7 Items From the 1940s That Are Worth a Lot of Money Now
If you’re an avid collector, you’re always trying to find old vintage items. However, old doesn’t always mean valuable.
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Instead, it’s crucial to find something that’s unique. Luckily the 1940s provided some of today’s avid collectors with plenty of unique items to get excited about.
Keep reading as we explore some items from the 1940s that are worth a lot of money today.
First Edition Books
There is an endless supply of popular books from the 1940s that are worth a significant amount of money today. Here are a few examples.
The Hobbit: First published in 1937, “The Hobbit” by J R R Tolkien had a third printing of the first edition in 1942. Today, one of the 1,509 copies printed is being sold for almost $10,000.
1984: George Orwell’s “1984” was first published in 1949. Today, you can purchase a copy of this first edition for $1,755.
For Whom The Bell Tolls: Ernest Hemingway’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls” was initially published in 1940. Some consider it to be his best work. Copies of the book today can be found selling for as much as $3,800.
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Midcentury Modern Furniture
Over the past decade, midcentury modern furniture has made a resurgence. People are styling their homes like they would have in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, which is causing good-condition midcentury modern furniture to spike in price.
“Midcentury modern furniture from the 1940s is really hot right now,” said Lindsey Chastain, founder of Waddle and Cluck. “We have seen prices at auctions go from relatively low bids to incredibly high bids as the design style has grown more popular. For example, I have some mid-mod end tables I bought several years ago for $30 each. Today at the same auction, they would go for $300 each or more.”
Chastain said she has several midcentury modern furniture pieces that she purchased at estate sales and local auctions before they were popular. She’s now seeing these items at antique stores or auctions selling for thousands of dollars.
Midcentury Barware
Alongside midcentury furniture, midcentury barware from the World War II era can fetch a significant price tag today. Most of these glass pieces were colorful and had meaningful graphics.
They can be from popular glassware companies like Hazel-Atlas, Libbey, or Federal Glass. If you find these items today, they could be worth as much as $1,500.
Comics
Some people might not understand or appreciate the value of comic books. However, many great comics were produced in the 1940s, and superheroes like The Black Terror had the first copies released during the decade. In fact, “The Black Terror, Volume 1,” which was published in 1942, sold in 2021 for $9,000.
“If you loved comics as a kid, or if you’re plugged into pop culture, this is one investment you can genuinely enjoy,” said Vincent Zurzolo, president of Metropolis Collectable and Comic Connect. “Another big plus, especially for beginners: there’s room in the market for everyone. You don’t need a big budget to make some solid investments. You just need a smart strategy and to follow some basic rules.”
Autographs
You might not think of autographs as highly sought-after items, but for many enthusiasts, they are. Autographs from popular sports and entertainment figures can demand thousands of dollars at auction.
“Although Babe Ruth, ‘The Great Bambino,’ actively played baseball for 22 seasons from 1914 -1935, baseballs with a single, strong autograph of his from the 1940s can fetch five figures,” said Nora Curl, JustAnswer appraisals expert. “The highest record is $180,000 in 2017 for an early 1940s example, while others have sold through Heritage Auctions in ranges of $10,000 – $83,650.”
Zippo Lighters
With so many smokers in the 1940s, a lot of lighters were produced and the biggest brand was Zippo. Today, these Zippo lighters can have a hefty price tag if they’re still in good condition.
“Zippo is one of the top names in refillable personal lighters,” said Curl. “In the 1940’s it was de rigueur to own one or more, if only to light a ladies cigarette even if you didn’t smoke yourself. Most Zippos cost a few dollars originally; many had personal monograms, images or advertising logos. The unusual 3 and 4 barrel hinge lighters can garner as much as $2,000 – $6,350.”
Board Games
The 1940s were a big decade for board games as well. Milton Bradley’s “The Adventures of Superman” was released in 1940. In 2021, a copy in high grade condition, sold at auction for $1,947.
The Bottom Line
The 1940s produced many great items, and many of those things are now quite valuable if they’re still in good condition. The next time you’re at a thrift or antique store, keep in mind that there might be value beyond what the current price tag is telling you.
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