Welcome to Our Palmer Wirfs

Vintage treasures are the key to experiencing the charms of the old world. So if you want to explore and reminisce about the old time, we are here to provide you with the best antique collection. Whether you are looking for vintage treasures, photographs, or vintage clothing, we have a plethora of those vintage charms at Palmer Wirfs.
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Unique Vintage Treasures

We have beautiful and interesting things, including antiques, vintage finds, photographs, vintage clothing, and collectibles. With an enormous collection of unique treasures, Palmer Wirfs is an adventure that you need to cherish.

Reaching New Markets

We intend to reach new markets and provide them with amazing services that will help our new audience taste the past's beauty.

New Niches Of Collecting

We are not limited to a handmade piece or vintage treasure but are ready to love and explore new niches. We have a wide range of collections that will satisfy your fantasies about antique and vintage treasures.

About Palmer/Wirfs & Associates

Palmer/Wirfs & Associates brings more than 32 years of show management experience to the marketplace. Begun by Don Wirfs in 1976 and more recently with Christine Palmer at the helm, Palmer/Wirfs & Associates prides itself on continuing to bring buyer and seller together which is our sole mission and goal as a company.

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Sterling Flatware

Enamel & Gold

Vintage Clothing

Phonographs

We Believe In

Evaluation & Identification Booth!

At every Palmer/Wirfs show, we offer a booth that is staffed with qualified and knowledgeable people in the antiques field.
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A Great Palmer/Wirfs Antique & Collectible Shows

Get ready to visit a fantastic Palmer Wirfs antique show and fall in love with the charms of the old world again. You will never fail to find a unique treasure to add to your collection!

Portland Expo Shows

If you are into antiques and collectibles, attend the country's largest portable expo shows.

Clark County Show

We are opening numerous booths filled with enticing vintage items that will make you fall in love with the beauty of the past.

Puyallup Shows

We are conducting fantastic antique shows that will attract buyers and sellers across the world alike. It is a great stop if you are into collecting antiques and vintage items.

Advance Sales Early Admission Tickets!

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Latest Featured Posts

Dos in an Antique Fair

Antique Fair

You go to an antique fair after doing intensive research. Now you know what to buy. Here are some pointers to remember additionally.

1. Dress appropriately

Always wear comfortable shoes and a dress. Since these fairs happen in open spaces, you need to adjust to the hot and cold temperatures. So plan ahead.

2. Bring bags

Know how you will transport the product. Bring the appropriate size bag necessary. Also, carry blankets to safeguard brittle or sensitive items. Extra covers also prevent the dust from the fairs from entering your car.

3. Be careful of expensive items

Unknowingly you might carry expensive jewelry or watches you might not notice in the crowd. You can only sometimes be aware when you are on a shopping spree, particularly in a crowded place. So keep your phones close and your wallets closer.

4. Have cash

Some vendors may accept credit cards, and some may not. Some places may be remote, and ATMs can be available so far only. So please bring extra cash but remember to keep the rolls safe.

Antique fairs

5. Be punctual

Antique fairs are time-sensitive. Your favorite item may run down before you can see it. So rush to the place and be informed about the opening time.
Again if you are looking for good deals, arrive late. Vendors become generous as they leave and have to pack a lot of leftovers.

6. Bring your shopping collection

A flashlight is necessary; you will know the necessity only when the light goes down. So be informed and bring anyway. Also, bring sunscreen, hand wipes, hand sanitizer, and whatever is necessary.
Although these fairs are full of food vendors, bring your food and water if you are careful of outside food. Also, be sure to bring snacks to keep your energy levels high. All the walking, bargaining, and shopping will be tiring.

7. Be ready to bargain

Don’t think it is not polite to bargain. All vendors prepare themselves to do so. They almost expect it. So prepare on your side and know the value of products at least roughly.
Don’t lose money and cry over spilled milk later. At the same time, don’t agitate or insult your vendor. Instead, use your people skills or bring a street-smart person if you aren’t.

8. Use your phone

Keep your phone handy. Use the option of calling a friend or audience poll whenever necessary. It is also possible to get separated from the person accompanying you. To avoid extra stress and anxiety, keep your phone safe and handy to access it at once. It will also help note down the item’s booth number so you can reference it later. You might not remember such information later, particularly after a tiring day of the walk.

