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By Jack Beresford
Senior Reporter
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When a woman in South Carolina thrifted an antique platter for just $4, she was unaware of the significance of the four words printed on the back.
Thrifting is in vogue among U.S. consumers today, with figures compiled by Capital One Shopping suggesting as many as 93 percent of Americans shop online for secondhand items.
Ali Knipfing from Greenville, South Carolina, is among those who considers thrifting a favorite pastime and something she has enjoyed since she was a child. “My mom has always loved thrifting and estate sales. She used to bring me when I was younger. We still go together,” Knipfing told Newsweek.
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These days, however, Knipfing views thrifting as more of a “necessity” than an occasional indulgence. “I have expensive taste and my husband and I haven’t always had enough money for expensive things,” she said. “I also love vintage items because they seem to be much better quality than all the things that are mass produced these days.”
Knipfing also sees her forays into the world of thrifting as her way of being able to “shop sustainably,” though she’s happy to admit the thrill of the chase plays a big part in her hobby too. “I love the treasure hunt,” she said. “Honestly, there’s not a lot about thrifting that I don’t love.”
A recent trip to a Goodwill in Greenville saw Knipfing served as a reminder of why she loves thrifting so much. The fact it was served up on a literal platter only adds to the story.
Browsing through the assorted items in the shop that day, Knipfing’s attention was quickly caught by antique platter. “My eye always gravitates towards blue and white and I could definitely tell it was old,” she said. “Although I didn’t realize just how old until after I got home.”
When Knipfing had first picked up the platter, she noticed four words engraved on the back. Now, back home, she took a closer look at the words: Ironstone, Rousillon, J. Goodwin, Longton.
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A quick Google search uncovered more information about the piece. It was the work of John Goodwin, a potter based in Stoke-on-Trent in the U.K. Described as a large Ironstone platter featuring a Montezuma pattern, she learned it was likely produced some time between 1841 and 1851, making it more than 170 years old.
The more she read, the more she realized how rare a piece this was. “In 1870, a large shipment of ware was being exported to the Americas and the ship sank in rough seas,” Knipfing said. “The entire shipment was lost and this was too much for the company to recover from and they went into liquidation.”
Though it’s difficult to put an exact figure on it without proper valuation, similar pieces in equally pristine condition appear to hold substantial value. A rare antique J. Goodwin Longton Montezuma ironstone octagonal bowl is currently listed for $299 on eBay.
Knipfing said she was “so excited” when she first read about the platter’s unique history. “I immediately texted my friend who also appreciates antique thrift finds as much as myself,” she said.
She then decided to post a video to her TikTok, @knipfing.thrifting, showcasing the discovery. “I collect these and they’re so hard to find,” one user wrote. “A dream!!! I've been on the hunt for a blue platter. Love this! great find,” another said with a third commenting: “I would pass out.”
Though she could potentially turn a profit on the piece, right now Knipfing is happy to add it to her collection. “I will be hanging it on my plate wall,” she said. Instead, the focus for Knipfing is on the next yard sale or trip to the thrift store. The treasure hunt never stops.
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