I have been around a long time and this phrase has always been one of a complement, to show something off, display or share in some way.
It seems there are two sides to every coin.
Please continue to enjoy your treasure hunting. It is one of my passions too and I don't really care if any of my friends don't like that I do it and some of them will not have any used items in their home, "because they might be haunted." LOL, really!!!
Have fun.
peace