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The Repairman Who Accidentally Destroyed Edsel Ford’s Impossibly Valuable Antique Bowl
Henry Ford’s son experienced a shattering loss after trying to have his organ repaired
“This is why we can’t have nice things” is a popular refrain people utter when somebody has broken or ruined something unexpectedly. Throughout history, we have found unimaginable ways to destroy all manner of valuables — both of the monetary and sentimental types. A crushing loss was experienced by Edsel Ford, the son of automobile magnate, Henry Ford, when a repairman came to his home and accidentally shattered a nearly priceless antique bowl.
In 1930, Ford, who was living in Detroit, was one of the wealthiest men in the United States. Accordingly, his home had some of the trappings one might expect for someone of such resources. This included a Rhages bowl, which was an ultra rare piece of Persian pottery dating back to some time in the 11th century. It was so rare that at the time it carried a value of $50,000 (worth nearly $1 million in modern value).
Despite having a house filled with valuable art and antiques, Ford also believed in displaying them in a way where he and his family could enjoy them. To that end, they were often casually placed and absent significant measures of protection.
