#20: Metal Lunch Boxes

Back in the 1970s, the quintessential school accessory was a metal lunchbox, often adorned with designs of popular bands, movies, or cartoons. Initially sold for $2-$5 at major outlets like Macy’s, Gimbel’s, Walmart, and through mail order catalogs, these lunchboxes are now valued between $10-$110. They represented a piece of everyday life, combining function with a touch of personal flair.

Vintage metal lunch boxes, especially from the 1970s, have become collector’s items, potentially fetching high prices on resale markets like eBay. Notably, King-Seeley brand boxes with themes ranging from Nancy Drew to Star Wars can command upwards of $80. Their value soars if you possess the matching thermos, highlighting a fascination with nostalgia and the premium placed on completeness and condition.