Treasure Hunting and the Power of Early Picking

When it comes to estate sales, the key to scoring big is simple: the early bird gets the worm. That’s exactly what happened at a recent estate sale I conducted in Marietta, Georgia, for the late Harris McKoy Wheeler Sr.—a true musical legend. As America’s #1 Picker, I’ve hosted and attended hundreds of sales, but this one was something special.

The Legacy of Harris McKoy Wheeler Sr.

Harris McKoy Wheeler Sr. wasn’t just any music teacher—he was a musical prodigy, composer, performer, and mentor who touched thousands of lives. He served as the Musical Director for Six Flags Over Georgia and even performed on the legendary Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. But what made his estate a gold mine for pickers wasn’t just his musical legacy—it was his unbelievable collection of vintage clothing.

Harris directed stage plays, and over the years, he amassed a treasure trove of vintage costumes, clothing, and accessories. And let me tell you—when it comes to vintage fashion, the market is on fire right now!

Setting Up Early for the Best Deals

If you’re serious about making money as a picker, showing up early is non-negotiable. We started setting up the sale at sunrise, and by the time the doors opened, a line of eager collectors and resellers was already forming. My good friend Jack Parker, an expert in vintage clothing, stopped by to lend his expertise—especially when it came to Levi’s and Champion clothing.

Vintage Levi’s: Turning Small Finds into Big Profits

Levi’s jeans from the 1950s to 1980s are some of the most profitable items a picker can find. The older the pair, the higher the demand. Here’s why:

• Big “E” Levi’s (Pre-1971) – Levi’s changed the branding on the red tab in 1971 from “LEVI’S” (all caps) to “Levi’s.” If you find a Big E pair, you’re looking at $500+ in resale value.
• Selvage Denim – Levi’s used selvage denim before the late 1980s. The telltale sign? A red and white stitched edge inside the leg seam. A solid pair can fetch $200–$1,000.
• Rare Washes & Distressing – Faded, ripped, and worn Levi’s from the 50s-70s are fashion gold. A pair bought for $5 at an estate sale could easily resell for $300+ on platforms like eBay, Grailed, or Depop.

At this estate sale, we found several vintage Levi’s pieces, including a few Big E jackets and 501s that were absolute steals for the pickers who arrived early.

Champion’s Flocked Print: The Vintage Sportswear Boom

Another hot seller? Vintage Champion clothing—especially flocked print sweatshirts from the 1980s and earlier.

Flocked print refers to that raised, velvety lettering found on old-school sports sweatshirts. These pieces were often made for colleges, sports teams, and organizations. Today, Champion has made a massive comeback, and original vintage pieces can sell for hundreds.

• 80s Champion Reverse Weave Sweatshirts – These can sell for $150-$400, depending on condition and rarity.
• 50s-70s Champion “Running Man” Tags – These are rare and can command $500+ on the vintage market.

One lucky buyer at the sale snagged a 1980s Champion Reverse Weave sweatshirt for $30—a piece that could easily flip for $200 online.

The Crowd & The Final Takeaway

The turnout for the estate sale was massive. We had collectors, resellers, and vintage lovers all scouring the racks, bins, and closets for hidden gems. The prices were fair—low enough for pickers to make a solid profit but high enough to respect the incredible collection Harris had built over his lifetime.

If there’s one thing this sale reinforced, it’s that knowledge is power in the picking world. Knowing what to look for—whether it’s Levi’s from the 1950s or Champion flocked prints—can mean the difference between flipping an item for a few bucks or a few hundred dollars.

And most importantly? Be early, be ready, and be informed. The best deals don’t wait.

Want to Learn the Secrets of Picking?

If you’re looking to turn estate sale treasures into serious cash, follow my blog “How to Become a Picker” for insider tips, sourcing strategies, and real-life flipping success stories.

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