Found out my $5 thrift store lamp was a 1960s mid-century classic worth $300

I picked up this beat-up old lamp at a Goodwill in Springfield for $5 last spring, just needed a new cord. While looking up how to rewire it, I found a picture of the exact same one on a vintage design forum. Turns out it's a Modeline from the 60s, and a restored one just sold on Ebay for $320. Now I'm torn between actually fixing it up nice or leaving it as-is for that barn find look has anyone else accidentally snagged something valuable at a garage sale?

3 comments

3 Comments

thomas.tyler26d agoTop Commenter

Wait, the Ebay listing for $320 was a restored one, or was that the sold price you found? Because that could change the whole math if you're leaning towards keeping the patina like Milaprice said. I'd be curious if people are actually paying more for the unrestored look on these specific lamps or if that's just a Ferrari thing.

milaprice2mo ago

Tbh that's the dream right there. I'd probably fix it up just enough so it works but keep all the patina and wear - that barn find charm is way harder to fake than the value of a fully restored one.

hart.mark2mo ago

I remember reading somewhere that a barn find Ferrari sold for way more than a restored one a few years back. Keeping the original patina is definitely the smart move now.