It was a collector’s dream last weekend as the Rocky Mountain Turf Club played host to the Rangeland Collector’s Club and its annual Antique Show and Sale.
According to organizer Jackie Stambene, the show played host to over 48 exhibitors from across western Canada.
“We’re in our fourth or fifth year here under the grandstand,” she said.
The show began more than 20 years ago at the Moose lodge on Fifth Avenue North and slowly moved into bigger venues as the show grew in size and popularity.
“We enjoy this spot and it’s become well known throughout the community that this is the spot to come to.”
Jay Paquette came to the show to sell some of his automotive memorabilia, an interest that grew out of years of working on cars.
“After years and years you get into the memorabilia: Signs and oil cans and anything that relates to automotive.”
His most valuable items are his antique oil cans.
According to him, the market for vintage cans is growing, especially those that are rare and in good, clean condition.
The most valuable can he’s sold so far was a “Red Indian” branded can for $700, but is only the second most valuable on the Canadian market.
“Buffalo Oil Products are the most valuable,” he said. “Most of them sell for well over $1000.”
However, for John and Myrna Orsten, collectors for 40 years, the show is a way to help keep their collection under control.
Selling antiques for an auction company, they were able to get good deals on toy collectables to restore, however it all started with a fateful discovery one day moving a house.
“I found an old tractor underneath a house that we moved and I wanted to restore it,” John said.
As for his most expensive sale, he said he once sold a restored pedal tractor for close to $700.
While the club charges a small fee for admission, they make no money off the show.
According to Stambene, after expenses are paid, the remaining money is donated to charities across the city.