Urgent.News

What's breaking now, across thousands of outlets.

Culture

Woman Thrifts Picture Frame—Finds Civil War-Era Relic Hiding Behind Photo

Samantha Ramsdell bought an antique frame for $15, but a closer look at home revealed a surprising secret hidden inside.

Abstract editorial illustration

Samantha Ramsdell, an antique collector, purchased a picture frame for $15 at an Arundel, Maine antique shop, intending to discard the photo inside. The frame intrigued her, and she quickly changed her mind upon discovering a hidden artifact behind the photo. The artifact turned out to be a Civil War-era lithograph of George Washington from 1864, which experts believe could be worth over $500.

Despite the potential value, Ramsdell chose to keep the relic, hoping to learn more about its origins from a local historical society. Her discovery highlights the allure of antiques, which often hold unexpected and fascinating histories, attracting buyers seeking nostalgia, craftsmanship, and eco-friendly alternatives to mass-produced items.

Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

Read the original at newsweek.com →

More in Culture

More from Monday 3 August →