Treasure Tuesday's Fabulous Thrift Shop Find

I found this little beauty on my second walk -hrough of a Goodwill store in Los Angeles.  I'm sure you know that feeling when you just know there's something waiting for you to discover it.  Since many times you don't spot everything on the first pass, I always suggest a second pass in your areas of interest, or the areas where more valuable items are displayed.  Funny enough this wine cooler/ice bucket was mixed in with the cookware.

I immediately spotted the hand hammered texture and the gold plated interior.  Neither of these techniques are inexpensive, so I grabbed it off the shelf and flipped it over to look for a makers mark.  Nicely engraved on the bottom was "Calegaro Italy".  Since I wasn't familiar with the company I did a quick Google search on my phone and discovered the same item for sale online for $475.  For the bargain price of $9.99 there was no way this wasn't going home with me.

Thrift Master Tip:
Do you ever wonder how these expensive and practically brand new items end up at thrift shops in the first place?   Many times they are unappreciated, and unused gifts.  Keep your eyes open and maybe you'll spot that sterling silver frame you gave someone for their wedding.