{
  "id": 92870,
  "title": "Woman Thrifts Picture Frame—Finds Civil War-Era Relic Hiding Behind Photo",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/woman-thrifts-picture-frame-finds-civil-war-era-relic-hiding-behind",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-03T16:59:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/woman-thrifts-picture-frame-finds-civil-war-era-relic-hiding-behind-photo-12277341"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "Samantha Ramsdell bought an antique frame for $15, but a closer look at home revealed a surprising secret hidden inside.",
  "key_points": [
    "Samantha Ramsdell bought a $15 picture frame at a Maine antique shop.",
    "Hidden Civil War-era lithograph of George Washington discovered behind photo.",
    "Artifact estimated to be worth over $500, kept by Ramsdell for further investigation."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The discovery underscores the allure of antiques for collectors like Ramsdell, who seek out nostalgia, craftsmanship, and eco-friendly alternatives to mass-produced items, often uncovering unexpected and fascinating histories.",
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/92870.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}