My Husband, the American Picker

I have a new personal picker. Well - maybe not new. He's been around for 12 years. It's my husband, Chris. He loves going to auctions and I need more inventory, so it works out for both of us.

Chris went to four auctions last week. After each one, we played a little game: How would I price each of the items he bought? He refused to tell me how much he spent until I told him what my price would be if I sold it at the shop. It was fun. Until I broke the news that I probably wouldn't have bought a few of the items. He only cried for a few minutes.

As you will see, he's been watching a bit too much of American Pickers. Oil cans, a vintage bicycle and rusty metal.  But look!

Something aqua! It is a Jubilee Insulated Jug. And it is in great shape. Love it.

We bought all of those Wacker Brewing Company boxes a few weeks back. Chris kept the wooden box movement alive with his purchase of a few "Frostie Old Fashion Root Beer" boxes. They are a little worn, but I love them.

Love the labels on these oil cans. I'm sure Frank would, too.

These cast iron andirons are a bit rusty. And heavy. But they look cool, don't they? Or not? What do you think?

Remember when I bought a bunch of vintage pennants last year? Chris' parents subsequently bought a box of pennants at an auction. A few months ago, we all decided that they weren't selling very well (ahem...at all). Unfortunately, Chris wasn't privy to that phone conversation, so he bought even more pennants.  These just might be relegated to the kids' playroom wall.

In the background of the first photo, you may have spied a long metal toolbox. When Chris bought it at the auction, it was filled with tools and other random junk.

I found this odd wooden thing in there. I thought it was a pencil, because it has a little nub at the end. But it doesn't write. Anyone know what the hell this is?

Here's the big pick: a girl's J.C. Higgins bicycle from the 1950s (I think).

J.C. Higgins is the brand name for bikes sold at Sears & Roebuck bikes. This one was actually manufactured by Schwinn.

There was one guy who kept outbidding Chris. Every time Chris found something he liked, the guy would end up winning. My husband didn't like that much.

So Chris decided that, no matter what, he was going to win this bike. I kind of wish he had decided to win a stepback cupboard or a primitive bench or a big box of vintage globes. But, no - Chris had reached his breaking point, and this bike just happened to be up next.

So, he probably paid way too much for it. But it made him feel better.

I will keep you posted on how well Chris' picks sell. Maybe we'll make enough money to cover the cost of that damn bike.

Comments

[sierra]

Just a thought re the pennants, have you thought of/tried stringing them together like the (cheap plastic) ones at a car lot? That would be a great vintage chic accessory for a boys room/ boys birthday party. We are huge pickers fans too and I fear the day Ed decides to actually go picking himself. I've got no store to sell the stuff in!

[Diane]

I love it I must say he did pretty good! I know what you mean my hubby does not get the cost verses what we can sell the item for quite right yet, but at least they are playing the game~ Hugs, Diane

[Cassandra]

I am absolutely in love with your bike!!! I highly doubt you're anywhere near me but I'd buy it in a heartbeat. (Where is your store, btw?)

And yes, I like old andirons. I think they're neato. I'm not sure what they'd be good for in a re-purposing/decor sense...but they're def cool.

[Wanda @ Just Vintage]

He did good! Wish I could get mine to just go with me. Out on his own is a far away dream.

Something about that thingy makes me say plumb bob, but I don't... see...... Am I looking at it wrong? Is there a place to tie the string and let it drop to the floor to mark the "spot"? See, the point would mark the spot on the floor that would be straight up to the top so a board would be level... or something like that. But I'm probably making all that up. I mean not the plumb bob, but the way a plumb bob works.

[freshvintage]

@Cassandra- I will tell my husband that he has great taste! I have a space in a shop outside of Philly.

[Into Vintage]

Love the andirons! And the bike!

There was an episode of American Pickers when Mike said something about pennant banners not selling and all I thought was "Don't say that on tv! I have a box of those to get rid of!"

[bev]

I saw some pennants sewed on pillows ...they were really cool...at least I thought so! and they were expensive! Good luck!

[Roylyn]

The andirons could be used tucked among plants for garden ornaments!

[Brenda]

I would call the wood thing a dibble. That's one of those funny garden items that also can be called a dibbler or dibber. If that wasn't what it was I would still use it that way, though the one I'm hoping my DH will make is the T handle type.

[freshvintage]

THANK YOU, Brenda! Can you tell I dont garden?!

[Jennifer (Savor)]

The American Pickers a cute & hot.....just sayin that it looks like Chris might fit in. wink wink

[Maria]

Oh that Chris, he's such a keeper......ya gotta love the man who supports your junkin' addiction! I'm diggin' the aqua goodness. Can never have too much aqua. But it's those andirons that are a little piece a Heaven. They would so be mine if I spied them, rust and all. Good stuff......

[Bencer99]

I love the Lancaster PA "Home of The Amish" pennant! Would love to purchase it if possible.

[Stephanie]

I'd say your very own personal picker is a keeper!

[The Charm House]

I actually ran upon a wedding where the couple had a college theme going. They used old vintage flags, as these, to decorate with. It was so beautiful and creative!

[Brenda Reynolds]

OMG!!! That's my bike!! I learned to ride on that bike ,I have a lot of fond memories of it. Would love to know more about it as it was passed down to me through two sisters, the oldest being 63 yrs now and I believe we probably got it used. Is there some way you could e-mail me the picture so I can pass it along to my sister? She will freek!! Thank! Brenda Reynolds (ps, love your blog)

[Blondie]

your picker is a keeper

[CBear]

I'm fairly certain that wooden gizmo is called a DIBBLER. It's used to make holes in the soil for planting bulbs, transplanting seedlings etc. It's dead useful!

[kylahailstone]

I actually really like the pennants! How much are you asking for them?
xo.kyla

[The Thriftaholic (Leilani)]

I love the idea of a thrifting couple, his style compliments yours well.

Is it me or has there been a HUGE push in 'mantiques' lately-- especially with shows like American Pickers, Pawn Stars, Auction Kings, etc.

[shabby*vintage*junk]

Colleen Love I am green....GREEN....G-R-E-E-N with envy 'down here'....Mr SVJ is SO NOT a vintage person....Don't get me wrong he LOVES that I have a passion & is HAPPY for me to do what I do but he is NO HELP on the Treasure Hunting front what.so.ever....hmmmmmm....Perhaps we could engage in an 'International Swap Fest'....Mr SVJ is a Cabinet Maker by trade & VERY HANDY on the tools....If you have STUFF needing fixing he's just the guy to FIX IT....And I could 'borrow' your Chris to help me 'gather'....hahahahaha....As far as ideas go....I THINK it has some merit....hahahahahaha....!!

Let me know your thoughts 'cause I'm LOVIN' his haul....!

Cheers,
Tamarah :o)

[Peggy Tracy]

I am interested in how much you would sell the Atlantic City pennant for, and also the Wilmington, DE one. Does the Wilmington one say Wilmington Friends School? (partially hidden in picture). Let me know.

[Gloria]

Those andirons look like something out of a disney movie. The legs look like they might start dancing at any moment....okay, maybe it's just me...

[Lindsay]

So, let me get this straight... you are a couple and you are both pickers? If that's the case then I might have something for you!