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Had a flip that went sideways until I spotted a detail in the dust
I was scrolling through a booth in Austin last month and almost walked past a beat-up wooden trunk. It had this gross layer of grime and the hinges were rusty, so I figured it was a hard pass. But then I noticed a tiny brass maker's tag peeking out from under the dust on the lid. Turns out it was a late 1800s steamer trunk from a known craftsman, and I snagged it for $12. Cleaned it up with some vinegar and oil, and flipped it online for $180. Anyone else ever caught a hidden brand name or stamp that saved a find?
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adam6755mo ago
Respectfully, $12 to $180 is a nice little win but I wouldn't call it a game-changer. That trunk was probably worth triple that even covered in grime, you just got lucky the seller didn't bother to wipe it down first.
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mason7285mo ago
I saw someone mention in another thread that a lot of old furniture makers stamped their names in places where dirt collects on purpose. Like they knew nobody would clean under the handles or around the hinges. So it's not just luck you found that tag, it's knowing where to look. I read once that the best spots to check on old trunks are the back corners and under any loose nails. That's probably why that seller missed it, they just gave it a quick wipe and moved on. Good on you for taking the time to spot it.
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