Collectors Dream Of Finding Them — The Vintage Utensil Set That's Now Worth A Pretty Penny

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Nothing makes a big holiday or occasion feel more special than breaking out the good silverware. In some cases, your prized collections are both decorative and worth quite a bit of cash. That is exactly the case with Old Colonial by Towle sterling silver flatware. These prestigious pieces were produced from 1895 to 2009, crafted from .925 sterling silver. Today, items from the collection are quite valuable and sell for anything around $15 for a teaspoon all the way to $5,000 for rare patterns.

Sterling silver is an antique metal that's more valuable than you think, recently surging in value. That said, it's no surprise that it's the thrift store find we want in our homes. In particular, Towle Silversmiths has an impressive heritage that predates the United States. The silverware was first produced in 1690 in Newburyport, Massachusetts, and the company still operates today under the stewardship of Lifetime Brands. Though the Old Colonial collection is no longer in production, it remains one of the brand's most iconic lines.

There's a reason Old Colonial is a valuable utensil set that leaves collectors in awe. The collection is known for its mirrored finish, beaded accents, and subtle scrolled tip, with pieces from cutlery to serving tongs to lettuce forks that offer luxury and sophistication in equal measure. Collectors look for these rare finds in antique stores and on contemporary auction sites like eBay. Even if the value of silver declines, the line's unique American craftsmanship will never lose its luster.

To ensure you have the real thing, look for a mark that reads "sterling" as well as the Towle logo. This has evolved over the years and can range from simple text to a scrolling cursive "T" with a lion inside to a "T" within a crest. While condition contributes to the overall value, even tarnished pieces retain the current worth of sterling and can be revived with an at-home method involving hot water, baking soda, and an aluminum pan, although you'll want to avoid over-polishing which can further tarnish the silver. Overall, full sets hold the most value, but you can begin your collection with a gorgeous ladle or asparagus server. Any piece is sure to impress at the next holiday.