I held onto my childhood blanket for years before learning it’s worth $500k – weaving was a clue about its high value
A SHOCKED man experienced a life-changing moment upon discovering the true value of his childhood blanket years ago.
The clip resurfaced on social media from a touching episode of the Antiques Roadshow.
The vintage clip shows Ted Kuntz presenting the blanket to appraiser Donald Ellis, who immediately recognized its significance, The Daily Mail reported.
The blanket, given to Kuntz’s grandmother’s foster father by the renowned 19th-century frontiersman Kit Carson, had been a cherished family heirloom, he explained at the time.
Kuntz recalled how it kept him warm during cold winter nights while he lived with his grandmother.
Little did he know, this seemingly ordinary item was a rare Navajo Ute First Phase chief’s blanket, one of the first types made between 1840 and 1860.
“Did you notice when you showed this to me I kind of stopped breathing a little bit?” Ellis said to Kuntz.
“Do you have a sense at all of what you’re looking at here?”
SHOCKED
Kuntz, unaware of the blanket’s true worth, was stunned when Ellis revealed its value.
“On a really bad day, this textile would be worth $350,000. On a good day, it’s about half a million dollars,” Ellis said at the time.
The item’s pristine condition and historical significance made it one of the most important pieces Ellis had ever seen on the show.
Realizing the financial potential of the blanket, Kuntz contacted Ellis for help in selling it.
Ellis offered Kuntz $300,000 upfront so the two could split the final sale price.
However, this arrangement was disrupted which left Ellis with just an investment.
Years later, in a follow-up episode, it was revealed that the blanket had been sold to an anonymous buyer for $450,000.
The buyer subsequently donated the blanket to the Detroit Institute of Arts, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Valuable thrifting finds revealed
Here are some of the best thrift store finds:
- Tiffany & Co. earrings that sold for $0.34 and are valued at $430
- American Girl doll that sold for $5.99 and is valued at $300
- Bionicle toy that sold for $14.95 and is valued at $18.101
- Gold record plaque for DJ Quik’s 1992 album Way 2 Fonky that sold for @20 and is valued at $200
- Rothy’s brand Sugared Berry pointed-toe flats that sold for $155 retail and are valued at $250
Kuntz used his earnings to pay off the mortgage on his house, expressing his gratitude and relief.
“I knew we couldn’t afford to keep it, and it would be better served to be someplace where it could be preserved properly,” Kuntz said.
It is immensely joyful to find out an item you own is worth way more than expected.
A thrifter found out a box they paid $5 for was worth way more after opening it up.
“Always look in the box!” the thrifter said.
Another thrifter found a vintage Coach purse for just $1.99.
The U.S. Sun reached out to Antiques Roadshow for comment.