LEAN BACK: I bought an old recliner from a thrift store for $15 – it turned out to be worth $1,800 because of the material
According to THE SUN, A shopper’s quick stop at a second-hand store turned into a remarkable bargain when they purchased a valuable vintage leather recliner with a matching ottoman for just $15. The lucky find was shared on the Thrift Store Hauls subreddit, revealing that the chair came from a Savers store.
A Thrilling Discovery
The brown leather chair and ottoman, complete with wood accents, were in excellent condition despite being from the 1960s. After conditioning the leather, the chair looked as good as new. Thrifters were impressed, with one commenter noting, “It’s amazing the ottoman looks so good. They get beat up by people’s shoes.” The chair’s high quality is attributed to Ekornes, a renowned Nordic furniture producer known for using premium leathers from Italy and Brazil.
Market Value
The same set is listed for $1,800 on First Dibs, while a similar set in black leather is available on Etsy for $1,999. New Stressless recliner and ottoman sets start at $2,095, highlighting the significant value of the thrifty find.
Thrifter Reactions
Fellow thrifters were quick to express their admiration for the discovery. One shopper called the set “perfect,” while another dubbed the original poster a “lucky duck” for finding such a “beautiful” piece. Comments ranged from congratulations on the great deal to appreciation of the chair’s comfort and quality. Some joked about the potential for many “unplanned naps” in the new recliner.
Unique Lamp on Antiques Roadshow
In other thrift store news, a guest on Antiques Roadshow brought a unique lamp inherited from their father, who had bought it for $50 at a flea market. Appraiser Matthew Quinn identified the lamp as being made from a World War I-era fighter plane. Although the exact date of the lamp’s creation was uncertain, Quinn estimated its value at up to $3,000, thanks to its mid-century modern design and unique material.
Other Noteworthy Finds
Another guest featured on the show brought in their grandmother’s clock, which turned out to be worth $20,000. Additionally, a lucky thrifter discovered a “white whale” in the form of a kitchen appliance valued at $400, which they snagged for just $50.
These stories highlight the excitement and potential treasures that can be found in thrift stores and second-hand shops, making every visit a potential goldmine.