980s

New York City Subway – 1970s

This guy epitomizes either 1) the concept of “cool,” or 2) the concept of “being tired after a hard day’s work.” Maybe it’s a combination of the two. Not to mention the plethora of graffiti plastered around him. The Subway has been a classic component of New York City living for over a hundred years and is the main mode of transport for millions of the city’s inhabitants. Its cultural significance is so important that many movies scenes and music videos have been filmed in it.

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New York City Subway – 1970s