Our History

Generational Tradition

It all started when Brad Witherell was gifted a Civil War-era Henry rifle from his uncle as a teen, spurring his lifelong obsession with vintage firearms and American Old West antiques. In 1969 Brad founded Witherell’s as an antique appraiser and dealer.

In 1983, Brad held his first Western American auction in 1983 at a hotel ballroom in San Francisco. When the logistics of moving heavy items upstairs became complicated, he enlisted his 16-year-old son, Brian, to manage the process. Thus began a father and son’s decades-long journey into the world of collectors and the antiques they love, filled with fond memories and many blessings.

Witherell now has international reach with a focus on notable collections throughout the United States, especially in western states like California and Nevada. Our Northern headquarters allows us to serve high-net-worth regions within a half-day radius that includes the Napa and Sonoma wine country, the San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley, the Monterey Peninsula, the San Joaquin and Fresno Valley, the foothills of HWY 49, Lake Tahoe, Reno, Carson Valley, Redding and the Redwood Empire, and a day’s drive from Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Boise and Portland. 

When evaluating a collection, our Antiques Roadshow-trained expert arrives in a specially outfitted vehicle fully equipped to evaluate and transport important collections or heirlooms to auction with unmatched expertise and efficiency. 

Team Members

  • Brad and Angie Witherell

    Founders

    In 1982, Brad and Angie Witherell hosted their first auction at the Embassy Suites hotel in San Francisco. It was an ambitious venture, launched entirely on borrowed money, and despite having no prior auction experience, they, along with their three teenage children, successfully pulled off the inaugural “Americana Auction.”

    Now, more than 40 years later, the business has evolved into a multi-million-dollar enterprise, hosting auctions across various platforms and covering a wide range of categories and price points. Despite numerous offers from investors and competitors to sell or partner, the Witherells have remained independent, building a family business founded on honesty and integrity. As Brad often quotes the legendary auctioneer Roy Arrington: “Why would I take in a partner? I already have two—my wife and Uncle Sam.”

  • Brian and Donna Witherell

    Owners

    Brian Witherell recalls, “I never worked harder than I did at that first auction in 1982, and I loved every minute of it!” That weekend, he turned sixteen, solidifying his future as an auctioneer—a fortunate outcome, as academics were never his strong suit. He now jokes with his kids, saying, “I was lucky—I had a professor who loved me.”
For years, Brian and his father, Brad, traveled the country together, attending shows, visiting clients, and appearing on the PBS series Antiques Roadshow. Reflecting on those experiences, Brian says, “There’s no better education than learning a trade from your dad. I’ll always be grateful for his time, patience, and unwavering support.”

    In 2024, Brian and his wife Donna took over ownership of the company. Following the old adage, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” they plan to continue the firm’s decades-long philosophy of steady, managed growth with a steadfast commitment to client service.

  • Poncho

    Poncho serves mostly as the company’s watch dog, though his primary concerns are the occasional passing squirrels, cats, and dogs. While he dreams of a life where the gate is always open, he’s perfectly happy sniffing around and napping when it’s closed. Ever the optimist, Poncho holds out hope for the spontaneous arrival of food at any moment. 


“My dad and I spend our lives immersed in the world of antique appraisals and estate auctions. The Sacramento region is rich in history and we love being part of it.”