An 81-year-old former antiques dealer bought a painting for $3 at a Goodwill store in South Carolina a year and a half ago. His daughter-in-law took it to the Antiques Roadshow, where it was appraised for $20,000 to $30,000. It just sold at auction for $190,000. The painting was Flemish and dated from about 1650. It shows that treasures are still to be found by those with experience, knowledge, and luck.
Photo: John McInnis Auctioneers
First of all I am surprised that they got the painting for $3 at Goodwill. Goodwill has jacked the prices so high on most items it is ridiculous! I think they have taken all the fun out of shopping at thrift stores by raising prices so high. He must of gotten it on half price day or Senior day or something. And believe me, had they known that was a valuable painting, they would have had it in their glass case up front and had a even higher ridiculous price tag on it! To lbdixon, I understand you have a good heart from the comment about giving back to Goodwill, but BELIEVE me Goodwill is making out just fine without him having to give anything back to Goodwill that he might have made of the painting. I know because I used to be on their payroll at the corporate office.
Just wonder if the person who bought the $3 painting and sold it for $190,000 gave any of his/her good fortune back to Goodwill?
That is amazing! It looks like it’s in pristine condition.Was there a signature?
What an awesome find that was. I noticed that goodwill and other thrift stores are really trying to pick out the valuable items and selling them online. Although they still miss some good items due to lack of knowledge. Thank You Kovels for all your great information to help with the growth of my knowledge base.