Shock As Toddler Thrifts Quirky Piece So Valuable It’s in the Smithsonian
October 7, 2024
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A mom was stunned when her 4-year-old daughter proved herself to be a thrifting genius by picking out a valuable design piece at their local store.
In a video on TikTok with over 2 million views @toniaja23 shared the stylish teacup that her daughter spotted at the thrift store for just $2.99.
“She is in LOVE. So I googled it to try and find more, or at least an extra,” the mom explained in the viral video. But when she went online to try and find another to add to the set, she was stunned.
To her surprise, the teacup and matching saucer turned out to be a rare piece of mid-century design history: an Arzberg Porzellanfabrik Germany 70s Coffee Espresso Cup, designed by industrial designer Gerald Gulotta.
The cup, which was part of Arzberg’s Chromatics line, was manufactured between 1971 and 1973 and is highly coveted by collectors today. Pieces from the collection are known for their bold, colorful designs and Gulotta’s innovative approach to porcelain. With prices online as high as $55 per cup, one set is even listed for over $300 on eBay.
Gerald Gulotta, born in 1921, was an American industrial designer famous for creating functional yet stylish objects, especially in glass and ceramics. His collaboration with Arzberg Porzellanfabrik resulted in the Chromatics line, which has since gained iconic status and is even on display at the Smithsonian.
On TikTok people were amazed by the mini thrifter’s discovery. One commenter, @eloose, said: “You’re a good mom to keep it instead of sell.”
A screenshot from the viral video where the mom shared the rare cup find. A screenshot from the viral video where the mom shared the rare cup find. @toniaja23/TikTok
User @TidalTay shared their own thrift store story: “My daughter liked a little mini vase that was an inch tall for $1, turned out to be a Chinese dollhouse vase from the 1800s worth $400.”
Others couldn’t help but applaud the young girl’s eye for style. “Resale value or not that’s such a cute set, that toddler has exquisite taste my dear,” @fungusamungus commented, while @Maggy added: “Young lady has expensive taste.”
In the caption alongside the video, the mom revealed that they would have to keep looking for another cup for her daughter’s set. She wrote: “Looks like we shall be thrift hunting for more of this set.”
Another thrift store find went viral this week when a man found a My Little Pony toy priced at $12.99, only to discover it was missing from an owner 2,000 miles away.
While a thrift store volunteer turned to the internet when he came across an item that baffled him, prompting some seriously creative suggestions.
Newsweek has reached out to @toniaja23 via TikTok for comment.
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