By James Constantinou – leading expert in pre-loved designer goods and owner of the leading pawnbroker chain Prestige Pawn.
Pawning items is an excellent way to make money fast and secure a loan discreetly, promptly and efficiently. Although jewellery, watches and designer items are often the most expensive pieces to pawn, you may have some items hanging around your house that are more valuable than you think.
1. Vintage Mobile Phones
Most people have several old mobile phones in a cupboard or drawer at home, unrecognisable compared to the phones we use now. Yet these relics are now considered valuable collector’s items.
The Motorola DynaTAC 8000x, the first commercially available mobile phone released in 1983, can sell for hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds. Other phones such as the Nokia 8110, Nokia 808 Pureview, Samsung SPH-N270, Motorola, Aura R1, Apple iPhone 2G First Generation and the Blackberry Key2 also hold value for collectors.
Top tip: If your old phone is functional, a rare model or very vintage, it is definitely worth taking to a collector or buyer – you may be surprised at the value and potential offer.
2. Lawn Mowers
Lawn mowers are not necessarily worth loads of money in comparison to some other items on this list. However, it is worth checking the value of old models before taking them to the skip. Certain vintage models, discontinued brands or those with historical or brand significance can fetch high prices from collectors.
The British Anzani Lawn Rider Vintage lawnmower can be worth thousands, especially if it in good condition.
Top tip: Clean the mower and try to locate any original literature or operating manuals as these will enhance the items value.
3. Furniture
Designer furniture and antique pieces are very popular in pawnshops. Earnes and Knoll are favourites for vintage and retro collectible furniture, and pieces from the iconic Scandinavian designers of the 50s, 60s and 70s are widely sought-after.
Any furniture designed by Hans Wegner, Arne Vodder’s office creations and Arne Jacobsen’s egg chair – especially when in excellent condition – can be sold for potentially thousands of pounds.
Top tip: Many good auction houses will assist with the sale of such items should you wish to sell.
4. Books
Limited edition numbers and original pieces are coveted by thousands of well-educated professionals. They are often overlooked, but books handed down by relatives, or those bought several years ago, may have more value than you think.
First editions are very valuable as they have a history and are often scarce. For example, the first edition of Odyssey by James Joyce printed on handmade paper sold for £275,000 and the first edition of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s the Great Gatsby is valued at £245,000.
You may be lucky enough to find a first edition Harry Potter book on your shelf, worth £10,000, or a rare Enid Blyton worth up to £1000.
How to know if a book is a first edition: Checking the copyright page and dates is an easy way to check and pawnbrokers will then be able to carry out more thorough searches.
There are many specialised book dealers who would be happy to purchase or find buyers for rare and collectible books – they are definitely worth consulting.
5. Vintage Tools
Antique tools often possess a rich history, making them desirable to vintage tool collectors and enthusiasts. Some tools represent crucial milestones in the past and are more valuable for their story rather than utility.
Valuable artefacts include a William Marples Gunmetal Smoothing Plane, Norris Of London No. 27 Gunmetal Bullnose Plane, Pig Sticker Mortice Chisels, paring gouges and more.
Top tip: clean the tools but don’t over-restore them. Shiny refurbishing is not authentic.
Many provincial auction houses have specialised sale days to cover these specific items, and results can be very surprising as collectors vie for the rarer objects.
Conclusion
Looking around your house and garden to find old books, tools, phones, furniture and lawnmowers is an easy way to make money quickly. Items which may seem invaluable can be precious to some collectors and fetch you hundreds or thousands of pounds.
About the expert
James Constantinou is a leading expert in pre-loved designer goods. He is the owner of the leading pawnbroker chain Prestige Pawn and eight high-end, luxury stores across the country, which brought a premium approach to the traditional pawnbroking industry.
