Grumpy Bear Vintage

Brian Henning, Owner

I've been a collector since I was a kid, a hobbyist reseller since high school and a full time vendor for over 2 years. My uncle was a collector. I remember as a kid he had an old wooden Coca Cola bottle carrier hanging on the wall in his bathroom that he used to display random old small things. I was always fascinated by it. I don't have a favorite item, per say, but the thing I got most excited about finding within the last year is an antique Johann Maresch tobacco jar in the shape of an anthropomorphic hippopotamus in a dress and straw hat holding a tennis racket and ball. It is one of the most incredibly ridiculous things I've ever seen. Maresch made some far out tobacco jars, but I can't help but wonder what inspired such a crazy design.

My space has a bit of everything. I have a LOT of art, lamps, pottery, glass, jewelry and unique and interesting decorative objects. I love the thrill of the hunt, finding the coolest stuff and seeing how excited a buyer gets when they find exactly what they're looking for.

I am a full time vendor and am constantly out sourcing new merchandise. I have never specialized in any one type of thing or period of history, so you'll always find a wide range of antiques and vintage items from every style and time period in my space.

IG