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Man finds out inexpensive vase from Goodwill is worth a fortune
He decided to purchase the second-hand vase because it was beautiful. Turns out, it was very valuable too.
Rozzette Cabrera
10.29.21

For the untrained eye, it’s hard to tell if a piece of art is valuable or not. The only time you’ll know what an item is worth a fortune is when you get it checked by professionals.

A man went shopping with his wife at a local Goodwill store in Indiana.

Flickr - Mike Mozart
Source:
Flickr - Mike Mozart

There, he found a vase. Amazed by its beauty and quality, he thought of buying it. He didn’t consider if it was a precious antique. In his mind, he had to buy it because it looked nice.

The vase wasn’t new.

YouTube Screenshot-Antiques Roadshow PBS
Source:
YouTube Screenshot-Antiques Roadshow PBS

In fact, it had markings. Despite the imperfections, the man still bought it. The vase was just $4.99, so it was still a good deal.

YouTube Screenshot-Antiques Roadshow PBS
Source:
YouTube Screenshot-Antiques Roadshow PBS

Eventually, the man had the item appraised.

YouTube Screenshot-Antiques Roadshow PBS
Source:
YouTube Screenshot-Antiques Roadshow PBS

His $5 vase was featured on a segment of PBS’ Antiques Roadshow. And there, Dan Ripley of Ripley Auctions examined the vase.

He looked at the bottom of the base.

With his experience, he knew that it’s the part that makes antiques easier to identify. Usually, makers will have their mark stamped on its bottom.

YouTube Screenshot-Antiques Roadshow PBS
Source:
YouTube Screenshot-Antiques Roadshow PBS

In an interview with WRTV, Dan shared:

“When you’re talking about art glass and you look at the bottom of it, you can tell a piece of blown glass by the way it’s finished on the bottom.”

After a thorough examination of the piece, the expert found out that the vase was the work of the Overbeck sisters of Indiana.

YouTube Screenshot-Antiques Roadshow PBS
Source:
YouTube Screenshot-Antiques Roadshow PBS

It was the product of the Arts and Crafts movement which started around 1880 and ended in 1920. The Overbeck sisters felt frustrated about the mass-produced arts at that time.

As a response, they tried to bring back the quality of medieval craftsmanship, including the appreciation for nature. The vase perfectly showcased that.

The vase’s origin wasn’t the only thing that’s shocking about it.

YouTube Screenshot-Antiques Roadshow PBS
Source:
YouTube Screenshot-Antiques Roadshow PBS

According to the expert, the vase was valuable. It had everything it needed to be considered a valuable and authentic piece. Not bad for a Goodwill find, right?

People who’ve seen the video of the appraisal were in disbelief as well.

One YouTube user said:

“The guy bought it because he thought it was beautiful, not because he thought it was worth a lot. So this is a great story and good for him!”

Another one commented:

“The thrift chains have gotten a little wiser about the goods coming into their stores, but it’s still always worth looking. Glad this piece was saved.”

There was also this person who said:

“I love that he bought it because he thought it was beautiful, not because he wanted to get rich on it, nice!”

In the end, the expert revealed the estimated cost of the vase.

YouTube Screenshot-Antiques Roadshow PBS
Source:
YouTube Screenshot-Antiques Roadshow PBS

He shared:

“At auction, it would bring somewhere between $50,000 and $100,000.”

The vase owner couldn’t believe what he heard!

After spending just less than $5 on the vase, he could end up with thousands of dollars. The news had him shocked (and we don’t blame him).

YouTube Screenshot-Antiques Roadshow PBS
Source:
YouTube Screenshot-Antiques Roadshow PBS

Watch the man’s full reaction to the vase’s estimated cost in the video below! Doesn’t this make you want to hit the thrift shops?

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