A humble paper bag from D’Amato Records has somehow found itself in rather illustrious company – listed on eBay as a collectible with a price tag of €34.25.

Yes, you read that right. Not a rare vinyl, not a signed album – but a paper bag, currently homed in Albuquerque, United States.

The listing prompted an amused reaction from the iconic Valletta record store itself, which took to social media to share the moment, writing: “Thought it was a joke… but our paper bags are selling on eBay for $39.99.”

Suddenly, that slightly crumpled bag tucked away in a drawer at home doesn’t seem so disposable after all.

In an age where shoppers grumble about a 10c charge for paper bags at retail outlets, D’Amato’s bag appears to have achieved cult status – proof that nostalgia and history can apparently turn even the most basic item into something desirable.

And history is something D’Amato Records has in abundance. Established in 1885, the store’s management proudly says it is the oldest record shop in the world. Over the course of 137 years, it has survived two World Wars, economic upheavals and countless changes in music formats – from shellac records to streaming-era vinyl revivals.

During World War II, when Valletta was under heavy bombardment, D’Amato and neighbouring businesses famously remained open despite the dangers. In fact, the only time the shop has ever been forced to close its doors was during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Founded by Giovanni D’Amato, the store has been passed down through four generations of the D’Amato family, becoming as much a cultural landmark as a retail space. It’s a place where music lovers, collectors and curious tourists alike have browsed for decades.

Now, that very bag has taken on a life of its own.

So, if you’ve ever walked out of D’Amato Records with a purchase in hand and a paper bag swinging by your side, it might be worth checking the cupboards before recycling it..