Finding This Household Item Made Of Glass At A Thrift Store Could Earn You $140,000

When rummaging through glass items available at a thrift store, many attractive pieces may be eye-catching but not necessarily worth a significant amount of money. If someone is lucky enough to come across a particular emerald-green wisteria vase, though, it could be an entirely different story. Carnival glass purveyor, Hooked on Carnival, reports that in October 2018, Matthew Wroda auctions sold an extremely rare example of such glassware for $140,000.  This particular piece is considered carnival glass due to its metallic salts (compounds created by blending metals with non-metals) — which are used to create a multi-colored, luminous appearance. Starting in the early twentieth century, this glass style was created thanks to an overall interest in the pricy glass items created by brands like Tiffany's. 

Numerous brands created carnival glass pieces, including expert craftsman Harry Northwood, who artfully made the green wisteria piece that auctioned for so much back in 2018. Collectors often look for Northwood glassware, making it an in-demand brand. It can often be identified by an "N" left in the center of the piece — though not all genuine Northwood pieces carry this mark.

Northwood carnival glass is an example of high quality whimsey glass. This refers to a glassmaker creating a piece without usefulness in mind. In other words, at their whim. While the concept isn't new for artisans, whimsey glass became popular in the 19th century when increasing numbers of people wanted souvenirs from travels. The reason that the emerald Northwood vase, specifically, qualifies as whimsey glass is that Harry Northwood used a mold for a water pitcher but didn't include handles — thereby removing its utilitarian nature. What still shone through, though, was its iridescent beauty, and the emerald-green vase serves as an excellent example of an in-demand piece of Northwood work, carnival glass, and whimsey design.

Although this particular whimsey piece is rare, Northwood carnival glass is often found for sale with prices ranging significantly based upon scarcity and condition. Listings on eBay, as of June 2025, ranged from $6 with shipping to hundreds. To find especially in-demand Northwood pieces, look for certain pattern designs. The Good Luck pattern, introduced in 1909 and made through 1917, came in a rainbow of colors, sometimes even stippled. When looking at the back, you might see a ribbed appearance or a basketweave. Northwood began making his Grape and Cable pattern in 1910, doing so through 1918, and the Poppy Show design in 1913. These patterns can be in great demand.

As valuable as Northwood glassware can be, it's not the only game in town. Jadeite dishware is also an old kitchen item that can rake in cash. People often used these mint-green dishes during World War II and, in June 2025, LiveAuctioneers noted a sale of a single eight-sided plate with side hooks for $150.

Even perfume bottles can be quite valuable with LiveAuctioneers reporting a $6,000 sale, in April 2025, of an 1885 Thomas Webb and Sons scent bottle shaped like a falcon's head. Elegantly crafted from ivory colored glass with intricate touches of gold enamel, the bottle also came with a registration number and an LS stamp that stood for Levi and Salaman. Bottles with logos, trademarks, and other identifying information can be more valuable. 

You might also consider going through your boxes of vintage glass Christmas ornaments. In October 2024, Apple Tree Auction Center sold a set of 27 for $90 despite damaged paint and glitter. That same year, Apple Tree sold a dozen Shiny Brite ornaments in their original box for $60 and a mixed set of 23 vintage ornaments for $41.