Ep 5. Antiquing in Brimfield, MA - Part 2
- September 3, 2012
In episode 5 of Market Warriors' first season, titled "Antiquing in Brimfield, MA - Part 2," the four expert antique pickers continue their journey through one of America's largest outdoor antique shows, Brimfield Antique Show in Massachusetts. In this second part of their adventure, the pickers aim to find more valuable, unique, and rare items that they can later sell at various auction houses to hopefully make a profit of thousands of dollars.
The episode begins with pickers Bob Richter, Kevin Bruneau, John Bruno, and Miller Gaffney reviewing their previous purchases from the show and their overall standings in the competition. The experts acknowledge the pressure that comes with not only finding valuable items but also making sure the budget is well-managed to ensure maximum profit.
The pickers head back to the show, hoping to come across untouched booths and hidden gems that they might have missed the day before. They start scouting and negotiating prices, hoping to snatch the best deals. Bob Richter has an eye for mid-century modern- and he spots a rare lime-green fiberglass chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames. Meanwhile, Gaffney, who is a fine art expert, comes across a painting she thinks might be valuable. John Bruno, another fine art expert, is impressed by a set of lithographs that, if authentic, could fetch a high price. And Kevin Bruneau is intrigued by a vintage diving helmet that could be an excellent addition to his nautical-themed collection.
As the day progresses, the pickers cross paths and share their findings with each other, hoping to gain insights and help each other out. At one point, they visit an antique store near the show, where they come across more valuable finds, including a pottery vase by iconic artist George Ohr and a unique lamp by Tiffany Studios.
The episode also highlights the challenges that come with being an expert antique picker, including dealing with difficult sellers and rough weather conditions. It becomes physically challenging for the pickers to carry their finds around as the day goes on, with some items weighing over 100 pounds.
Towards the end of the show, the pickers come together and showcase their purchases from Brimfield. They each present their items to guest appraiser Sebastian Clarke, who is a New York-based auction house specialist, to receive his evaluation on their findings. While some items prove to be valuable and worth thousands of dollars, others are not as promising.
Finally, the pickers attend an auction at a nearby auction house to sell their finds. They are in a unique position where they now have to compete against each other to get the highest bid for their purchases. The pressure is on, and the pickers are nervous as they wait for the results.
In conclusion, "Antiquing in Brimfield, MA - Part 2" offers an exciting glimpse into the fascinating world of antique picking. The episode delves into the challenges, intricacies, and joys of the profession and immerses the audience in the thrill of the hunt. The competitive aspect adds an extra layer of drama to the show as the expert pickers go head-to-head to make a profit. Overall, the episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in antiques and collectibles.
