A bargain hunter has been urged to insure her finds after stumbling upon two incredible pieces of 1980s Hollywood movie memorabilia in an American thrift store
An American woman has been urged to cash in on her thrift store find after she unknowingly uncovered a stunning piece of personalised Oscars memorabilia. Self-confessed Star Wars nerd, Libbers, said she was hunting for action figures based on the space saga when she made her startling discovery.
Taking to TikTok in excitement, she explained: “I found some action figures and a Jurassic Park VHS tape which I thought was super cool, and then I saw a China cabinet containing things I didn’t think were for sale because inside of it was a whole bunch of Muppets memorabilia that looked like it came from a producer.” After gaining permission to look in the cabinet, Libbers pulled out the programme for the 1980 Academy Awards where The Muppet Movie had received two nominations.
Libbers continued: “Inside was a letter to [Muppets creator] Jim Henson, [puppeteer and filmmaker] Frank Oz and [executive producer] David Lazer as well as a note wishing David good luck.” However, she wasn’t done there as she went on to detail “the more impressive of the two” purchases she made.
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WARNING – explicit language in TikTok video below, viewer discretion advised
She then showcased an original script of The Dark Crystal, a 1982 dark fantasy film directed by both Henson and Oz. “This is the fourth draft so not everything in here is even in the movie, which is insane to me,” Libbers noted. “I’m trying so hard not to scream and jump up and down.”
Opening the original script, Libbers noted that it had been signed and dated by Lazer, who was the producer. “This is actually crazy,” she said. “This is going to be my prized possession – I will have to put it on display. My Muppet-loving heart is going crazy.”
Libbers wasn’t done there, however, as she went on to detail the “best part” of her find. “I got it for free,” she exclaimed. “My mum had just bout $80 [£59] worth of stuff from the thrift shop and I was going to pay $40 [£29.50]. But after I bought the action figures and the VHS, the lady said, ‘Don’t worry about it – you’re good’.”
She closed: “I am ecstatic right now! This is crazy. It’s The Dark Crystal. Like The Dark Crystal.” Libbers clip soon went viral, with amazed TikTok users quick to offer her advice on her relic. “Please get a lawyer if anyone tries to contact you, like for real… do not accept any offer if it’s under 1 million,” one person advised.
A second hailed: “Jealousy is not even a strong enough word. Also as a 45 year old it makes me happy when younger people still love Muppets and The Dark Crystal.”
A third individual urged: “Disney is closing Jim Henson’s final legacy piece in Hollywood Studios, you better not sell it to them.” A fourth recommended: “I’m sure you’re on it already, but get them appraised and insured.”
Whilst a fifth TikTok user said: “I would actually start sobbing if I was in your position. The Dark Crystal means so much to me. it’s one of my favourite movies as a kid and one of the reasons why I make puppets today. I’m so glad that it’s in hands that will cherish and take care of it.”
In response to several queries, meanwhile, Libbers returned to the comments section to clarify: “For everyone wondering, it was just a regular local thrift store, not a specialty one. David Lazer the producer of The Dark Crystal happened to live in my town upon his passing and the thrift store some how ended up with some of his belongings.”