“An ordinary book” and unnecessary services
Antiques in the “antique” and “rare” category have always been valuable among collectors and buyers of valuables. According to Vyacheslav Lipsky, an expert in valuing antiques of the Fianit-Lombard federal network, items made more than 100 years ago are the most expensive items on the market today.
“A book from the time of Peter the Great, even in poor condition or with only a few pages, is worth more than mass-produced products from the times of the USSR. But things from the USSR, which are in the homes of many people, can also be greatly appreciated. The most important criterion here is rarity,” says Lipsky.
Such items of exceptional quality and inner meaning include, for example, the work of the Soviet ceramicist sculptor Natalia Danko, weapons from the Zlatoust factory and bronzes of the Soviet writer. Things directly related to historical figures, artists, diplomats in the rarity market are also expensive.
Sculptor Papermaker, Leningrad Porcelain Factory. USSR, 1950s
Photo from the archive of the federal network Fianit-Lombard
“There was a case where customers wanted an ordinary book to be evaluated from their point of view, but it turned out to have been previously consecrated and signed by the holy hermit. Thanks to this, its historical and material value has increased significantly,” recalls an antiques expert.
But there are also reverse situations. For example, when people bring crystal vases and salad bowls from grandmas’ sideboards, the iconic and once expensive “Madonna” or “Kahla” suits.
“Such sellers are often disappointed after evaluation. Because once all these services and production of vases were so large, they are not very valuable,” Lipsky explains.
Early TRP badges, helmets, painting
An antique appraiser says icons are the first place to look if you’re looking for something to sell. Some are 17th-19th century, which are difficult to detect without the help of an expert. It may have been written over the centuries.
“The work of icon painters who learned art in Tsarist Russia and the pre-war Soviet Union, icons created in secret under the threat of death are highly valued,” explains Lipsky.
According to him, breastplates from the pre-war period, the early USSR era, that is, the 20s – early 40s, are more valuable than coins. They were produced in small prints compared to the mass production of the second half of the 20th century and were silver, copper, brass, enamel.
“First of all, we are talking about early TRP badges, award products for agricultural exhibitions, and achievements in other industries. But it’s not government awards that no pawnbrokers are entitled to take from you,” the antiques appraiser points out.
Badge for perfect shooting. USSR, Red Army, 1938
Photo from the archive of the federal network Fianit-Lombard
But pawnshops have the right to accept the uniform of the war years, military ammunition: helmet, tunic, riding breeches. Both the Soviet army and the German army. You can earn good money for this too.
Also, the expert says that the paintings, graphics and sculptures of Soviet artists are very valuable – both recognized during their lifetime and later (underground).
As for jewelry, you can sell expensive items created before 1957, produced in small batches and even have high-quality diamond inserts. Mass stamping gold products of the second half of the century are recognized by weight in gold. These are not collectibles or antiques.
Bulk stamping gold products of the second half of the 20th century are considered by weight in gold. These are not collectibles or antiques. And the so-called “grandmother’s rubies” are mostly synthetic corundums, not natural stones. Although many buyers during the Soviet era believed these were rubies
Photo from the archive of the federal network Fianit-Lombard
“A separate category, the so-called grandmother’s rubies, often contains synthetic corundum – not natural stones. Although many buyers in Soviet times believed that these were rubies. Therefore, they carry it, making sure that it is a gem. Unfortunately, this is not the case, according to expert reports, it will not be possible to get a lot of money for these “pebbles”.
The antique market also lists Soviet-era gold wristwatches, especially men’s watches. They’re still in demand, and at many pawnshops they’re considered right in the antique category and just aren’t worth their weight in gold. The specialist explains that cast iron, which is in almost every home, is also estimated to be rare: there are interesting coffins, rare figurines, repetitions of pre-revolutionary casting, author’s cast iron.
Left: Henry Moser gold watch with 583 carat gold case. USSR, 1920s. Right: 875 silver brooch. USSR, 1960s
Photo from the archive of the federal network Fianit-Lombard
“In general, the valuation of antiques can be different: from 2 thousand rubles. Exact amount up to hundreds of thousands, nobody gives names without looking at the subject. It would seem that in the same two cases of cigarettes, one detail may differ, since its cost will increase from 30 thousand rubles. Up to 70 thousand rubles,” explains Lipsky.
Agitation silver cigarette case 875. USSR, 1930s
Photo from the archive of the federal network Fianit-Lombard
An antique appraiser recommends the following two principles when sorting cellars:
1. Don’t get rid of old stuff without showing it to a professional. It may be rare or older than you expect.
2. Do not try to clean old things yourself to improve presentation, unless you work with such things professionally. Often this is because an old silver coin scrubbed with a kitchen wire brush turns into scrap silver for its significance.
what is sold in the market
According to Maria Zubareva, commercial director of UPMARKET (a platform for managing all stages of sales in Wildberries, Ozone, Yandex.Market and other markets), from your grandmother’s closet to find out what is relevant in the market today, you should first of all turn your attention to Avito – There are separate sections devoted to Soviet-era antiquities.
The most popular categories, where supply and demand are more or less balanced, are antique toys, furniture, radios, players, crystals, badges, orders, medals, coins, candlesticks, coasters, cigarette cases. Their prices vary depending on the status and appetite of sellers: some sell grandmother’s dishes, ask for a symbolic payment of 100-300 rubles for crystal of excellent quality, others ask for 7,000-10,000 rubles for the same household items. hopes to sell it profitably to antique dealers, collectors or movie props,” says the expert.
Gold coin 1 chervonet. Chervonets 1975-1981 is a reprint of the first Soviet gold chervonets 1923. USSR, 1981
Photo from the archive of the federal network Fianit-Lombard
According to Zubareva, things and equipment that are rare, circulate, and well-preserved, that work properly, are truly prized among collectors – the older the better.
At the same time, the goods-symbols of the USSR are a separate niche not only in Avito, but also in modern markets. True, Zubareva assures that there you can often find the so-called “remake” – the stylization of popular antiques – or restored objects – samovars, icons, kitchen utensils, furniture.
“But there are also original vintage items – for example, figurines of the Olympic bear with the original brand of the manufacturer, produced in 1980, at a price of about 5 thousand rubles. and a sea of other figurines made in the 50-80s of the last century. Cast-iron potbelly stoves of the plant named after VI. Kaganovich – a real rarity from the army reserves, discarded in 1950-1957. You can buy such a thing for 36 thousand rubles, ”says Zubareva.
And he notes that at the moment not only things that come directly from the USSR, but also the qualifications of the Union are in demand.
“There is now an increasing demand for this kind of thing. So, in Wildberries, at the request of the “USSR” during the active sales season in November last year, the TOP-100 products received a revenue of 3.8 million rubles, and in March 2022 the revenue was already 7.7 million, that is, twice in the category of more more than increase. And over the past 30 days, revenue has increased by another 5 million and has already reached 12.7 million rubles, ”says the expert.
And he adds that if you look at the number of units sold, it has grown exponentially: 6,400 units were sold in March and 13,200 units were sold in the last 30 days.
According to Zubareva, products that Russians especially love include ’80s-style t-shirts and sweatpants made of plain jersey.
“Since the beginning of the year, costumes of the USSR have been sold for 21 million rubles, more – only flags with the coat of arms of the Soviet Union (25 million). But reliable equipment (samovars, cameras) and toys of the 20th century are not at all popular in the markets, so with such goods it is better to go to Avito or to the flea markets and rake shops that are still available,” adds the commercial director of UPMARKET.
Source: Gazeta
