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Americana collection

John McInnis picked to sell Americana collection Aug. 24-25

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf
Americana collection
This important 1893 folk art patriotic crazy quilt will sell Sunday, Aug. 26. John McInnis Auctioneers image

AMESBURY, Mass. – Long before American Pickers hit television, Janis Blouin of Georgetown, Massachusetts, was perfecting the art of finding and buying the best Americana, folk art, toys, advertising and country accessories to be found anywhere north of Boston. John McInnis Auctioneers will sell Blouin’s renowned collection grouped into over 1,600 lots over three days, Aug. 24-26 in Exeter, New Hampshire. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.

“I am at a loss for words to describe this unique collection,” said auctioneer John McInnis. “Janis is an old-fashioned North Shore picker – no computers, cell phones or technology in her life until her recent years. She never missed any kind of auction, estate, yard sale or flea market. I conducted my first auction in my late teens and I remember seeing Janis and her husband, Aime, in the audience. Thanks to her expert eye and determination, her collection rivals treasures found in any museum.”

Americana collection
Black duck decoy by George Boyd (1873-1941). John McInnis Auctioneers image

The Americana collection features an amazing array of weather vanes, decoys, advertising, stoneware, banks, military and maritime items and so much more.”

Americana collection
John Haley Bellamy 25in-long carved eagle with shield and two flags will sell on day two. John McInnis Auctioneers image

“It is an honor to showcase her life as a collector with this sale,” added Dan Meader, McInnis Auctioneers director, who has known Blouin his whole life. “It is unusual these days to have such a large auction from just one collector and to sell it unreserved allowing the public to determine what it is worth today.”

Americana collection
Grain-painted blanket chest with bird decoration. John McInnis Auctioneers image

Day one will focus on toys, banks, dolls, vintage Halloween and Christmas collectibles, children’s mugs, items of whimsy, door stops, walking sticks and jewelry.

Americana collection
Large German jack-o’-lantern candy container. John McInnis Auctioneers image

The auction will be held at the Historic Exeter Town Hall on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 24-26, starting at noon Eastern each day.

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