"One man's trash in another man's treasure." Is a comon quote that is perfectly depicted in the new show, American Pickers. This show is about the adventures and great finds that two antique store owners have while they travel around the country for "new" items for their store.
Before there was an American Picker TV show, my friend, Al was a self proclaimed "picker" for many, many years. He has been collecting, restoring and selling incredible items! Al has an extensive and amazing collection of Americana, much of which he restored himself! I was amazed at his collection and how passionate he is about it. His dedication and attention to detail while restoring a piece is outstanding. This blog won't truly do justice to his craft, collection and knowledge, however I hope it will give you a glimmer of this true American Picker's collection.
Please join me in the following photos as I adventured through his man cave. This is only a part of his entire collection. If you have any questions or specific interest in any of the items, please email me at anothur.decor@gmail.com and I will forward them to Al.
Let's begin with his jukebox...
In his own words...
In 1950, the Seeburg Corporation created something very unique for consumers, the first 45 rpm jukebox. Another first for Seeburg, this jukebox could play 100 selections, four times greater that any other jukebox. When I first saw this jukebox, it was a diamond in the rough. The owner had placed this jukebox on their sun porch, it would play the same Elvis tune repeatedly. The owner had tried a restoration project, however failed miserably in my book. This was the same jukebox that was used on Happy Days, the keyboard is shown during the beginning of every show. I would not suggest this project for anyone without patience as these old jukeboxes are a labor of love. The outside of the cabinet was veneered in the original zebra wood, all of the metal was replated, the amplifier and the mechanism was completely overhauled. Instead of downloading the music from a website, many of the original 45 rpm records are available for about two dollars a record. The tube amplifier has an amazing sound, this jukebox is very impressive for its vintage.
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| Restored - The 1950's Seeburg 100B was the first 45 RPM Jukebox ever made. |
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| Restored |
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| Restored - Al restored all the mechanisms within the jukebox. |
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| Before |
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| Restored - The Coke Cola machine is a Vendo 81, mid 50's model that dispenses 81 bottles of Coke. With it's rounded corners and ability to dispense various sized bottles, it has become a true collector's item. If you have a nickel or dime you can quench your thirst with a Coke Cola beverage! |
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| The tall gravity feed is a Wayne model 615, circa 1928. It sets on the landing before entering Al's man cave. I see it as an appetizer to the amazing collection waiting! |
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| Can you imagine pulling up in your Model-A to this gas pump? |
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| The Ferris Wheel seat was built by the Eli Bridge company in Jacksonville, IL and was made in the early 1900's. Anyone up for a ride? |
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| The Neon clock was made by the Cleveland Clock Company & was popular between 1930 to 1950. Because it was neon I couldn't get my camera to show it's brilliant neon colors :-( The Bennett 766 Shell Gas pump & sign are from the early 1950s. |
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Restored - Model 562 brass cash register was made in 1916 for the Chi, Wilm, Franklin Coal Company |
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| Restored - The small brass cash register was made in 1910 by the National Cash Register Company and originally sold for $75. |
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| The Barber Chair is a Belmont model and was produced in the early 1950's. The chair is fully functional and reclines for the patron who is getting the extra close shave. |
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| Restored - The telephone is a 1920s model produced by the Western Electric Company. It still works and you can actually make calls! No texting though! |
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| The Gamewell alarm boxes are still in use in Boston, Chicago and various other cities. |
Good day!
--D Charles
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