$25 Thrift Purchase Fetches $74K at Auction

UK Thrift Store Bargain: Miniature Qing Dynasty Jars Purchased for $25 Fetch Over $74,000 at Auction

A pair of Qing dynasty jars, bought for $25 at a thrift store in the UK, were sold at a London auction for over $74,000, surpassing the estimated price of $63,000. The jars, dating back to the 18th century, bear the mark of the Qianlong Emperor, the fourth emperor of the Qing dynasty. Decorated with chrysanthemum heads and lotus flower tendrils, they were fired in the imperial kilns of Jingdezhen. The doucai technique was used to create the jars, with parts of the design painted in underglaze blue and the rest added with overglaze enamels. The auction also featured other items that exceeded their estimates, such as Chinese zitan lantern stands and a Qing dynasty dish.

Insider Revelations: Former Goodwill Employee Exposes "Scanner" System Making it Difficult for Customers to Locate Store Items

A former Goodwill employee has revealed a secret practice at the thrift store that makes it difficult for customers to find valuable items. The employee, Jonathan, explained that valuable items are not put on the store floor but instead sent to Goodwill's e-commerce store for online auctioning. A scanner is used to identify valuable items like video games and books, which are then sent directly to the online store. Despite this practice, some thrifters have managed to find high-value items at Goodwill, such as Prada shoes and collectible snow globes. To increase the chances of finding valuable items at thrift stores, it is advised to have a clear goal, check restocking schedules, and learn about quality and specific brands.

Discover Old Vinyl Records Worth Thousands in Today's Market

Vinyl records, once the primary way to listen to music, have seen a resurgence in popularity. The first commercial vinyl record was launched by RCA in the 1930s, and since then, they have become both popular and eventually obsolete. However, certain old vinyl records hold significant value and can be worth a lot of money to collectors. If you have old vinyl records gathering dust, it may be worth checking for rare and valuable classics that could potentially fetch a substantial sum. Check this list to see if you have some treasured vinyl records.