15 Prices From Old Catalogs That Will Blow Your Mind
Step back in time with these jaw-dropping prices from vintage catalogs that make today’s costs look outrageous.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
What if we told you a car once cost less than your monthly grocery bill? From home appliances to clothing, historic catalog prices reveal a world of jaw-dropping bargains. Get ready to have your mind blown by how cheap things used to be.
1. Ford Model T – $260 (1925 Sears Catalog)
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The car that revolutionized America was once priced like a secondhand couch. For just $260, you could own a Ford Model T, and no dealership is needed.
2. Men’s Three-Piece Suit – $6.98 (1910 Montgomery Ward Catalog)
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Tailored, dapper, and downright affordable. For under seven dollars, men got a full three-piece wool suit. Today, that might get you a necktie — if it’s on clearance.
3. Gold Wedding Band – $1.50 (1930 Sears Catalog)
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Love didn’t cost a thing — well, barely. These solid gold rings were budget-friendly symbols of commitment. Compare that to today’s $500+ minimal bands.
4. Cast Iron Cookstove – $12.95 (1908 Sears Catalog)
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Cooking in the early 1900s was done on these sturdy iron beasts. Under $13, you can buy a full oven with burners and a warming shelf.
5. Baby Crib – $4.75 (1942 Sears Catalog)
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Simple, sturdy, and shockingly cheap, this wooden crib came complete with a mattress and rails. Safety and sleep for less than five bucks. Today? Expect to pay a minimum of $150.
6. Phonograph Player – $7.95 (1922 Montgomery Ward Catalog)
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Before Spotify, there was the phonograph. For under eight dollars, you could bring music home. It even came with a hand crank and needle arm.
7. Icebox Refrigerator – $19.95 (1936 Sears Catalog)
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Before electric fridges, this was your cold storage. It had shelves, a drain, and room for a whole ice block — all for under $20.
8. Complete Dining Room Set – $29.50 (1941 Sears Catalog)
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This price would get you a table, four chairs, and a china cabinet. They’re made of real wood, too. No particleboard in sight. These days, just one dining chair can run $150.
9. Sewing Machine – $16.75 (1915 Montgomery Ward Catalog)
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Households once relied on these machines for all clothing repairs. For under $17, you could get a hand-cranked or foot-pedaled model. Now, even entry-level machines cost over $100.
10. Men’s Leather Work Boots – $2.45 (1939 Sears Catalog)
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These boots were tough, weatherproof, and built to last years. All for less than three dollars. Today, quality boots start at $120, easy. That’s one serious markup over the decades.
11. Women’s Fur Coat – $24.50 (1953 Sears Catalog)
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Yes, this coat was made with real fur. For under $25, you could get a glamorous full-length coat. Whether ethical or not, the price alone is shocking. Modern faux-fur versions cost triple that.
12. Piano – $98.50 (1929 Montgomery Ward Catalog)
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This was a full upright piano delivered to your door. It was priced under $100 and made of rich mahogany and real ivory keys. Now, even budget keyboards can cost more.
13. Pocket Watch – $1.25 (1910 Sears Catalog)
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Elegant and functional, these timepieces were the smartphone of their day. Some even included engravings and chains.
14. Television Set – $74.95 (1951 Sears Catalog)
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This was a state-of-the-art black-and-white TV with a 17-inch screen and a wood cabinet. For less than $75, you could bring Hollywood into your living room.
15. Bungalow House Kit – $1,498 (1923 Sears Modern Homes Catalog)
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Yes, an entire house — blueprints, materials, doors, windows — was shipped by train. All you had to do was build it (or hire someone). For under $1,500, you could have a house.