Belt Auction - How do you know when a dusty antique from your attic is worth something?

How do you know when a dusty antique from your attic is worth something?

My fiance and I are going thru my and his parents house tommorrow as part of a huge multifamily "spring cleaning" event. Our jobs are too gather up any items that look like they could be collect ables or worth anything and sell/pawn or whatever. My question is.. can you tell by looking at an item if its really worth anything? To an "untrained eye" I mean. What are some things to keep an eye out for? We've been watching pawn stars and antique roadshow episodes for the last couple weeks getting prepared for this lol What are some items that might typically be overlooked that could be worth some good money? His parents and mine are both borderline hoarders.. we already know his family has a very old photograph machine-thing. I forgot the name, but you put old photographs in a holder, than look into some eye pieces and it makes it bigger or something. IDK. They also have a really old chess board, WW2 clothing, and a TON of books from the early 1900s. Just looking for any advice/guidelines to go by. Thank you!

Public Comments

Just look it up on eBay or google theres a name or the company it was made by somewhere on the antiques just look it up it will give you a idea of the value.
Go easy with that stuff you may just find many treasures, WW ll stuff can be worth something, the object you described is a Viewer, it's probably 19th century or so,. When you handle stuff Do not polish or repair anything, Look for any Signatures, Hallmarks, or any identifying marks on objects. Sort them out and put into a category, like the WW stuff, China, Silver, Paintings, Especially papers and photographs, if they match any item that makes them more of value. example: if you have an Aviators flight jacket, medals, and military papers to along with it, it makes a package with verification etc. Make sure you look up items here on the NET and if you feel it's worth something, contact someone who knows antiques and appraisals. I hope you find a fortune. Good Luck