What Makes You An Antique Collector?

Antique Collector

Antique Collectors look for items of quality. However, you don’t always have to look to sell an antique as an antique collector. As a collector, you can collect for personal use, also.

Why an antique collector collects

Once a collector, always a collector. You could have been collecting different objects all through your life. First, it might have started with shiny objects. Then, you might have gradually moved towards collecting toys, coins, stamps, clothes, cars, and now old objects of value.

antique collector

Besides cars and jewels, books, maps, artwork, clocks, crystals, furniture, and quilts are commonly known antiques. However, stranger collectibles are gaining interest every day as technology comes in. One such strange collectible is a giant Starbucks coffee cup. Other stranger items include Poke man cards, haunted dolls, and even faded t-shirts. If you support these, you are an antique collector.

There is always an objective as to why an Antique Collector collects. They like preserving memories of past times and preserving classics. Genetics also plays a key role here. You could come from a family who loves to collect and respect classics.

The motive of an antique collector

Connecting with others of the same interest is always alluring, mainly when your interest is unique and special. Learn what makes antique collectors unique.

Collecting is a hobby. A collector collects for fun. For them, it is as thrilling as any outdoor adventure can provide.

They invest. Some collectibles may be accessible such as a sea shell or an object you find out of nowhere. If you are lucky, it might also be an antique. But some antiques you come across demand your hard-earned money. Antique collector doesn’t let money stop them from uniting with their newfound love.

They are involved. Antique collector spends time decorating and taking care of their collectible. They do it so religiously and lovingly.

What makes a seasoned antique collector?

They know to spot the fake. Some people reproduce popular items. Such items are fake as they are not aged. They might appear similar such as Depression glass. An antique collector only knows that the designs in the glass are raised and not etched.

Also, they know such products have bubbles in them. Similar products have clashing colors in them. Such glass products don’t emit luminous light when tilted around. Other such products could have flaws in their molds. A learned collector knows such nuances.

They also know an antique doesn’t always have to be expensive. A collector knows the value of collectibles by informing themselves through historical context or from external help.

A collector may only know some of the antiques there are. But they know enough about their collection and have a fair share of the idea about what to do with them.

Beginners Guide to Antiques

Antiques

Your love for antiques could have started from collecting coins. Or you might have been collecting comic books. As you age, now here you are, for the passion of antiques or collectibles in your language.

What is an antique?

An antique must be 100 years old. Anything younger is a collectible. It is what we call vintage. Vintage is still valuable, but one should know the difference.

An antique is treasured because it has historical significance. Apart from history, the aesthetic aspect of an antique also makes it worthwhile. Sometimes antiques could be signed by their previous owners.

Antiquing

Antiquing is shopping for antiques. People engage in antiquing for personal use, as a gift, or at sale for better prices. We can find antiques in garage and yard sales, collectives, antique districts, and international auction houses.

Sometimes antiquing refers to the craft of making antiques. An object is painted or tarnished to appear old. It may need to be clarified to identify the origin of such fakes. That is why; antiquing is often a tedious process.

Untouchables

There are some artifacts or antiques which are not allowed. You might come across them, but pass them as you walk. Buying or selling such things is illegal and can land you in trouble. They are ivory of elephant and walrus, eagle feathers, and Native American artifacts.

The legality of a product depends on the origin of the product. Unfortunately, there is a lot of trafficking of antiques done every day, posing a threat to the peace of nations. That is why world organizations such as UNESCO pay special attention to monitoring and retrieving them. To avoid contributing to such international thefts, we better be aware of the source and check for its authenticity before buying.

Antiques of value

Antiques are named so because of their value. But what is the factor or factors that add to the said value?

Just because a vendor is asking a whopping amount of money, it doesn’t mean the antique is worth it. There are fundamental factors determining the worth of antiques. They are the rarity of the piece, condition of the item, age of the item, quality of the item, unique features, and history of the item.

Antiques

How to check the value of an antique

There are books available with adequate knowledge. If you think books are boring, learn through different websites.

  • There is Kovels who share pricing list for antiques and collectibles. They have an extensive database of items.
  • You can identify your product by checking at David Doty. They have images of antiques and collectibles along with price history.
  • You can also check eBay to compare and collect information on the product you are interested in buying.
  • Antique navigator lets you search through the available information. They have information in the form of articles along with price guides.

