One slow afternoon, I wandered into a local thrift store with no plans to buy anything. That’s when I noticed an odd, submarine-shaped ceramic piece that felt unusually heavy. It had a stamp on the bottom: “Ant. Canella Ferrara, Italy.” Curious, I paid a dollar for it, thinking it might just be a unique decorative item.
Back home, I did a quick search and was shocked to learn I had found an authentic Antonio Canella ocarina—an Italian wind instrument known for its delicate design and rich, melodic sound. Canella’s work is highly regarded, and this particular ten-hole model even featured a gold stamp confirming its origin.
I tried playing it and was instantly captivated by the soft, nostalgic tone. Though similar ocarinas usually sell for $30 to $100 or more, the real value was in its history and charm. It quickly became one of the most unique pieces in my collection.
This find reminded me that secondhand shops can hide unexpected treasures. A little curiosity can lead to discovering something with far more worth than its price tag—sometimes even a slice of history for just a dollar.