Former marketing director Emil Knodel loves antiques.

So when he heard that there was going to be a sale at the nearby estate where the owner had recently passed away, he thought he might find something of value there.

On the day of the sale, one piece of furniture immediately caught his attention. A beautiful 19th century chest of drawers with a marble top that would fit perfectly in his dining room…

The purchase was fantastic considering the fact that Emil managed to buy it back for just $100. ‘Because it has a lovely marble countertop, I hope to use it in my dining room,’ Emil, 67, told ABC News.

When Emil and Jeff Allen, who works for the Premiere Estate Sales Network, were busy loading the dresser for onward transportation, they heard a strange noise.

Real treasure
It turned out that there was a secret compartment in the chest of drawers, in which real treasures lay.

‘There were gold jewelry, diamond rings and many other things. We experienced a real adrenaline rush. We were both in shock,’ said Jeff Allen.

Nevertheless, the two men decided to immediately return the valuables to the owners of the mansion, from whom the chest of drawers was bought.

Here is how Emil explains his act: ‘I bought a chest of drawers. I didn’t buy these things. If I had left them for myself, I would not be able to sleep peacefully.

I would be constantly tormented by a sense of conscience. ‘I am a former Marine and always try to act in good conscience’

So the treasures returned to their rightful owner, or rather, to the son of the one who made the cache, but, unfortunately, died.

The son remembered this chest of drawers from childhood, although he had no idea about the secret compartment.

What a wonderful story!