Wayne Learie, professional picker of high-end antiques and collectibles, announces his retirement with a 2,000 Lot Auction consisting of his personal and store treasures
VANCOUVER, BC, October 16, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- After more than 60 years of picking, Wayne Learie has become a trusted name among collectors and antique enthusiasts across Canada and around the world. Building large collections for investors over the years, Wayne has bought and sold everything from Led Zeppelin's robe to rare gas pumps and vintage signs. Uncovering hidden gems in basements, backyard sheds, and estates, Wayne has built a remarkable reputation for his sharp eye for the rare, unusual, and extraordinary.
"I've been fortunate to do what I love for many years," says Learie, "Finding unique pieces and bringing joy to buyers and collectors."
Wayne, also known to many as The Mad Picker, recently sold his business to DirectAuctions.Com. While he continues to collaborate with Jeff Schwarz of DirectAuctions.Com, Wayne has made the decision to auction his personal and store collection as he begins his well-earned retirement.
Among the standout pieces in this extraordinary sale is a 1938 historically significant local carving depicting Chief August Jack Khatsahlano (X̱ats'alanexw) of the Squamish Nation. An experienced medicine man and revered leader instrumental in preserving the Squamish Nation's oral history and collaborating with Vancouver's first settlers in documenting the West Coast. He's featured in the book Conversations with Khahtsahlano 1932-1952 by J.S Matthews, an early Vancouver City Archivist.
Other remarkable notable pieces include highly collectible early Canadian Addison radios from the 1950s, an original "Girl on the Beach" Coca-Cola sign in mint, framed condition, a fully restored Austin children's pedal car, and a signed Tiffany table lamp and candle holder.
Collectors will also find a selection of Hardy fishing reels and rods from the 1920s and '30s, rare Canadiana furniture, a large collection of carved Chinese jade, fine jewelry, sterling silver and Indigenous art.
Additional treasures include vintage display showcases, military swords and badges sourced from estates worldwide, and beautifully restored Seeburg and Wurlitzer jukeboxes.
Simply put, this is expected to be the most significant auction event held in the Fraser Valley in the past 25 years. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts alike.
Jeff Schwarz, best known as the lively TV reality star "The Liquidator" and owner of DirectAuctions.Com, shared his excitement about the upcoming event.
"It's been an honor and a privilege to work with Wayne over the years," says Schwarz, "We're thrilled to present such a unique collection that rarely, if ever, comes up for auction. Acquiring The Mad Picker and collaborating with Wayne allows us to further expand into the estate and collectibles market, which is an exciting new chapter for our teams."
Auction Details
Wayne Learie's Incredible Antique Store & Personal Collection Auction will take place live online over a 2 day period, featuring more than 2,000 rare and collectible pieces. Both Jeff and Wayne will host and call the auction live, which will be streamed worldwide, allowing collectors everywhere to take part in this historic event.
View Auction & Register Now: https://bid.directauctions.com/Wayne-Learie-s-Incredible-Antique-Store-Personal-Collection-Auction_a74880?m=all
Auction Dates: October 28 & 29, 2025
Auction Start Time 1:00 PM PDT
World Wide Shipping Available
ABOUT WAYNE LEARIE, THE MAD PICKER
Wayne Learie (The Mad Picker) has spent decades as a professional picker, travelling across Eastern Canada and the United States in search of rare and valuable finds. As an auctioneer and certified appraiser, Wayne brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, specializing in buying, selling, and liquidating everything from single items to full estates.
With a sharp eye for quality and authenticity, he has offered expert guidance on large private collections and has helped build and auction off some of the most recognized collections in Canada. Over his remarkable 60-year career, Wayne has consistently worked with high-end antiques and collectibles, earning his reputation the old-fashioned way — as a true "cold door knocker," discovering hidden treasures and bringing them to market for collectors and dealers alike.
https://themadpicker.com/
ABOUT JEFF SCHWARZ, OWNER, DIRECT AUCTIONS, DIRECT LIQUIDATION, THE MAD PICKER
For more than three decades, Jeff Schwarz has built a global reputation buying and selling assets all over the world. From saris in India to mattresses in China and everything in between, Jeff works closely with large and small businesses, the movie industry, insurance and estate companies. Jeff has made his mark as a trusted name in the auction and liquidation industries.
www.directauctions.com
www.directliquidation.ca
View all of our upcoming auctions:
www.bid.directauctions.com/auctionlist.aspx
For Media Inquiries:
Wayne Learie
The Mad Picker Powered by Direct Auctions
+1 604-970-5150
knowsalot@shaw.ca
CEO Jeff Schwarz
Direct Auctions, Direct Liquidation, The Mad Picker
+1 604-779-8081
jeff@directliquidation.ca
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