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There are a few Valuable Items You Should Never Ignore When Shopping at an Estate SaleBut sometimes you come across something so “too” interesting and lovely that you just can’t pass it up. Such is the case with the Staub French enamel-over-cast-iron cow cocotte, with one fan even debating whether to spend more than $1,000 to acquire one, after missing out on previous opportunities. “Should I do it?” she posted Facebook. “Or is it completely stupid? It’s my culinary holy grail…” comments, of course, only embarrass her. “Do it!!!” One said. “It will complete you.”
It’s unclear whether or not the poster ultimately meant it, but what is clear is that the demand for Stab Guy Cocottes continues to grow. These rare pieces are sought after, and in turn valuable, because they are no longer sold. So, be sure to keep an eye out for them at the thrift store. Current active sale bidding on LiveAuctioneers starts at $500, with final sale prices estimated to be closer to $750 to $1,250. This is also accompanied by clear signs of use of the dish – what looks like burn marks or scuffs on its bottom. On eBay, prices are higher, with a reportedly ultra-rare gray version of the Guy starting at $1,949.99. If you balk at these prices, you’re not alone; However, some other collectors are extremely lucky. One Redditor shared that they found a certain dish that some are spending thousands at the thrift store for just $24. Talk about timing!
Why Stab cow cocotte is in such high demand
The first piece of Staub cookware was designed by Francis Staub in 1974 in the northeast of France. Since then, the brand has built a reputation for producing high-performance and durable cookware, rivaling other popular Dutch oven brands (see you, Le Creuset — but yes, still find What your Le Creuset color says about your personality). Because of this, it is also considered a legacy brand, in that you can buy it once and use it forever, possibly even passing it down one day. If you’re lucky enough to see one of these Guy Cocottes at a thrift store or estate sale, look for the “Staube France” markings.
German company Zwilling acquired the brand in 2008, and now new stabs are purchased by them. Although still branded with the famous “Staub” mark, most pieces no longer bear the “Staub France” mark. While any piece of Staub cookware retains value, simply because it is generally well made, these Guy Cocottes hold such a high price for collectors because Staub no longer produces them. While Staub still sticks with dutch ovens that are currently for sale (like this one White pumpkin or this Green artichokes), there are no bovine offerings at the site. As such the decor of the cow is an important element Modern farmhouse style And the combination of scarcity and whimsy really drives it home as the “holy grail” the valuer finds in the kitchen, for something beautiful and fun to handle overall.
