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- A shopper was shocked after picking up a bowl at an op shop in Melbourne
Op shops have long been the place Australians hope to uncover hidden treasures for just a few dollars.
But one Melbourne shopper was left stunned after spotting an eye-watering price tag at Savers, reigniting debate over whether second-hand stores are becoming too expensive - or simply recognising the true value of rare finds.
The shopper shared a photo online of a decorative glass bowl locked inside a display cabinet with a price tag of $1,749.99, joking that the retailer had 'lost its mind'.
The unusual price quickly divided opinion.
While many were shocked to see such an expensive item inside a thrift store, others argued the bowl could actually be significantly underpriced if it was genuine.
Rare collectable or overpriced op shop find?
Online sleuths identified the piece as what appears to be a Sven Palmqvist Ravenna bowl.
Palmqvist was a renowned Swedish glass designer who worked for Orrefors and became internationally recognised for pioneering new art glass techniques throughout the mid-20th century.
His colourful Ravenna series, inspired by early Byzantine mosaics, remains highly sought after by collectors today.
Several commenters pointed out that authenticated versions have sold for thousands of dollars at auction.
'Similar bowl sold for €2,600 at auction, so it's a bargain really if it's genuine Palmqvist,' one person wrote.
'Some can fetch over $7,000. I would honestly buy it if it's a legit Sven Palmqvist Ravenna bowl,' another added.
Others suggested the bowl may have been unknowingly donated before staff recognised its potential value.
'Wouldn't be surprised if someone donated a bunch of mum's old stuff without knowing they had this old Palmqvist. It's good someone noticed so they can get some good value out of it,' one commenter said.
'This is Savers, not an antiques dealer'
Despite the bowl's apparent value, many shoppers questioned whether Savers could confidently authenticate such a rare collectible.
'I'd be asking for receipts of authenticity for that price because without it, who knows if it's real,' one person wrote.
Another agreed.
'Yes, but this is Savers, not an antiques dealer who specialises in glass.'
A shopper who claimed to have seen the bowl in person said they were equally sceptical.
'I spotted this there yesterday. I just about fell over,' they wrote.
'Yes, I'm aware this is collectible art glass - potentially. Without some compelling evidence that this is legit, which I'm not convinced they could produce, I wouldn't buy it.'
Another commenter identifying themselves as a Savers employee said items carrying unusually high price tags are carefully assessed before reaching the shop floor.
'Savers worker here. It would have been thoroughly researched before putting a price like that on it,' they wrote.
The debate reflects a growing shift in Australia's second-hand retail market.
As vintage fashion, designer labels, and rare collectibles have surged in popularity, many op shops and resale stores have started priced sought-after items closer to their market value rather than offering them at traditional bargain prices.
While some shoppers believe that undermines the thrill of finding an unexpected bargain - others know that accurately pricing rare collectibles simply reflects how the second-hand market has evolved.
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