With the start of summer, the antique trade traditionally moves business outdoors. Fields, fairgrounds, and outdoor venues, dormant through the winter months, and some even longer due to pandemic restrictions and closures, are now popular destinations, once again, for antique shows and flea markets across the country. Walk these shows and you overhear how thankful dealers and shoppers are for this return to normal. Organizers report sold-out vendor spaces and record attendee turnout; dealers share that this season is shaping up to be the best in years – even pre-pandemic! All this is proof that, even after a hiatus that drove many dealers and buyers to online sites, nothing beats the in-person shopping experience. It is, at its essence, the thrill of the hunt and active engagement between buyers and sellers that continues to fuel the outdoor antiques and collectibles marketplace.

In this issue we cover a variety of topics, including a history of Mudlarking; a roadmap to buying in person, including garage sales, thrift stores, estate sales, and antique shops; an interview with Danna Crawford, a self-made social-marketing expert who understands the Treasure Hunting business; an interview with Ole Andersen, treasure hunter; and a history of the Brimfield Flea Market and Gordon Reid, among other feature articles.

We hope this issue inspires you to attend an outdoor show, drive around your neighborhood looking for garage sales, and look down to see what history has left behind. Happy hunting!

DON’T LIKE READING ONLINE BECAUSE YOU CAN’T ENLARGE THE PAGE TO SUIT YOUR VIEW? TRY THIS TIP:

1. Look for the “looking glass’ icon in the black band across the bottom of your page. Click to show + sign inside.
2. A new black band should now appear at the top of the issue page. Click on + icon to enlarge the page to your viewing pleasure.