Salvation Army Thrift Store Bargain: $100 for Painting Worth $100,000

[Jerome]

Oops! Salvation Army says it was a mistake, calls for new owner to give it back:

Rare, Valuable Work of Art Purchased at Chicago Thrift Store

Warner Sallman....this Chicago artist’s....“Head of Christ,” is believed to be the most reproduced painting in history – more than any Picasso or Van Gogh or Michelangelo....In 2007, Newsweek reported the image had been reproduced over a billion times.

Paul Beaty walked into a Salvation Army Thrift store... [saw] two large framed pieces...both “Head of Christ” – one in oil and one in chalk. He bought each of them for $100. Sallman expert Leroy Carlson confirmed their authenticity and shocked Beaty with the appraisals: $100,000 for the oil and $35,000 for the chalk.

they had been on display in Salvation Army offices since 1965. Somehow, when they moved to new offices, someone didn’t know the value and placed them in the store for sale.

Beaty, who describes himself as “a struggling freelance photographer,” is actively looking for a buyer. He says the money will certainly come in handy.

 

[church mouse guy]

Pity. The Salvation Army is chaotic.

 

[just-want-peace]

If the SA knew the value of said painting, why did they not sell it and use the funds for their operation.
$100K is a LOT of "donations"!

 

[Squire Robertsson]

If the SA knew the value of said painting, why did they not sell it and use the funds for their operation. $100K is a LOT of "donations"!

Considering according to the article,

In 2007, Newsweek reported the image had been reproduced over a billion times.

I'd hazard the Salvation Army didn't know the value of these particular works.

 

[just-want-peace]

Considering according to the article,
I'd hazard the Salvation Army didn't know the value of these particular works.

I would certainly hope this was the case.