Something Worthwhile
He rummaged through the mess of things on the counter. He knew that the only way to uncover something valuable was to comb through everything thoroughly. He studied each item on the table with great attention.
Suddenly his eyes catch something on the back of a frame and he stood still.
A Collector
Michael Sparks knew his way around a flea market. In reality, he would travel across the country, visiting both large and small businesses. During these journeys, he has amassed a collection of unusual and interesting artefacts.
He picked up the frame in question for $4, despite the fact that it held a terrible painting.
Inspection
On reaching home, Michael began his inspection of the purchases. He had finished placing all the goods on the table. That's when he realized that the painting he bought didn't have a beautiful wooden frame, instead, it had a cheap plastic one.
He was about to discard the painting when he came up with an idea.
Was The Painting Valuable?
Despite the fact that the frame was useless, he knew there was a chance that the artwork itself was valuable. He decided to look into the bleak country landscape, hoping to find if the painting was made by a known artist.
If that's the case, the picture might be worth something.
Dismantling
Michael carefully removed the back of the frame, not concerned with causing damage to the frame but more with preserving the photograph in case it was valuable. He removed the back frame and simply stared at the strange thing stuck there.
An old, nicely folded piece of paper was sandwiched between the picture and the back.
A Folded Paper
Michael couldn't see what was on the piece of paper because it was securely folded, so he carefully removed it. It was surprisingly thick, considerably heavier than modern paper. He began to unfold the paper carefully.
He was completely unaware of what he was about to learn.
Declaration Of Independence
He finally got around to opening the paper and laying it flat. There was a paper in front of him with exquisite script and calligraphy. He immediately recognized what it was. The Declaration of Independence.
He couldn't understand why a print like it would be kept behind the photo.
Far More Unique
Michael, like many other Americans, already had a copy of the famous document. The document's sentiments are well-known, especially the second line: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.’
This duplicate, on the other hand, was far more unique.
The Most Beautiful
After a few days of contemplation, he concluded that the print was perhaps a little older than he had assumed. “I’ve seen Declarations of Independence in thrift stores before,” said Sparks. “This one was so beautiful I thought it was an engraving. I look for things that have quality to them.”
What he did next would forever change his life.
Older Than He Assumed
He began researching the paper on the internet because he suspected it was older than he had supposed. What he discovered shocked him. He had one of just 200 genuine authentic copies of the document in his hands. What was even more incredible was the fact that just 36 copies are known to exist today.
This document needs to be appraised. Immediately!
Unbelievable Value
His mind was racing, and he was glad he was sitting down because he was about to pass out from shock when Raynor's Historical Collectible Auction in North Carolina told him how much it was worth. A staggering $250,000 was paid. That is a life-changing sum of money for anyone.
He couldn't even begin to comprehend what he'd do next, but it would all fall into place.
Up For Auction
He quickly contacted Raynor's Historical Collectible Auction, a respected auctioneer who offered to begin bidding for the historic artefact at the estimated value of $250,000.
When the auction began, however, no one could have predicted the remarkable developments that were about to unfold.
Biddings
There were a number of serious bidders, all of whom wanted a piece of living history to add to their collection. The auctioneer began by opening the item or bidding and fully discussing it: ‘This is a copy that John Quincy Adams commissioned William Stone to make in 1820’ he began.
He didn't get very far when a full-price bid was placed, followed by another, much bigger one, and another, and another.
And It's Sold
Michael sold the item to Bray-Conn for $477,650 through Raynor's Historical Collectible Auction. The price was more than he or anyone else could have anticipated. “I was delighted,” said Raynor. “I assumed it would sell for $300,000 to an institution.
"We set a new world record." Michael was ecstatic, his mind racing.
Restoration
“They removed the document from a canvas carrier, remoisturized it and removed the varnish from the face,” said Bob Raynor, president of the historical collectable auction. “Because of the varnishing, the ink remained dark.”
Bray-Conn, the Utah investment group that purchased the declaration, went on to explain that because of the dark ink, this copy is one of the finest preserved of its kind.