I bought an old recliner from a thrift store for $15 – it turned out to be worth $1,800 because of the material
A quick stop at a second-hand store turned into a remarkable discovery for one lucky shopper who purchased a valuable vintage leather recliner and matching ottoman for just $15. The fortunate find was shared on the Thrift Store Hauls subreddit, where the shopper revealed they scored the item at a Savers store.
Vintage Charm and Quality
The brown leather recliner, complete with wood accents, was in excellent condition despite being manufactured in the 1960s. After conditioning the leather, the chair looked as good as new. Many commenters expressed their surprise at the ottoman’s condition, noting that they often get worn down from people’s shoes.
The chair’s high quality is attributed to Ekornes, a renowned Nordic furniture producer that has been crafting recliners since 1934. The leather used in their products is sourced from Italy and Brazil. This particular recliner is part of Ekornes’s Stressless brand, known for its premium comfort and design. For comparison, a similar set is currently listed on First Dibs for $1,800, while another set in black leather is available on Etsy for $1,999. Today, a new Stressless recliner and ottoman duo starts at $2,095.
Community Praise for the Find
Fellow thrift enthusiasts were quick to celebrate the impressive find. One user described the set as “perfect,” while another called the shopper a “lucky duck” for discovering such a beautiful piece. Comments ranged from congratulations on the great deal to remarks about the chair’s comfort, with some jokingly noting the potential for “many unplanned naps” in such a cozy seat.
Unique Treasures on Antiques Roadshow
This story of thrift store luck isn’t an isolated incident. A guest on Antiques Roadshow recounted inheriting a unique lamp that his father purchased for $50 at a flea market. Appraiser Matthew Quinn identified the lamp as being crafted from a World War I-era fighter plane. Quinn stated that while the exact date of the lamp’s creation was unknown, he estimated it to be from the 1950s. Despite its military origin, the mid-century modern design likely made it less appealing to military collectors, opening the door to a new audience of mid-century enthusiasts. Quinn offered a conservative estimate of the lamp’s value at up to $3,000.
Another guest showcased their grandmother’s clock, revealing a staggering value of $20,000. Yet another thrifter hit the jackpot by finding a kitchen appliance valued at $400 for just $50, illustrating the incredible treasures that can be uncovered in thrift stores and flea markets.
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