Legendary Canadian Picker Wayne Learie Retires After 60 Years, Auctions Historic Collection

After more than 60 years as a professional picker, Wayne Learie has decided to retire and auction his remarkable personal and store collection through DirectAuctions.Com. This auction represents the culmination of a career that established Learie as a trusted name among collectors and antique enthusiasts across Canada and internationally. The significance lies not only in the retirement of a legendary figure in the collecting world but also in the rare opportunity to acquire pieces from one of Canada's most experienced pickers.

The collection features over 2,000 rare and collectible pieces that showcase Learie's sharp eye for the unusual and extraordinary. Among the most historically significant items is a 1938 carving depicting Chief August Jack Khatsahlano of the Squamish Nation, a revered leader who played a crucial role in preserving Squamish Nation oral history and collaborating with Vancouver's early settlers. This piece connects directly to documented West Coast history featured in J.S Matthews' book Conversations with Khahtsahlano 1932-1952, making it particularly valuable to historians and Indigenous art collectors.

Other notable pieces in this extraordinary sale include highly collectible early Canadian Addison radios from the 1950s, an original mint-condition "Girl on the Beach" Coca-Cola sign, a fully restored Austin children's pedal car, and signed Tiffany table lamps and candle holders. The diversity continues with Hardy fishing reels and rods from the 1920s and '30s, rare Canadiana furniture, carved Chinese jade collections, fine jewelry, sterling silver, and Indigenous art. Additional treasures include vintage display showcases, military swords and badges sourced from worldwide estates, and beautifully restored Seeburg and Wurlitzer jukeboxes.

Jeff Schwarz, owner of DirectAuctions.Com and known as "The Liquidator" from television, expressed excitement about the collaboration. Schwarz noted that acquiring The Mad Picker business and collaborating with Learie allows for expansion into the estate and collectibles market, representing an exciting new chapter for both teams. The auction will be hosted live by both Schwarz and Learie over two days, streaming worldwide to accommodate international collectors. This event is expected to be the most significant auction in the Fraser Valley in 25 years, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts to acquire pieces from a legendary Canadian picker's career.