Closure of Fells Point’s Iconic Antique Shop After 35 Years

News Summary

The famous Antique Man in Fells Point, Baltimore, has closed its doors after 35 years of operation. Owner Bob Gerber Jr. decided to shut down the store due to his age, marking the end of a beloved neighborhood fixture. The shop is known for its unique antiques and collectibles, which will be auctioned off starting July 26, 2025. Community members expressed a mix of nostalgia and sadness over the loss of this local icon that had offered a treasure trove of quirky finds.

Baltimore’s Fells Point Enjoys Closure of Historic Antique Shop After 35 Years

The historic neighborhood of Fells Point in Baltimore has seen the closure of a well-known antique shop, The Antique Man, after more than three decades of operation. The store, a local fixture for residents and visitors alike, officially closed its doors in July 2025, marking the end of an era for the neighborhood.

Details of Closure and Transition

The closure was announced through signs posted on the front of the store, which expressed gratitude to loyal customers and reflected on the store’s long history. The signs read, “The Antique Man has closed after 35 years as of July 2025. Thank you to all of our loyal customers. It’s been a great run.”

Owner Bob Gerber Jr., aged 82, made the decision to close the shop primarily due to his age. Gerber has been at the helm of the store since its opening in 1987, overseeing its growth and becoming a familiar face in the community. Despite the store’s closing, Gerber expressed positive sentiments about his years managing the business, describing each day as “a great day.”

Sale of Antiques and Future Plans

The antiques and collectibles from The Antique Man are set to be auctioned off via Stoner’s Auction, located in Glen Rock, Pennsylvania, approximately 100 miles northwest of Baltimore. Chris Linsenbigler, owner of Stoner’s Auction, confirmed that he will handle the sale of most of the items. Linsenbigler, who has managed the auction house for the past six years and collaborated with Gerber during this period, stated he was honored to be entrusted with selling the store’s inventory.

The first scheduled auction featuring items from The Antique Man is slated for July 26, 2025. Interested buyers can participate in bidding and viewing through the online platform AuctionZip.

Property Ownership and Future Sale

In addition to owning the shop, Bob Gerber Jr. owns the building housing The Antique Man. The structure spans multiple row homes on the 1800 block of Fleet Street and has been a significant part of his business. Gerber plans to sell this property within a year after settling all business affairs related to the shop’s closure.

Community Perspectives and Store Legacy

The Antique Man was considered an integral part of the Fells Point community, recognized for its eclectic selection of items and quirky displays. Local residents have described the store as “very much like a Baltimore icon,” with some noting it was part of their weekend routines to visit the shop after breakfast. The store was famed for its unusual and sometimes whimsical collectibles, including a two-headed duck, a giant ball of string, and a taxidermized four-legged chicken. Its bright signage and themed rooms showcasing jewelry, glassware, holiday items, and varied collections added to its unique charm.

Visitors, including local residents, have occasionally discovered rare finds within the store, such as vintage train keychains that turned out to be collector’s items, reinforcing its reputation as a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind objects.

Local Reactions and Cultural Significance

Local residents expressed a sense of nostalgia and sadness over the store’s closure, viewing it as the loss of “another little piece of the old Fells Point.” The store’s presence had symbolized a slice of Baltimore’s history and offered an experience akin to visiting a small museum, full of treasures and stories behind each item.

Summary

Overall, the closure of The Antique Man marks a significant moment for the Baltimore neighborhood of Fells Point, ending a 35-year chapter in local retail history. The auctioning of its collection and the sale of its property signal a new phase ahead, but the store’s legacy will continue to be remembered through the memories shared by the community and the collectibles that will now find new homes.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• The Baltimore Banner
• TripSavvy
• Baltimore Magazine
• Baltimore Sun
• Washington Post
• Wikipedia: Fells Point
• Google Search: Antique shops in Baltimore
• Google Scholar: Antique shops history Baltimore
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Baltimore
• Google News: Antique shops Baltimore