A man in Ottawa, Canada, discovered an incredible find in a local thrift store when he stumbled upon a vase priced at $7.99 that appeared identical to a piece attributed to the family of Italian glass artist Angelo Barovier. The man, named Andy, shared that he found the vase quite by accident while casually browsing the aisles of Value Village. Despite not considering himself a regular thrifter, he often found great items like this vase during his visits to thrift stores. Andy quickly snapped up the vase and later found an identical version listed for CA$1,254.64 [$921] on the site 1st Dibs. He speculated that valuable items like this often end up in thrift stores because people clear out their parents’ homes during downsizing, not realizing the potential value of these items to others.
The vase is attributed to the renowned Barovier family, with Angelo Barovier being the best-known member who united generations of knowledge in glass working as both an artist and a scientist. Original Barovier pieces can sell for significant amounts ranging from hundreds of dollars to upwards of $20,000, depending on their rarity and condition. After taking the vase home, Andy decided to share his find with others on Reddit’s r/ThriftStoreHauls community. While some commenters praised the incredible find, others were less friendly, suggesting that the vase was a knockoff and questioning its value. Despite the backlash, an antiques dealer who saw Andy’s post offered him $450 for the vase, e-transferring him 50 percent of the amount as a deposit before coming in person to pay the rest.
This discovery of a valuable item in a thrift store is not uncommon, as proven by past instances such as a woman finding a genuine Picasso for just $6 in a New York City thrift store. Such finds highlight the potential treasure trove that thrift stores can hold, with seemingly ordinary or old items turning out to be valuable pieces of art or antiques. Andy’s experience serves as a reminder that valuable items can often be overlooked or underestimated, leading to great finds for those who have an eye for spotting hidden gems in thrift stores. The excitement and thrill of discovering such valuable items add to the charm of thrift shopping and showcase the potential for unexpected treasures to be found in unlikely places.
Andy’s experience with finding a valuable vase in a thrift store underscores the importance of recognizing the potential value in seemingly ordinary items. His accidental discovery highlights the serendipitous nature of thrift shopping, where treasures can be found amidst the mundane. The vase attributed to the Barovier family represents a connection to a rich tradition of glassworking and artistry, adding a layer of historical significance to Andy’s find. The mixed reactions from commenters on Reddit show the varying perspectives on the value of thrift store finds and the skepticism that can arise when something appears too good to be true.
The story of Andy’s valuable thrift store find resonates with the thrill of the hunt and the excitement of stumbling across something unexpected. The fact that an antiques dealer was willing to pay a significant amount for the vase further validates its authenticity and worth, despite initial doubts from some observers. This tale serves as a reminder of the hidden treasures that can be found in thrift stores and the opportunity for ordinary individuals to discover valuable items that may have been overlooked or undervalued by others. Andy’s experience sheds light on the potential for thrift store shopping to yield significant rewards for those willing to take a closer look at the items available for sale. In a world where mass-produced goods dominate the market, finding a unique and valuable item in a thrift store can be a truly special and rewarding experience.
