FOHBC 2016 Sacramento National Antique Bottle Convention & Expo | American Bottle Auctions Open House

American Bottle Auctions Open House | American Bottle Auctions, 915 28th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816, Thursday, August 4th, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Come meet with Jeff Wichmann, tour his super office and see some wonderful displays of antique bottles and western memorabilia. Buses will depart the Lions Gate Hotel at 10:30 am, 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. The same buses will bring guests back.

All photographs are by our official show photographer, Angelina (Gina) Pellegrini unless otherwise noted.

Our first Sacramento National event after the FOHBC Board meeting on Thursday, 04 August 2016 was the open house at American Bottle Auctions. Jeff Wichmann had recently added new shelving, advertising and bottles to his office and boy was it ready to receive a standing room only crowd throughout the event. We sent our show photographer, Gina Pellegrini, down to Jeff’s office on the early side to capture the spirit of the office and open house.

I think you will all agree, it was a great experience to see his bottle and glass museum focusing on western collections. Many of Jeff’s other interests were also displayed as you will see in the line of photographs. Jeff was on hand to answer questions, Dennis was selling bottles right and left and Chi Chi made sure everyone was comfortable. Drinks and snacks were served throughout the event. Shuttle bus vans from the Lion’s Gate Hotel ferried guests back and forth as Early Registration was also happening at the hotel.

Thank you Jeff Wichmann, Dennis Fox and Chi Chi Anyanwu!

“Having the office open to visitors was a tremendous beginning to a fun and entertaining long weekend. The positive comments regarding my office made me realize even more what a nice office I have. We had just done some new cabinets and purchased some new antique advertising so it kind of all came together at the right time. I really enjoyed the day visiting with all the terrific people who had traveled such a long way to say hello. It was an honor hosting the FOHBC open house.”

Jeff Wichmann

G A L L E R Y

Chi Chi working right up until the first visitors arrived. The rooms were packed solid throughout the day.

Cool top shelf labeled western bitters and medicines.

Steven Hubbell and Max Bell.

Nice split shot of two rooms. Each room told a story.

One of many bottle shelves.

Many western beer serving trays on display.

Probably my favorite. A Buffalo Brewing Co. beer serving tray in rich carmine.

One of many fascinating memory boxes with marbles and other items that Jeff collects.

Wall of marble display boxes. Outstanding!

Types of marbles. Don’t ever think that antique marbles are all the same.

Antique glass target ball display.

Another glass antique bottle display cabinet. Many bottles were being handled as evidenced by the open spaces on the shelves.

Jeff Wichmann, FOHBC Life Member certificate sits proudly on another exciting shelf.

Larry Westfall interested in those western sodas.

John Shroyer looking intently at a bottle.

Jeff Wichmann holding court.

Jeff Wichmann talking with Larry Westfall and Chuck Gildea.

Checking out the sodas. Left: John Shroyer, center: Jeff Wichmann, right: Mike Rouse

Jeff Wichmann talking marbles.

An outstanding western display, each item worth your attention.

A killer Imperial Levee from Hollywood, Mississippi. Embossed with grapes and grape leaves.

Another great display cabinet. The Hostetter’s Bitters sign grabs your attention first.

A truly museum quality atmosphere greeted you within every room.

Outstanding grouping of western bottles juxtaposed with an antique window frame.

Every wall was filled with antique advertising and related ephemera.

Dennis Fox (right) selling bottles throughout the day. Mike Lake of Santa Cruz on the left.

Many groups of excited collectors conversing throughout the day.

Off-the-chart rare antique bottles.

Cutter the Min Pin. Jerry and Helen Forbes on the other end of the leash.

Neat advertising with bottles.

A truly spectacular piece of western advertising for Buffalo Brewing Co.

Lots of action in the western conference room.

Dennis Fox again. Boxes and boxes of bottles for sale from a fresh collection new to the market.

Big time collectors from left to right. John Shroyer, Bobby Hinely, Lou Pellegrini, John O’Neill and Bonnie Pellegrini. Bobby up from Newnan, Georgia.