What to Know Before Collecting Vintage & Antique Decor

Antique Decor

You are here because of your love for vintage decor. Due to an alarming increase in demand for antique and vintage décor, a swarm of stores is available. But how to choose the best from them?

Name your piece:

You must first know what for you’re looking. Walking into a flea market or an antique warehouse can be tiring. Shopping online also is. You sift through a variety of unwanted products.

But when you name your product and decide what you will buy, the process becomes more manageable. Also, knowing the product helps you land better deals.

vintage decor

Know the worth:

As you identify the product, please find what it is worth. Sometimes the dealers might cost you more or less than the product’s value. However, don’t shy away from bargaining. It is fun too.

Also, knowing the worth will save you time from getting into unwanted deals. For example, sometimes, the vendors might sell you discounted group items. But what is it worth if one or some items are completely unnecessary or, even worse, they can trick you?

Learn to check for quality:

We are only experts at some things. It is no shame if you don’t have adequate knowledge of a product. Ask an expert or anyone who knows about the product well. For instance, you can easily buy furniture, art, or rugs. All you have to do is check for wear and tear.

But to check for the glass condition or life of metals, consider researching before or asking around. Also, learn how to fix the product that interests you. Unfortunately, we can only run to the seller sometimes or days after we buy.

Know there is more than the eye sees:

You might be fooled by some products just because they are unkempt. Old age does that to everyone. But there is some gold in the old. Look for potential products that you can replenish. Here, forgive the tarnished color or any settlement. We can always work on it. Just keep your eyes on the details.

Compare pricing lists:

When shopping online, always check for the pricing on various websites. For example, you can compare eBay and First Dibs and use their pricing list for a local vendor. This list will help you bargain for a better price.

shopping

Before letting your shopping impulse win, check with nearby warehouses or markets for a piece you see online. They might sell it for less cost. At least if you can save the awful shipping charges, it’s a win-win.

Befriend social media:

There are lots of small friends swarming social media. But you can always find a great piece if you keep looking. So follow these pages online, and they will notify you of every piece.

Facebook is an apt marketplace for antiques. With huge followership, they sure have some of the best online markets. In addition, as you search through, you customize your results, making shopping easier.

Guide to Buying at Antique and Vintage Fairs

Antique and Vintage Fairs

Do you happen to get confused and overwhelmed at the sheer number of antiques and vintage items in the fairs? Do you find yourself purchasing poor-quality antiques and vintage items?

If so, then you can change this by following a few important things. In this guide, you will learn many tips that will help you become a smart buyer and make the most of your time at the fair. Read on to learn more:

Do Your Research Beforehand

It helps to show an active interest in antiques and vintage items and do some research on them a few weeks before the fair begins. As a buyer, it is vital for you to develop your own taste. You will want to be clear on the kind of aesthetic you are looking for.

Don’t Miss the First Day of the Fair


Usually, many people make the mistake of going to the fair on the second or third day. As a result, they miss many unique items that people buy before noon on the first day. It is best to be among the first to step into the fair. You will also want to stick around until the evening because you may end up getting some great discounts.

Ask the Dealers Plenty of Questions

When you are inquiring about a particular antique or vintage item that has caught your attention, it is best to take your time and examine it closely. Make sure to check if the item works properly or if you will need to repair it.

You will also want to ask plenty of questions to the dealers. It helps to learn more about the dealers themselves. If you like what the dealer has to sell, you can stay in touch and purchase from them even after the fair.

Be Willing to Negotiate

antique

It’s okay to ask the dealer to reduce the price as long as you do it respectfully. Haggling in these fairs is generally a no-no, and it can create a bad impression. A great way to get dealers to negotiate is if you are willing to purchase more than just one item at their stall. Also, if you want to get fair prices on the items, it is best to dress simple. If you wear expensive apparel, the dealers are more likely to charge you a higher price for the antiques.

Use Your Phone to Research on the Spot

Make sure you have the internet on your smartphone while at the fair because you will use it a lot! You can look up the prices of antiques or vintage items on popular shopping websites to make price comparisons.

To Sum Up

By following the tips mentioned in this guide, you are sure to take home with you some incredible antiques and vintage items. Lastly, remember to enjoy yourself and not become too serious about the whole experience.

