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By Jack Beresford
Senior Reporter
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A woman who thrifted a picture frame for just $15 with plans to ditch the photo inside was shocked to discover a Civil War-era relic hidden behind it.
Samantha Ramsdell was browsing the shelves of an antique shop in Arundel, Maine, when a vintage picture frame caught her eye. "I honestly just loved the frame," Ramsdell told Newsweek. "The photo that was in it was a little freaky, but I really just wanted to buy it for the nice antique frame."
Antiques of every shape and size continue to appeal to American consumers.
Read More on Life
A 2025 survey of more than 2,600 antique dealers and appraisers in the U.S. and Canada found continued consumer interest in antiques, vintage items, and collectibles, with younger collectors emerging as an increasingly important market segment.
Antiques appeal for a variety of reasons. Some buyers are drawn to the nostalgia and individuality they offer, while others appreciate the craftsmanship and history often absent from modern mass-produced goods. Many also view buying antiques as an environmentally friendly alternative to purchasing new items.
There is another appeal, too. Antiques often come with hidden histories, and every so often those stories reveal themselves in unexpected ways.
Ramsdell's story is a case in point. She bought the antique frame because she loved its appearance, but she quickly discovered there was more to it than met the eye.
"As soon as I got home, I removed the photo and put up one of my existing prints," she said. "When I took off the backing, I noticed there was another picture behind it, and it turned out to be the George Washington lithograph."
Ramsdell is an avid antique collector and counts several fellow collectors and experts among her close friends. After consulting them and conducting her own research online, she discovered the lithograph could be worth considerably more than the $15 she paid for the frame.
"It's an original lithograph of George Washington from 1864 during the Civil War," she said. "From what I've seen, it could be worth more than $500."
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As for how it ended up hidden inside the frame, Ramsdell has a few theories.
"Perhaps it was intentionally concealed," she said. "I was thinking maybe the original owner had passed away and someone donated it without knowing what was behind it."
Though the lithograph could fetch a significantly higher price, Ramsdell is in no hurry to part with it.
"Right now I'm keeping it. I'm sure it will go up in value over time as long as I keep it in good condition, unless someone wants to make me an offer," she said.
In the meantime, she has reached out to a local historical society to learn more about the lithograph's origins. She hopes the story of her discovery encourages others to shop secondhand.
"You never know what might be hiding behind an old photo or tucked away in the pocket of a vintage jacket," she said.
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