I walked into a thrift store with no expectations, just browsing, until I spotted something that looked like a cross between a submarine and a potato.
Curious, I turned it over and saw “Ant. Canella Ferrara, Italy” stamped on it. It was a handmade ceramic ocarina from Italy, and it only cost one dollar.
At home, I researched and discovered it was an Antonio Canella ocarina—a beautifully crafted wind instrument with roots in Ferrara.
Ocarinas are ancient instruments, with the modern version popularized in 1800s Italy. Antonio Canella’s pieces are prized for their sound and craftsmanship. The one I found is a brown ten-hole transverse ocarina with a gold stamp near the mouthpiece.
It feels handmade and produces a haunting, unique sound. Typically, Canella ocarinas sell for \$30–\$100, with some valued even higher. I paid just \$1. Ocarinas are known for their soft, nostalgic tone and are often conversation starters. Whether for playing, collecting, or display, Antonio Canella ocarinas are worth owning. This experience reminded me that thrift stores can hold unexpected treasures—so always take a closer look.
