Antique Cookie Jars Worth Money

April Ann Canada Getty Images

Helaine Fendelman knows her antiques. Since 1984, she's appraised more than 1,594 items in 188 "What Is It? What Is It Worth?" columns for Country Living. Now, the New York City appraiser is looking back and reevaluating 40 of the most memorable objects from years' past. Here are Fendelman's 40 most memorable antiques worth money, from antique furniture, art, collectibles, antique toys, dishes, and more.

1 of 40

Early 20th-Century French Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk

What it was worth (1984): $750

What it's worth now: $15,000

This beautiful piece of designer luggage appeared in Fendelman's very first column for Country Living in 1984.

2 of 40

American Thermos Co. Roy Rogers Lunch Box

What it was worth (2004): $300

What it's worth now: $65

This cowboy-covered lunch box is now worth less than a fourth of its original appraised value, but we still love the Western theme.

3 of 40

International Harvester Buddy L Toy Truck

What it was worth (1989): $1,200

What it's worth now: $3,500

This might be one toy you don't let your kids play with.

4 of 40

Early-20th-Century Halls Excelsior Mechanical Bank

What it was worth (1987): $275

What it's worth now: $1,750

After 31 years, this mechanical bank was appraised for more than six times its original value.

5 of 40

1985 Australian Thoroughbred Print

What it was worth (2012): $225

What it's worth now: $100

This vintage horse print would look perfect in any room boasting a farmhouse-inspired aesthetic.

6 of 40

1960s Bonnie Cashin Coat

What it was worth (2008): $600

What it's worth now: $800

This jacket was made by Bonnie Cashin, one of the originators of American sportswear. She also created uniforms for women fighting in World War II.

8 of 40

Cast-Iron Water Sprinkler

What it was worth (1997): $425

What it's worth now: $1,500

We're not sure how useful this sprinkler would be today, but the duck design is pretty cute (and that updated price tag is pretty impressive).

9 of 40

Phillips & Clark Stove Co. Art Andes 20 Stove

What it was worth (1986): $3,500

What it's worth now: $5,000

This antique stove is quite a bit bulkier and much more intricate than today's models, but it will no doubt make a statement in your home.

10 of 40

1950s Rand McNally Terrestrial Globe

What it was worth (2004): $50

What it's worth now: $65

Rand McNally, a company founded way back in 1856, still makes maps today.

11 of 40

19th-Century Lehnware Bucket

What it was worth (2001): $22,000

What it's worth now: $22,000

We certainly wouldn't be using this antique—which has surprisingly retained its value over the years—for its intended purpose.

12 of 40

Sterling Silver Tiffany Demitasse Spoons

What it was worth (2010): $1,400 for a set of 7

What it's worth now: $750

Although they've decreased in value by nearly 50 percent, these spoons are still stunning.

13 of 40

European Enamelware Coffee Pot

What it was worth (2005): $350

What it's worth now: $200

We'd love to have our coffee or tea served from this floral painted pot.

14 of 40

1904 National Cash Register

15 of 40

Albion Union Windmill Salesman's Sample

What it was worth (2006): $3,500

What it's worth now: $3,500

Fendelman says Saleman's Samples pieces that have original parts are very valuable.

16 of 40

Circa-1910 Shoemaker's Nail Holder

What it was worth (1989): $75

What it's worth now: $75

Although this device was originally used for nails, it could hold a variety of trinkets. Plus, think about how charming it would look on your dresser.

17 of 40

Late-19th-Century Tiffany Table Lamp

What it was worth (2004): $12,000

What it's worth now: $12,000

Compared to current Tiffany Table designs—which are sold for a few hundred dollars—this version is quite a bit pricier.

18 of 40

Early-20th-Century Diamond Dyes Color Card

What it was worth (2013): $350

What it's worth now: $350

Despite being around 100 years old, this colorful card is still vibrant.

19 of 40

Circa-1940s Folk Art Croquet Wickets

What it was worth (2005): $1,800

What it's worth now: $3,600

These animated wickets are much more fun than the traditional versions.

20 of 40

1899 Shreve, Crump & Low Sterling Loving Cup

What it was worth (2015): $700

What it's worth now: $2,700

According to its website, Shreve, Crump & Low—founded in 1796—is "America's oldest purveyor of fine gifts." Find it in the original finish, and you'll more than double the value.

21 of 40

Wallace Nutting Brace-Back Bow-Back Windsor Chair

What it was worth (1987): $2,500 for a set of 6

What it's worth now: $1,800

Maybe it's time to get your kitchen furniture appraised: This set of ordinary looking wood chairs is worth nearly $2,000 today!

22 of 40

Circa-1940 Polka-Dot Cocktail Set

What it was worth (2008): $450

What it's worth now: $400

Every hour is happy hour when you're mixing drinks with this adorable cocktail set.

23 of 40

Late-1800s Pennsylvania Chalkware Rooster

What it was worth (2005): $950

What it's worth now: $950

Chalkware figurines are lightweight models that are actually made with plaster of Paris.

24 of 40

Circa-1920 Pieced Quilt

What it was worth (2011): $2,500

What it's worth now: $1,000

Although this blanket decreased in value by more than 50 percent, we think every handmade quilt is priceless.

25 of 40

Walter Von Nessen Art Deco Constellation Lamp

What it was worth (2002): $400

What it's worth now: $2,000

Walter von Nessen, husband of industrial designer Greta von Nessen, co-founded Nessen Studios, now Nessen Lamps Inc., with his wife.

26 of 40

1920s Distler Busy Lizzie Tin Windup Toy

What it was worth (1995): $500

What it's worth now: $500

Figures of people "doing everyday things" are rare to find, Fendelman says.

27 of 40

Fanny Farmer Uncle Sam Container

What it was worth (2001): $45

What it's worth now: $45

Candy company Fanny Farmer was named after the culinary queen, though she had nothing to do with the sweet business.

28 of 40

1892 Presidential Campaign Souvenir Bandana

What it was worth (2012): $1,200

What it's worth now: $500

This vintage bandana displays the faces of the 22nd President of the United States, Grover Cleveland, and his second Vice President, Adlai Stevenson.

29 of 40

1900 Wool Yacht Flag

What it was worth (2004): $200

What it's worth now: $650

If just the flag is appraised for $650, we wonder how much the yacht it flew on is worth!

30 of 40

Griswold Cast-Iron Cake Mold