Wertz Bros. Antique Mart in vintage form

An oversized painting of Marilyn Monroe looms over an antiques booth at the Wertz Bros., which is set to close Feb. 1. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Jan. 4, 2013 4:25 PM PT

For fans of vintage design, the planned closing of Wertz Bros. Antique Mart signals the end of an institution.

Quirky objects are in every corner of the mart; for example, this child mannequin stands between a display case and a rack of clothing. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

A stack of vintage suitcases sits in the corner of this booth as school-themed posters line the walls. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Vintage metallic signs advertising old businesses and icy road conditions add to the charm of the Wertz Bros. Antique Mart. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

A bust of Winston Churchill looks dapper in a fedora. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Shopper Steve Switzer, visiting from North Carolina, takes a look at one of the 84 showcases. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

These cheerful, collectible clown figurines fill one of the cases. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Antique Mart Manager Robin Messick and assistant manager Anthony Hudson show off their booth. Messick and Hudson are hoping to find a new Westside location and reopen the antique mall as their own venture. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)