Antique Collecting: For Beginners

Antique Collecting

Collecting anything is a fun and exciting activity. From coins to stamp posts to pebbles, collecting things is a crowd favorite and personal to everyone. Becoming an antique collector is one of the easiest yet most fun tasks to keep a person occupied in their hobbies. Becoming an antique collector also has a bonus, whether you’re collecting for fun or business purpose.

This article is a guide for all antique lovers who are looking forward to collecting timeless pieces for business or decoration.

Where do you start?

Before you begin your search, it is imperative to keep the intent in mind – whether you’re collecting to sell it at profit margins or as a hobby!

  • For fun: If you’re collecting timeless pieces as a hobby, you can be open to all ideas and pieces from various decades and centuries. Also, if you’re collecting for fun, the history of the piece or the value does not come into consideration.
  • Investment: Antique pieces hold tremendous value in the market, especially as home décor items. When starting, keep your goal in mind and collect pieces that can be used to decorate homes, buildings, offices, etc., with their value in mind.

Collecting antiques as a hobby

When you dip into the antique collection pool, you must understand that there are different pieces and types of antiques to choose from! The primary key to selecting a theme for the collection is to know what you love. From silver items to furniture and paintings, the list is endless. Hence, before you begin, you can look for pieces you love and explore things you might enjoy.

Collecting antiques for investment

When collecting for investment or business purposes, it is imperative first to note the values of items. Usually, sellers may charge a ton of money for a piece, but if you know the value of a piece, you can buy and sell accordingly without burning a hole in your pocket. Here are some factors which can help you determine the right price for a piece;

  • A rarity depicts how common or rare an item is
  • Condition of the piece and the damages
  • Age of the thing and the era it belongs to
  • Provenance and history of the piece and whether it matches your theme of the collection

Antiques

Antiques to stay away from

Now that you know what to collect, it is also essential to know what not to collect. The specific antique piece is illegal to buy are sell, and you should avoid touching that subject. Some things to keep in mind are:

  • Stay away from ivory pieces and anything made out of elephants. In most countries, these are considered illegal.
  • Do not involve anything made of eagle feathers, as they are illegal in many countries.
  • As a novice collected, it is better to keep native artifacts out of your reach, especially the ones originating from Native America.

Tips for Visiting Antique and Vintage Fairs

Antique and Vintage

Is it going to be your first time at antique and vintage fairs? If so, you are in for a wonderful experience that you will always fondly remember. However, it helps to know what you are getting into and prepare yourself for the full experience. The tips provided in this article will help you make the most out of your antique and vintage fair experience.

It’s a Sociable Event

When you are in the fair for the first time, don’t be afraid to approach people and start conversations. The people at the fair are usually quite light-hearted and jovial, so it will be easy to break the ice. In addition, you will get to learn many interesting facts from them and perhaps even enjoy their company throughout the day.

Vintage Fairs

If you are a dog lover, the antique and vintage fair will sound more attractive to you! Most antique and vintage fairs welcome people to bring their dogs. Hence, your dog can get to play and make some great friends too!

Don’t Miss the First Day

It is best to attend such fairs on the first day as all the items will be available on display. Hence, you get the chance to really explore and look at some rare and unique antiques and instruments before someone purchases them.

It is also best to do your research about the fair and learn more about the kind of antiques they have to offer. This will help you go into the fair with a clear mind, and you can purchase some interesting things. Also, make sure to stay until the very end of the day. As the day progresses, there is a stronger likelihood of the dealers’ willingness to negotiate and give you great discounts.

Protect Your Skin

Antique fairs are usually held in the summer season. Since you will be out in the sun all day, it is best to apply some high-quality sunscreen to your skin. You can also consider wearing a fun hat or carrying a small umbrella to protect yourself from the heat. Also, make sure not to carry too many things. You will find all the food and drink you need at the fair.

Carry a Flashlight With You

Flashlight

The antique and vintage fairs have a completely different and fun atmosphere in the evening time. However, it can be quite difficult to walk around in the dark and make your way to different stores. Hence, it is best to carry a flashlight with you.

To Sum Up

These are some of the tips that you need to keep in mind when visiting antiques and vintage fairs. Make sure to travel light as it will help you enjoy the exploration. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to the dealers, and be willing to bargain as well.