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9 Dollhouses (And Miniatures) Worth More Than Your Real House
By Meredith Schneider,
11 hours ago
Got some nostalgic or vintage dollhouses and accessories in the attic? They may just be a way to make extra money if you pay attention to the value of certain items on the dollhouse resale market.
While some are one-of-a-kind items that you may never get your hands on, you may have items modeled after these well-known pieces. We curated a list of nine dollhouses and miniatures – new and used – with surprisingly high price tags.
Sir Neville Wilkinson commissioned a dollhouse in 1907 that was completed in 1922. Dubbed Titania’s Palace,” this work of art has 18 rooms and displays over 3,000 miniature remakes of reputable European items and artifacts.
It's been on display at Egeskov Castle in Denmark since 2007.
It seems inconceivable that there is more than one dollhouse in the world labeled as “priceless,” but, in the early 1900s, Queen Mary of England commissioned the creation of one.
Incredible attention to detail was paid, such as electricity and plumbing. If you look closely, you can see tiny versions of paintings by famous artists. This iconic piece is on display at Windsor Castle.
3. The Stettheimer Dollhouse - $12.6 Million
Goodwill Industries San Diego Books/Courtesy of eBay
The Stettheimer Dollhouse is over 100 years old, and is an incredible dollhouse to behold. Built by artist Carrie Stettheimer, the house displays miniature copies of paintings and furniture by Stettheimer and other artists.
In 2017, this beautiful set sold for a whopping $12.6 million.
In the 1930s, silent film actress Colleen Moore was given The Fairy Castle, a dollhouse masterpiece that features over 2,000 miniature-sized objects and details. This dollhouse is so incredible that it is currently displayed at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.
It received a detailed $200,000 renovation in 2015 and is said to be worth over $7 million today.
5. Tewkesbury Abbey Family Dollhouse - $165,922.50
mgnikon/Adobe
In 2016, Antiques Roadshow expert Fergus Gambon valued an English family’s heirloom dollhouse at over $165,922.50. Constructed in 1705 on the Isle of Dogs for Miss E Westbrook, it was passed down the female line of the original owner’s family for generations.
It’s still in the family today, and is known as one of the oldest dollhouses in England.
6. Woodworking Machinery for Dollhouses - $100,000
Mitchells Warehouse/Courtesy of eBay
One-of-a-kind pieces can go for a pretty penny, as we have seen. If you find fun pieces like this vintage woodworking machinery set for dollhouses, you may not want to pass it up.
This unique set was assembled by a miniatures expert at the Architectural Model Shop to directly imitate the machinery in his storefront. The set is currently listed on eBay for $100,000.
7. Rolls Royce Replica Model Car Cullinan - $27,000
Courtesy of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
While it’s somehow acceptable to shell out over $350,000 on a life-size Rolls Royce, what would you be willing to pay for a miniature version? Handcrafted with over 1,200 individual components, this Rolls Royce Cullinan features functioning lights and doors, and incredible interior details.
This miniature went for $27,000 in 2020.
8. Pair of 18th-Century Irish Miniature Chairs - $9,036.18
Courtesy of 1stDibs
Dollhouses are not the only miniature items that can rake in the big bucks. You can often find vintage miniatures for thousands of dollars.
Take, for example, this set of 18th-century Georgian Irish miniature chairs attributed to the Butler of Dublin. They are in good condition, and currently listed for over $9,000 on 1stDibs.
9. Brimble’s Mercantile Dollhouse - $6,299
elvitafoy0/Courtesy of eBay
While this laser-cut vintage dollhouse (or kit) varies in price depending on the wear and tear it has endured, there is currently one up for auction on eBay for $6,299.
The seller has upped the ante by keeping the dollhouse in great condition and added handmade details and decor to sweeten the deal.
The truth is that you can’t always judge a book by its cover. Some of these small items you have lying around could help you make extra money online.
Be sure to get your items valued by a trusted source, and do a bit of research on their value in varying marketplaces. Making money is a whole lot easier when you aren’t being taken advantage of.
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
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