CASHING IN AT AUCTIONS

Debbie Denmon reports

More WFAA Latest News video

• View larger
• E-mail clip
• More video

Related links:

• OFFICIAL SITE: Heritage Auctions

Search Video:

DALLAS - More people are cashing in on their collectibles.

The music and entertainment division at Heritage Auction Galleries has seen a 50 percent increase in business. That means that old album that is collecting dust in your cabinet could collect some cash.

Doug Norwine, the director of music and entertainment memorabilia at Heritage, said since October, when the recession hit, Heritage Auction has hit a high note, especially with music and entertainment collectibles probably long forgotten by so-called pack rats.

"People are taking second looks at purchases," he said.

Norwine said items such as music memorabilia, coins, comic books, art and movie posters are all bringing in big bucks at auctions.

A set of Elvis' first recordings can bring in $6,000 if it has a Sun label.

This is the famous Jimmy Hendrix flying eyeball poster, which speaks for itself," Norwine said. "That's a $10,000 plus item."

There's also value in autographs. An early signing of Bob Dylan's is expected to auction for $2,000 at least. Also, a little red book could go for a similar amount since the collector got Buddy Holly's signature at a concert days before he died.

Garry Shrum, a music expert, said a Chet Atkin's guitar could strum up an amount between $8,000 to $10,000.

"Lots of times people can find guitars in their garage that they might not think is any big deal," Shrum said. "But, if it was made in the '50s or '60s, there's a good chance it could be worth some money."

E-mail ddenmon@wfaa.com