P1M worth of old suitcase
Virginia Chamlee, a 38-year-old writer and dedicated thrifter from Florida, USA, has earned a reputation for her knack for finding original and limited-edition items in antique shops. One of her most remarkable discoveries was a branded suitcase that turned out to be worth a staggering PHP1 million, despite acquiring it for a mere PHP5,000.
Seven years ago, Virginia’s journey led her to an antique shop during a drive home. Although nothing initially caught her eye, the shop owner mentioned additional items stored in the back. There, Virginia stumbled upon a large Goyard trunk, an item from the prestigious French brand renowned for limited edition leather trunks and goods since 1792.
At first, Virginia was skeptical about the authenticity of her find. However, she was taken aback by the impeccable craftsmanship, even if it were an imitation. She decided to purchase it for $90, approximately PHP5,000.
Virginia sought the expertise of a luggage specialist, who focused on brands like Louis Vuitton and Goyard. After sending a photo of her purchase, her suspicions were confirmed. The expert verified that the Goyard trunk was indeed genuine and valued at “tens of thousands of dollars.”
According to the antique shop owner, the trunk had been brought in by a woman who had discovered it in her mother’s attic.
Virginia felt fortunate to have made the purchase, as the trunk was not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, featuring drawers and compartments for jewelry.
As someone with an affinity for designer pieces, Virginia has developed a keen eye for assessing the value of her acquisitions. In some cases, experts have even expressed interest in purchasing the trunk when appraised.
Virginia believes that the Goyard trunk’s value could reach at least $20,000, but she has no intention of selling it. Instead, she has made it a centerpiece in her room, adorning it with various displays, including a photo of her grandmother, who introduced her to thrifting and raised her as a single mother.
For Virginia, her specialty lies in hunting down and acquiring designer items—a skill honed over years of dedicated thrifting.
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