Who would have thought that the simple classroom supplies from the 1960s and 1970s would become trendy? Once classroom supplies that sat in every student’s desk for a couple of pennies are now serious money for nostalgic collectors. Here are some classroom supplies that have become highly collectible.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. Vintage Lunch Boxes (Then: $2.99, Now: $400+)
- 2 2. Slide Rules (Then: $1.95, Now: $200+)
- 3 3. Fountain Pens (Then: 50¢, Now: $300+)
- 4 4. Metal Pencil Boxes (Then: 25¢, Now: $150+)
- 5 5. School Pennants (Then: 75¢, Now: $175+)
- 6 6. Book Covers (Then: 10¢, Now: $50+)
- 7 7. Protractors and Compass Sets (Then: $1.25, Now: $125+)
- 8 8. School Library Cards (Then: Free, Now: $25+)
- 9 9. Vintage Globes (Then: $4.99, Now: $200+)
- 10 10. School Desk Bells (Then: $1.50, Now: $75+)
- 11 11. Pencil Sharpeners (Then: 89¢, Now: $150+)
- 12 12. Report Card Holders (Then: 15¢, Now: $45+)
- 13 13. School Maps (Then: $5.99, Now: $300+)
- 14 14. Flash Cards (Then: 29¢, Now: $40+)
- 15 15. School Badges (Then: 25¢, Now: $85+)
- 16 16. Wooden Rulers (Then: 10¢, Now: $30+)
1. Vintage Lunch Boxes (Then: $2.99, Now: $400+)
TV shows and movie lunchboxes have become very collectible, especially metal ones. The 1954 Superman lunchbox recently sold for over a thousand dollars. Common lunchboxes can sell for hundreds, especially if the thermos is in good condition.
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2. Slide Rules (Then: $1.95, Now: $200+)
Before calculators, you needed an advanced math tool in your class. Certain brands like Keuffel & Esser are very expensive. The leather cases can sell for 50 dollars.
3. Fountain Pens (Then: 50¢, Now: $300+)
Standard school pens, especially Esterbrook models have become very collectible. Ink bottles and nibs can become collectibles and some rare models sell for over 500 dollars if they are in the original box.
4. Metal Pencil Boxes (Then: 25¢, Now: $150+)
Decorative metal school pencil boxes especially with themes such as cartoons or space are in huge demand. Original ones designed by Dick and Jane sell for hundreds.
5. School Pennants (Then: 75¢, Now: $175+)
School pennants made out of felt, especially from schools that have closed down, are in big demand. The colorful and unique designs bring great decoration. College pennants from the 1960’s are very valuable.
6. Book Covers (Then: 10¢, Now: $50+)
Book covers made out of paper with prints of designs or ads are very collectible. Covers that are in original and untouched condition are very valuable, and movie and TV themed covers are the most valuable.
7. Protractors and Compass Sets (Then: $1.25, Now: $125+)
German-made geometry sets are some of the most collectible educational tools. The exact measuring tools are often kept in leather or wooden cases and sets with all their pieces sell for hundreds.
8. School Library Cards (Then: Free, Now: $25+)
Original library card pockets and their cards have also become collectible. Cards with notable titles or several signatures are the most valuable. Complete sets from inactive schools can go for quite a bit.
9. Vintage Globes (Then: $4.99, Now: $200+)
Teacher’s globes from the 1960s are especially desirable. Those with lights or special stands are more valuable. The political changes that have occurred since then have increased these collectibles’ desirability.
10. School Desk Bells (Then: $1.50, Now: $75+)
Small brass bells from teachers’ desks have become decorative collectibles. They’re popular as display pieces because of the sharp tone and solid construction. Desirability is increased by original wooden handles and manufacturer’s marks.
11. Pencil Sharpeners (Then: 89¢, Now: $150+)
Mounted pencil sharpeners, especially with Boston designs, can be quite expensive. The vacuum mounted version is the most desirable. Original paint with a working mechanism can double the value.
12. Report Card Holders (Then: 15¢, Now: $45+)
Report card holders in leather or vinyl from schools with logos or mascots have also become collectibles. The most valuable ones are unused and in their original condition. The rare designs that come from top-tier schools can sell for over $100.
13. School Maps (Then: $5.99, Now: $300+)
Classroom pull-down maps showing former historical borders are also highly collectible. Nystrom maps from the 1960s are the most coveted. Complete sets with their mounts can sell for thousands.
14. Flash Cards (Then: 29¢, Now: $40+)
Educational flash card sets, particularly with original instruction sheets and boxes, are more valuable. Complete sets, especially of science and math, have become highly collectible. Unique illustrations are especially valuable.
15. School Badges (Then: 25¢, Now: $85+)
School safety patrol & hall monitor badges, like other metal school badges, have become popular collectibles. Badges with enameled designs and original backing cards increase value even more. Some rare official badges can even go for more than 200 dollars.
16. Wooden Rulers (Then: 10¢, Now: $30+)
Wooden rulers, especially with advertising or school logos, have also become surprising collectibles. Rulers with unusual measuring systems or with conversion tables are even more valuable. value is also affected by original finish and clear markings.
