I walked into a local thrift store with no real expectations, just casually browsing like I’ve done a hundred times before. I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, just killing time. But then, sitting quietly among the usual clutter of forgotten knickknacks, I spotted something odd—a small, submarine-shaped object that looked like the strange lovechild of a whistle and a potato.

My curiosity kicked in, and I picked it up for a closer look. It felt solid in my hand, clearly ceramic, and when I flipped it over, I saw the inscription: “Ant. Canella Ferrara, Italy.” It was handmade, Italian, ceramic, and it was priced at just one dollar. I didn’t hesitate—I bought it instantly, not knowing exactly what it was but feeling like I had stumbled upon something special. Once I got home, I started digging into its origins and discovered that I had found an Antonio Canella ocarina—a handmade musical instrument crafted in Ferrara, Italy. The ocarina itself is an ancient wind instrument with a long and rich history. Variants of the ocarina have been discovered across many cultures, including China, Mesoamerica, and Europe.

The modern transverse ocarina, which resembles a sweet potato with finger holes, was developed in the mid-1800s by Giuseppe Donati in Budrio, Italy. Ferrara eventually became a hub for skilled ocarina craftsmanship, and Antonio Canella was one of the makers who helped uphold and continue this unique musical tradition. Musicians and collectors alike prize his ocarinas for their craftsmanship, rich tone, and artistic value. The one I found is a ten-hole transverse ocarina made from ceramic and finished in a brown glaze with a small gold stamp near the mouthpiece. It has ten finger holes on top and a thumb hole underneath.

Holding it, you can immediately feel the difference that comes with something handmade. It’s both sturdy and delicate, with a subtle texture that gives it a sense of personality. When I blow into it, it produces a sound that is haunting, breathy, and timeless—something between a whisper and a melody. It’s unlike anything I’ve heard from more common instruments. It doesn’t sound like a whistle or a flute; instead, it echoes with the soft, nostalgic tones of another era. Intrigued, I checked online to see what these ocarinas typically sell for. To my surprise, the value ranges between $30 and $100, depending on condition and tuning. Some vintage or pristine models, especially those by Antonio Canella, can fetch prices of $120 or more.

I realized that I had not only picked up a beautiful and unique instrument, but also a valuable collectible—all for just one dollar. Despite a few imperfections, the ocarina I found is fully functional and possesses that unmistakable charm of something with history and character. One of the things that makes ocarinas so special is the mood they create. The sound is soft, dreamy, and almost meditative. It lacks the sharpness of a recorder or the formal tone of a flute, making it feel more organic and emotional. It’s also a great conversation piece. People often ask, “Is that from Zelda?” or “Is that an ocarina?” Either way, they recognize that it’s something unusual and meaningful. If you ever come across an ocarina—especially one stamped with “Ant. Canella Ferrara, Italy”—don’t think twice. Grab it. Whether you want to add it to a collection, use it as a decorative piece, or actually play it, it’s worth having. It’s a piece of musical history, full of charm and function. Thrift stores have a funny way of surprising you, and my experience was proof that treasures are often hiding in plain sight. You never know what you’ll find until you flip something over or check the stamp on the bottom. I walked in expecting nothing and walked out with a piece of Italian craftsmanship, a functioning instrument, and a story I’ll probably tell for years. It was a reminder that even the most ordinary-looking item could be something extraordinary. You just have to look a little closer.