From Forgotten Dishware to Priceless Porcelain: How a Man Discovers a Valuable Plate in a Thrift Store
The Thrill of the Find: A Casual Expert’s Perspective
There’s something magical about thrift store hopping that keeps seasoned treasure hunters coming back for more. It’s that blend of anticipation and possibility—how every dusty knick-knack could hide a secret. For our story, a man discovers a valuable plate thrift store, and it’s a reminder that even something as ordinary as a plate can turn into the find of a lifetime.
Within the bustling racks and carts of a Goodwill in Evanston, Illinois, John Carcerano, an experienced antiques hobbyist and carpet cleaner, stumbled on an unassuming plate priced at just $4.99. At first glance, nothing about it screamed “priceless.” But inside the plate’s understated pattern lay traces of history, craftsmanship, and a story waiting to be rediscovered. This find wasn’t luck—it was expertise, patience, and the thrill of discovery meshed with a shrewd eye.
For enthusiasts and novices alike, the story reinforces one simple truth: sometimes, it’s what lies beneath the surface that counts. A man discovers a valuable plate thrift store—and that plate reshapes how we think about value, serendipity, and secondhand treasure.
Spotting the Hidden Gem: How It All Unfolded
John’s routine thrift store visit took place during a recovery period after illness, giving him the time and patience to scan through newly arrived items—often before they even hit the shelves. “Sometimes I spend a few hours waiting for the carts to come out,” he later said. He knew that good items are often scooped up early, so he made it a habit to be there right when they arrive.
The valuable plate lay hidden beneath more modern tableware. When others had given up and moved on, his trained instincts kicked in. In the corner of his eye, he saw the plate’s unusual shape and glaze, and something told him to keep digging. He grabbed it for the asking price.
Quickly, he turned to technology: a Google Lens search revealed that nearly identical plates had previously fetched $4,400. Within minutes, he realized he held something extraordinary. His next step? Confirming authenticity. He reached out to Sotheby’s, Bonhams, and Leslie Hindman’s auction house. An expert at Sotheby’s identified the plate as a “Chinese export armorial chamfered rectangular platter” from the Qianlong period, circa 1755, bearing the Mendes Da Costa coat of arms, and valued between $4,000 and $6,000.
The combination of timing, experience, technology, and expert validation all converged in that thrilling moment—when a man discovers a valuable plate thrift store that changes everything.
Why This Find Resonates: Context & Significance
In the world of antiques, Chinese export porcelain stands out for its blend of craftsmanship and historical significance. During the 18th century, Chinese artisans tailored porcelain to suit loftier clients in Europe and America—often incorporating coats of arms from affluent families like the Jewish Mendes Da Costa clan. These armorial pieces are rare, and one with Jewish heraldry may be rarest of all.
This plate’s condition elevated its value even further. Carcerand noted it was “never eaten on or used; no scratches, it’s pristine”. Thrift Store And only two examples like it have appeared in auction history over five decades—a testament to its rarity.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | Impact |
| Period | Qianlong era (~1755)—marks the peak of Qing dynasty artistry |
| Export Armorial | Tailored heraldry gives it uniqueness and provenance |
| Condition | Pristine state dramatically increases collectability |
| Scarcity | Only a handful ever appear at auction |
| Expert Validation | Confirmed by Sotheby’s, Bonhams, others |
All this makes the story more than just a lucky find—it’s woven into art history, antique expertise, and the thrill of discovery.
Lessons for Every Treasure Hunter
Patience Pays Off
John’s habit of waiting for cart drop-offs let him beat other browsers to the best items. It’s a small shift that makes a big difference.
Educate Your Eye
Knowing your stuff matters. He knew enough about Asian art to be curious when something didn’t fit the norm.
Tech Savvy Helps
A quick Google Lens scan turned guesswork into clarity. Top-notch tools streamline the discovery path.
Get Expert Confirmation
Auction pros aren’t just gatekeepers—they’re validators. Their authentication helped turn the plate into a potential sale item at Sotheby’s auction.
Condition Counts
Mint condition isn’t just about purity—it can multiply value. A plate untouched by use sells differently from one chipped or scratched.
Community Insight
Chinese antique porcelain Facebook groups gave further authentication and confidence—social proof matters.
Inspiring Stories from Fellow Thrifters
How common is this kind of discovery? You’ll be surprised!
“In August 2018… I stumbled upon Picasso plates priced at $1.99 each … confirmed the plates were authentic … plates were sold for a staggering total of $34,000 at auction.”
Or take this rare hand-painted Belgian plate, found in a thrift store for $18—now reselling for four times that shortly after identifying its unique “purple ware” craftsmanship.
These stories echo the same rhythm: persistence, curiosity, discernment, and a bit of luck.
FAQ — Your Burning Questions Answered
Q: Who discovered the plate?
A: John Carcerand, a carpet cleaner and antique hobbyist, discovered the valuable plate during a thrift store visit in Evanston, Illinois.
Q: How much did he pay?
A: Just $4.99—well below a hundred-dollar buy, let alone thousands.
Q: What kind of plate was it?
A: A Chinese export armorial chamfered rectangular platter from the Qianlong period (~1755), with the Mendes Da Costa coat of arms.
Q: How was its value confirmed?
A: He used Google Lens for initial comparison, and then confirmed with auction houses such as Sotheby’s, Bonhams, and Leslie Hindman’s.
Q: What’s the estimated value?
A: Between $4,000 and $6,000, according to Sotheby’s experts.
Q: Why was it so valuable?
A: It’s an armorial Chinese export piece from the Qianlong era, in pristine condition, with rare family heraldry—a unique convergence of time, place, and craftsmanship.
Q: What’s the lesson for thrifters?
A: Be observant, patient, informed, and strategic. Use technology and expert networks to confirm your finds. The next treasure might be hiding in plain sight.
Final Thoughts
The journey from thrift store browsing to discovering a rare 18th-century Chinese plate worth thousands is about more than money—it’s about curiosity, expertise, and believing that treasures can be found by those who look closely. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or casual thrifter, remember: the next hidden gem could be lurking in your local Goodwill—if you approach with the right blend of patience, knowledge, and excitement.