Imagine turning a mere £40 investment into a staggering £61,000! This incredible story perfectly illustrates the adage "one person's trash is another's treasure." Gary Quittenton-Shaw, hailing from Rowsley near Matlock in Derbyshire, experienced this extraordinary turn of fortune when he discovered a pair of exceptionally rare buttons that he initially purchased as part of a job lot.
While rummaging through various items at an auction in Derby, Gary stumbled upon these unique buttons, which he later learned were crafted by the renowned Swiss sculptor Alberto Giacometti for the iconic Italian fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli during the 1930s. After conducting some research into his find, he was amazed to find out their true significance.
The buttons, each measuring 1.5 inches (about 4 centimeters) in diameter and featuring an artistic depiction of a woman rising from the sea, piqued Gary's curiosity. He recounts how he began investigating the newly acquired buttons after they caught his eye, leading him to discover similar designs on a suit created by Schiaparelli back in the day.
"I thought, 'Wow, could it really be?'" he shared, reflecting on his initial investigation, which eventually confirmed that the buttons were indeed designed by Giacometti, a figure celebrated for his elongated and delicate sculptures throughout the 20th century.
In the early 1930s, Giacometti and Schiaparelli were introduced by the French interior designer Jean-Michel Frank. Their professional relationship blossomed into a lifelong friendship, with Giacometti creating several standout pieces for Schiaparelli, who was often viewed as a rival to the legendary Coco Chanel.
When it came time to assess the value of Gary's buttons, experts faced a challenge since only a few of these pieces exist globally. Initially, they set a guide price between £5,000 and £8,000, but the buttons had never been auctioned before, leaving everyone uncertain about their true worth.
Gary’s extensive research led him to discover matching buttons on a suit displayed at the Museum of Movie and Industry in Berlin. Excited by his findings, he reached out to the Alberto Giacometti committee, who expressed interest in his buttons and recommended further investigation. However, he had to wait for two months for their next meeting to receive confirmation.
Once he met with Bonhams auctioneers, the Giacometti committee verified the authenticity of the buttons and even offered to clean them up for the auction. On December 16, unable to attend in person, Gary opted to watch the auction online instead. As the bidding commenced at £5,000, it quickly escalated. "When it reached £5,200, then £5,400, I thought that would be the lower end of the estimate, but then two bidders really got into it. By the end, I was just stunned!"
When asked about his plans for the unexpected windfall, Gary replied, "I think I'll save it for a rainy day. Honestly, I’m still trying to comprehend what just happened. We all hear about such stories in the news, but you never expect to be the one experiencing it.
His advice for potential bidders? "If you're browsing at auctions, keep your eyes peeled. Most of the time, it’s a bust, but that rare moment might bring you luck!"
This tale not only captivates with its sensational outcome but also raises intriguing questions about luck, value, and the hidden gems we might overlook in everyday life. What do you think? Have you ever found something valuable in an unexpected place? Share your thoughts in the comments!
