Gyrogami Blog - Precious Metals, Jewelry, Artwork

Check the Pockets

Blog Index

Categories: Experiences and daily life; Human nature

Word count/read time: 461 words; 2 minutes

How many times have pieces of paper, money, and other things been shredded by the washing machine or dryer? Or discovering a hidden treasure from who knows how long ago tucked away inside a vest or pocket?

One of the classic punking TV shows or internet clips had a snippet on this exact thing. A person went to a yard sale and purchased some clothing. After paying they reached into a pocket and pulled out a phat wad of money (the buyer planted it to see the seller's reaction). Violence would ensue in some cases as the seller tried to unrightfully claim what wasn't theirs.

On an episode of Antiques Roadshow, a lady brought in some goodies she found in a tattered trunk she purchased sight unseen for £120 at an Agatha Christie estate sale. It had a small lockbox inside. No one bothered to "check the pockets" and the lockbox remained sealed.

Until one day a crowbar made quick work of it. Inside were a diamond ring, brooch, and many gold sovereign coins. She sold the bulk of the coins to pay for her new bathroom. The appraiser said the ring and brooch might be worth £10,000.

She decided to hold onto the diamond jewelry for a while but they were eventually sent to auction. The ring sold for £17,500 and the brooch, £22,000! She was absolutely blown away. A £120 investment paid off to the tune of £50,000.

It helps to know what you're selling. Doesn't everyone dream of finding a locked treasure box, never mind from one of the most famous crime authors ever?! For an auction house of this caliber to make such an epic fail is inexcusable. In America there'd be a battalion of lawyers figuring out who was gonna pay for the grave mistake.

Or they could've left the trunk inside a vehicle that was towed to the impound yard. Guaranteed there'd be no remnants of anything gemstone or gold after it was fleeced for valuables. Reminds me of a gambler that left $10k inside the drawer of a hotel room. No, the maid didn't find it - guess we know who wasn't doing their job - but a future guest. Pockets, chests, drawers...it's not rocket science and I'd seriously consider applying the finders keepers rule.

I've had numerous instances of getting good deals that were hiding in plain sight, clearly marked if a seller bothered to research them. Only once did I find a hidden treasure. It was in a sterling silver purse that still had the interior lining, which is quite rare. The inner pocket contained a desirable discontinued James Avery sterling silver brooch that easily sold for over $100 in every listing I saw. It was worth more than what I paid.

Posted by M: November 21, 2025

Please email any thoughts or comments regarding this post.

Previous Entry . . . . Next Entry

Comment Section

NOTE: Your comments will be included in this section as long as they aren't illegal. This section is censor-free so show me your intelligence or ignorance and everything in between!

2026