What do men want? Mantiques!

Seasoned antique dealers have always known there are certain items in their collections dear to the heart of male shoppers. While the wife is swooning over ornate old sterling and Meissen porcelains, the husband is drawn to old gas station pumps, toys that bring back his youth, tools and fishing tackle...objects that these days are referred to as "Mantiques." And now there's a guide especially for these objects, Mantiques: A Manly Guide to Cool Stuff, by Eric Bradley and published by Krause Publications.

Mantiques covers quite a wide range of items, from surfing and fishing gear to men's fashions to jukeboxes and barware. And their popularity among buyers has boomed worldwide over the past few years, leading us to lament getting rid of our Generation One MacIntosh computer and Grandpa's shaving mug. This guide will make those antiquing forays Dad used to dread into exciting explorations of everything masculine...just in time for Father's Day.

Also in time for Dad's special fete is a special sale of Mantiques at King Richards Antique Center in Whittier, starting June 9. The most hard-to-shop-for man should get a kick out of something from the store's selection of cameras, watches, glasses, collectibles, sports/auto memorabilia, metal signs, tools, golf clubs, fishing poles, LP's, model cars and more. King Richard's, which has been dealing in antiques for more than 30 years, occupies the historic 100+-year-old Whittier Citrus Association building, which is also home of the College for Appraisers...a good source for appraisals the first Saturday of each month. King Richard's Antique Center is proud to once again win the San Gabriel Valley Tribune 2014 Reader's Choice Award!

Take Hubby Shopping for Mantiques

Men have been deeply involved in antiques since the first caveman started collecting old bones, but still when a lot of guys think of antiques they picture spindly gilded furniture and pretty dishes, not really their cup of tea (hope that remark doesn't sound sexist). They get that glassy-eyed look when you want them to go with you shopping in antique stores. But now there are stores that boldly offer "mantiques," "architectural," "industrial" items that definitely spark a man's interest.

One we just came across this morning is called Acme Garage, in Medford, Oregon. They describe their store as follows: "At over 6600 sq ft, our co-op is packed with high-octane vintage items." When you go there, you might want to bring a truck!

Guys! Imagine this "settee" in your man cave!

Check out their Facebook page for a preview. It's a guy kinda thing, from the banner featuring four pin-up girls reminiscent of mechanics' calendars, on down...a miner's carbide lamp, advertising signs for once-popular petroleum products, metal lockers like you had in high school, stuff from dismantled post offices and bowling alleys, giant sign letters, 1950s billboards, neon signs, repurposed furniture and all the elements a fella needs to do some repurposing on his own...Well, you get the idea. Lots of photos for inspiration.

 They've got a sign out front that says "Drop him off at Acme Garage...Free Mansitting." So next time you're in Medford stop at 2784 West Main St, bring the hubby and don't be surprised if he has the time of his life.