TheDenverChannel.com










Money

Company Sells Unclaimed Luggage, Lost Items

Items Include 40-Carat Emerald, Suit Of Armor

POSTED: 1:15 pm MST February 21, 2005
UPDATED: 9:27 am MST February 22, 2005

Almost everyone has lost a bag while flying at some point in their lives, and most of the bags make it back to their owners eventually.

But what happens to the bags that never get claimed?

Odds are, they end up in Scottsboro, at a place called Unclaimed Baggage.

"After luggage has been lost and owners have been compensated for that loss, we purchase these bags sight unseen, send our own trucks around the country and bring them back here to Scottsboro," company spokeswoman Brenda Cantrell said.

The company started in 1970 as a part-time venture, but in the 1990s, it became a full-fledged retail store, eventually expanding to offering items on eBay.

Company officials said that about 1 million items pass through the store each year, about 60 percent of it clothing. Some of what they find is quite unusual.

"We've seen some very unique items over the years, including a mummified falcon, some jewelry, a 19th-century full suit of armor has passed through our doors," Cantrell said.

Other strange things found in luggage include:
  • A 40-carat natural emerald.
  • A guidance system for an F-16 fighter (returned to the Air Force).
  • The Muppet character Hoggle from the movie "Labyrinth."
  • A camera from one of NASA's space shuttles (returned to NASA).
  • A live rattlesnake.

    "Out here, you just never know what you are going to find," Cantrell said.

    Video

    Once they hit the shelves, items sell for considerably less than they originally sold for.

    "Sometimes I come down here and I might not spend a nickel. Other days, I come down here and I might spend several hundred dollars. It just depends on the day," one man said.

    "It's a fun place to shop and you can always find a bargain," Daphene Coopinger said.

    Visit: Unclaimed Baggage eBay Auction


    Links We Like

    Sponsored Content
    If you have aspirations of becoming a millionaire, check out these five habits that may be worth emulating. More

    To get the most out of your remodel, check out these 10 home updates that have the biggest payoffs when it comes time to sell your home. More

    Do you have concerns about the recommended vaccines for your child? Get the facts to clear up any confusion about vaccinations. More

    If you're looking to save on your next new vehicle, a low sticker price is just one aspect. Consider all the costs and make the right decision. More

    Credit Report

    560? 675? 720? The average US Credit Score is 692. What is your score? See it online for FREE! More

    Best Local Rates On...



    LocalNational

    30 Yr Fixed Mortgage4.90%5.02%

    48 Mo New Car Loan6.97%6.79%

    $30k Home Eq Loan7.90%8.33%

    6 Month CD1.02%1.13%
    Help! I don't understand!
    More Rates


    Sponsored Links

    Stock Quotes

    Get a Quote
    Enter Symbol

    Smart Savings

    Do you catch yourself counting every penny these days? Find money-saving ideas big and small in our Smart Savings guide. More


    E-Mail News Alerts
    Get breaking news and daily headlines.
    Browse all e-mail newsletters