Every thrifter has walked away from a shelf wondering what exactly they just bought. @nostalgia_lives_llc found a delicate glass piece for $5 and is now hoping the internet can solve the mystery.

The creator was shopping at a thrift store when the bottle caught their eye. They describe it as beautifully intricate, with butterflies and little frogs on each end. There is a marking on the bottom, but the creator says they do not know what it is. It looks like an old perfume bottle to them, though they are not sure, and they have no idea what it is worth. In their words, it was too cool to leave behind, and they invite anyone who knows something about it to say so.

That is everything the video tells us, so we cannot say who made it, how old it is or what it might sell for.

How to Start Identifying a Mystery Glass Piece

If you ever find yourself holding a piece like this, here are some steps many collectors take:

• Photograph the mark clearly. Take pictures in good light, straight on and at an angle, and note whether it is molded into the glass, etched, painted or on a paper label.
• Look at the shape. A stopper, a narrow neck or a small opening can suggest a perfume or scent bottle, but it is only a clue.
• Check the seams. Visible mold lines can hint at how the glass was made, and many collectors treat them as one piece of the puzzle.
• Feel for wear. Small scratches on the base can show a piece has been handled for a long time, though they are not proof of age.
• Search by description. Words like figural, perfume bottle, butterfly, frog and the type of mark can lead to similar pieces in collector guides and sold listings.
• Ask the experts. Collector groups and dealers who specialize in glass are often happy to help when you share clear photos.

A word on value: marks on glass can mean a lot of different things, from a maker to a country of origin to a later reproduction, so it is wise to confirm before drawing conclusions. Compare similar pieces that have actually sold rather than relying on asking prices.

Whatever it turns out to be, a pretty bottle for $5 that sparks a conversation is a good day at the thrift store.