1. Mid-Century Pyrex and Kitchenware
Those heavy glass mixing bowls your family used for Sunday dinners now represent one of the hottest markets in vintage kitchenware. Collectors prize vintage Pyrex, particularly pieces manufactured between the 1950s and 1980s, for its durability and vibrant, mid-century aesthetics. The value depends entirely on the condition and the specific pattern.
Standard primary color bowl sets often sell for a respectable sum, but rare promotional patterns can bring in hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Patterns like “Lucky in Love” (featuring clovers and hearts) or the “Gooseberry” print are highly sought after. Check the paint condition carefully; pieces washed in dishwashers often suffer from “dishwasher damage,” which leaves the paint dull and significantly reduces the resale value.
I’m in my 80s now, and recently acquired a number of family items of furniture after my (older) sister passed away. I was not responsible for state or federal inheritance taxes on the financial items she willed to me, but — IF I were to sell all or some of the furniture items (a few might be antiques, others not) — would I be liable for “capital gains” taxes on whatever money I receive from their sale?
I’m conflicted. On one hand, some of these are “family items” that my children might want someday, but I personally have no real connection to them in that respect. Further, they have been cluttering my basement for over a year. So being aware of the possible tax ramifications might influence my decision on how to proceed (or whether to proceed) in disposing of the items.