Man Finds Hidden Treasure in Cabinet He Bought for $100 – And Then Does the Unthinkable

When Emil Knodell first came across a gorgeous cabinet during a rumage at an estate sale, the 67-year-old’s eye was immediately drawn to its marble top, it high quality wood and the finely carved pattern that adorned it.

RELATED: Teen Finds a Secret Room and Treasure in New House – And Makes an Inspiring Decision

When the seller told him the cabinet was 125 years old and that its age reduced the its price tag to $100, Emil knew it was a steal. But he had no idea just how much.

The Hidden Treasure in a Wooden Cabinet’s Secret Compartment

While tipping the dresser on its side, Emil and his friends heard rattling sounds from inside. All the drawers were empty, but they discovered a secret compartment at the very bottom filled with currency, jewelry with emeralds and diamonds, a lock of hair, military dog tags and even Civil War memorabilia.

We were loading onto the truck. It sounded like a metallic waterfall. And we opened it up and three of us looked in and it was like the ‘Hardy Boys.’ Holy smokes, jackpot!

Emil Knodell

The Honest Man Who Returned a Secret Treasure to Its Rightful Owner

Emil didn’t have the treasure appraised, but it was clearly worth a lot. Still, instead of cashing it all in, he called the estate executor, who is the son of the man who had died.

I bought the chest drawers. I didn’t buy those things. If I kept them, I would never feel right about it. There would be a cloud over the whole thing. It’s a feeling more than anything else. I’m an old ex-Marine and I try to do the right thing.

Emil Knodell to ABC News

The seller remembers the dresser in his grandparent’s house in Michigan when he was a child but had no idea there was a hidden compartment.

RELATED: Man Buys $40 Desk At Auction – What He Finds Inside A Secret Compartment Changed A Family’s Life

To express his gratefulness for returning the family heirlooms, the seller offered part of the findings to Emil as a reward, but Emil said he wouldn’t accept items that didn’t belong to him.

The world can be a greedy place, so it’s nice to know that honest people like Emil still exist. It’s important to do the right thing, even when no one is looking.

More Uplifting News from Goalcast:

• ‘Unlucky’ Man Finds $43k in His Couch – Instead of Keeping it, He Does the Unexpected
• Teen Finds $135,000 Sitting in a Bag Next to ATM – What He Did After Is A Reminder To All Parents
• Uber Driver Offers To Get Teen Passenger A Hotel Room After Being Stuck For Hours In Traffic