I Paid $40 for This Bird, but What It’s Really Worth Will Leave You Gasping for More!

A year ago, a woman made an impulsive bid on a glass bird at an auction, thinking she had picked up a charming piece of art for just $40. Little did she know, this quirky glass figure would turn out to be worth thousands of dollars—a discovery made during a recent episode of Antiques Roadshow that left her in shock.

During the appraisal, Antiques Roadshow expert Arlie Sulka took one look at the bird and immediately recognized it as something special. According to Sulka, the glass bird wasn’t just any decorative item but a rare piece designed by a renowned architect from Venice. “This was made in Venice and was designed by a young architect named Alessandro Pianon,” Sulka explained. She went on to share that the bird was part of a mid-century modern series designed in 1963.

What made the glass bird stand out was its distinct features: the aquamarine color, its elegant vertical neck, and copper legs. Sulka shared that the piece was created by the company Vistosi, a well-known glassmaker. “He had a whole family—there were different colors and shapes,” she noted, further emphasizing its uniqueness.

The owner, unaware of its origins or value, had been casually handling the bird as if it were just another ornament. So, when Sulka revealed that its worth had skyrocketed since its creation in the 1960s, the collector was left speechless. Sulka explained, “In a retail venue today, it would sell for between $7,000 and $9,000.”

Visibly stunned, the woman exclaimed, “You are kidding! Oh my goodness, I’m stunned. And here I am, just swinging it around when I got here today.”

This unexpected appraisal is just one of many astonishing finds on Antiques Roadshow, a show that has uncovered hidden treasures since its inception. For collectors and everyday people alike, it’s a reminder that sometimes, what seems like a casual purchase could end up being a hidden gem.

From rare furniture to family heirlooms, Antiques Roadshow has appraised a variety of items worth incredible sums. In another episode, a collector was floored when a silver coin found on a farm was valued at $30,000. A Rolex, originally purchased for $120, was appraised at an astounding $45,000. Even a simple book of hymns, forgotten in a basement, turned out to be worth $50,000.

For those who enjoy browsing flea markets, auctions, or even their grandparents’ attics, Antiques Roadshow serves as inspiration. As Sulka mentioned during the appraisal, there’s a growing interest in mid-century homeware, making pieces like the glass bird even more sought after. With the rising demand, these once-underappreciated items can fetch huge returns on what seemed like a small investment at the time.

Another memorable appraisal involved a vase that had been gifted to a woman by her father decades ago. The intricate “elephant” vase was valued at around $8,000. In another case, a collector was stunned to learn that a vase passed down from her great-great-grandmother was worth $25,000.

In yet another surprising find, a propeller lamp, purchased for just $50, was appraised for $3,000. It seems that the most ordinary objects, from lamps to wall art, could be treasure troves in disguise. One collector, who held onto a piece of wall art for 18 years, was floored when it was valued at $25,000.

The glass bird’s story reminds us that value can often be hiding in plain sight. What was once a $40 purchase became a jaw-dropping discovery, proving that some treasures are worth much more than their price tag. For this lucky collector, a last-minute bid turned into a remarkable investment, all thanks to Antiques Roadshow’s keen eye for hidden gems.