A man buys a lamp for $5.99 in a second-hand store and its value multiplies: “I was overwhelmed with emotion”
A man went to a secondhand store and ended up finding a lamp for just under $6, but it’s real value was much higher.
Charles Lancelot Brochet, a sustainable food systems consultant, was browsing the Goodwill store on Beverly Boulevard with his girlfriend, Sarah, in search of a good bargain. Just as they were exploring, a store employee wheeled out a cart filled with newly arrived items.
Brochet was instantly captivated by a glowing orange lamp. Upon closer inspection, he noticed a tag that read “Made in Italy” and immediately sensed it was more valuable than its price suggested.
“I was overcome with emotion—my hands were shaking, and I couldn’t focus,” he told Newsweek. “My girlfriend didn’t quite get why I was so excited, but she couldn’t stop laughing as she watched me trying to stay calm and act casual.”
#designoftheday The Nesso table lamp, designed by Giancarlo Mattioliis, is part of the Artemide Modern Classics line. Nesso was a marvel of ABS thermoplastic injection-molding when first introduced in 1965. Mod never looked better. https://t.co/s3U2LAew9E pic.twitter.com/bw1uHx3cWk
— David Hill (@dwhilldesign) February 7, 2018
The true value of the lamp
Right away, Brochet recognized the lamp’s distinctive design, reminiscent of a mid-century art movement. It was priced at just $5.99.
“My first thought was that it resembled pieces I’d seen at an exhibition at the Pompidou Museum in Paris,” he explained.
Trying to avoid drawing attention, Brochet whispered to Sarah, “I bet this lamp is worth something.” He turned it over, just like they do when inspecting plates for a maker’s mark, and saw it was made in Italy. “I said out loud, ‘Bingo!’” he recalled.
A quick online search confirmed his hunch—he had stumbled upon a valuable find.
The Iconic "Nesso" Table Lamp by Giancarlo Mattioli (1967) 🧡 pic.twitter.com/ZZAI0rsVq1
— DD 📁 (@designdocument) September 18, 2023
“I didn’t even put it in the cart, afraid someone might recognize it and snatch it away,” he said. “I held onto it until I paid. Even then, I was nervous the cashier might notice its value and call a manager to change the price.”
The lamp turned out to be an Artemide Nesso, an iconic mid-century modern piece originally designed by Giancarlo Mattioli in the 1960s. Known for its bold, futuristic silhouette and vivid color, the Nesso remains highly sought after by design lovers. Its market value can exceed $375 USD.
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