Bangor TV show targets collectors

Bob Gilbert can’t remember a time when he hasn’t collected something. And he knows there are a multitude of people out there just like him.

That’s why he is hosting “The Collectibles Show,” which airs at 7:30 p.m. Mondays beginning Jan. 4 on WBGR-TV (Channel 33) in Bangor.

As the owner of Brewer Sports Collectibles, Gilbert is involved with such items as coins and sports cards on a daily basis.

“The reason that I wanted to do this show is that I know how big collectibles are in general,” Gilbert said. “Every home has at least one collector. And that’s why I feel this show will be well-received, and why I’m excited about it.”

Collectibles have been a lifelong pastime for Gilbert.

“I was an only child, and I would entertain myself for hours with collectibles,” he said. “As an adult, I have a tremendous love of U.S. history. So I’ve been able to combine the two.”

Gilbert first came up with the idea for the show two years ago, but the then-fledgling station wasn’t in a position to line up sufficient sponsors. The show was revived when Gilbert was talking about it one day with WBGR advertising salesman Ed Merrill, who took the idea back to his bosses.

“[The show] fulfills the mission that we’ve tried to meet from the beginning, which is to provide niche local programming that was available nowhere else,” said James McLeod, WBGR’s general manager.

Each segment features Gilbert talking with a guest who has expertise in a given collectible. Episodes taped so far include vintage sports memorabilia, Beanie Babies, comic books, military medals and badges, Civil War collectibles, postcards, Maine soda bottles and silver dollars. Gilbert plans to tape shows on presidential autographs, stamps and presidential campaign tokens and buttons, with two other topics to be decided.

Gilbert hopes the show continues after its initial run of 13 episodes. But Gilbert, who also has hosted a radio sports collectibles show at 7:45 a.m. Fridays on WZON (620 AM) for the past five years, isn’t worried about coming up with additional topics.

“In the world of collectibles and antiques, you never run out of ideas to talk about,” he said.

People with topics or questions should call Bob Gilbert at 989-6020.