There are many sellers offering used, collectible and unusual merchandise who hold such sales every weekend. One of those dealers is Charlie Martin of Charlie & Darlene's Odds & Ends. Charlie has been selling unusual and unique collectibles and knick-knacks at Kobey's for the past 10 years.

Charlie is always bringing something new, everything from old wooden baseball bats to bibles from the turn of the century to works of art. Most things change hands quickly, and regular customers make the effort to see him before that special thing they may not want to miss is gone.

For example, Martin found a pair of hand-carved wooden lamps depicting the Revolutionary War, one an infantry soldier and the other a detailed scroll of the Constitution. He offered the pair as a set for $75 each. The lamps were there in the morning, but by the end of the day they were snatched up by a collector who was more than happy to pay the asked price.

Charlie Martin began selling collectibles in Tacoma, Washington after he retired from the Army where he was stationed at Fort Lewis. Later he and wife Darlene moved down to San Diego to enjoy the warmer weather. Martin won't reveal where he finds his merchandise, but he does say that some of his offerings come from fellow retirees and friends. If someone comes across something interesting, they know to give him a call. If he likes it, he'll buy it, and bring it down to Kobey's on the weekend.

Martin is always on the lookout for things he thinks his regular customers would want. He also searches for things that his shoppers are looking for, either to add to their collections, or to give as gifts. In any case, Martin says if it's unusual, he'll buy it.

The most unusual item he's come across to resell was an old soap box derby car, circa 1956. Much smaller and less unusual are a collection of CASE brand knives and other switchblade type knives which he keeps in a glass case on one of his many tables. Larger items line his booth. These have included a pair of 1950s parking meters ($50 each), a porcelain hops strainer stamped "Coors" ($50), various paintings and artwork, and an abundance of various household and home decor items. Items change weekly.

Visit Charlie & