Woman Buys an Old Brooch for $25, Little Did She Know it Was Worth $19,000

Such is the case of Flora Steel’s happenstance purchase of a $25 brooch 30 years ago. Before we explore her amazing story, however, let’s review a few remarkable causes of treasures that were hiding in plain view.

Identified as a remarkable piece of Overbeck Pottery, the vase, marked with the signature OBK, was estimated by pottery expert David Rago to be worth $50,000 to $100,000 at auction.

Known as a Holt Broadside, published on July 9, 1776, in Manhattan by John Holt, this rare document was one of only a few remaining copies. It was eventually sold at Blanchard’s Auction Service in Potsdam, New York, for $1.8 million in November 2017.

Authenticated by NASA, Nancy Carlson had the bag auctioned by Sotheby’s for over $1.8 million. She had initially invested $955. Despite legal challenges to retrieve the bag from NASA after authentication, Carlson’s return on investment proved to be astronomical.

Little did she know that the modest $25 brooch she acquired in central England would turn out to be a creation by none other than the acclaimed designer William Burges, now valued at an astonishing $19,000.

Watching in awe as a jewelry specialist showcased rare items by William Burges, Steel was struck with the realization that her decades-old brooch bore a striking resemblance to those on display. A subsequent appraisal valued her once-overlooked acquisition at a staggering $19,000, sparking a whirlwind of emotions for Steel.

Drawn to its strong design, peculiar lettering, and unusual stones, Steel was captivated. Her innate appreciation for color and beauty led her to believe that this unique piece would one day reveal the identity of its designer. However, the mystery persisted for years as Steel wore the brooch on her lapel, with its designer remaining unknown.

Prompted by the uncanny resemblance to those featured on “Antiques Roadshow,” Steel embarked on a journey to bring the brooch’s origins and value to light. A chance sighting of jewelry specialist Geoffrey Munn showcasing Burges’ sketches on the show provided the missing link, confirming that Steel’s brooch was indeed a Burges creation.

What makes this discovery even more exceptional is the fact that two other Burges brooches had previously surfaced through “Antiques Roadshow,” emphasizing the show’s knack for unearthing hidden gems.

William Burges, known for his Victorian Gothic Revival style, likely designed the brooch around 1860, intended to be worn during weddings. Steel’s brooch was crafted for one wedding, while the two others discovered via the same show were meant for a different ceremony.

His foray into smaller items, such as jewelry and utensils featuring Japanese, Romanesque, and medieval motifs, adds a layer of complexity and artistry to Steel’s brooch.

Battling breast cancer over the past two years, Steel found solace and inspiration in the discovery that her cherished possession was crafted by Burges. Now cancer-free, she plans to allocate the proceeds from the brooch’s sale to her son and daughter-in-law, supporting their growing family, and contributing to breast cancer research.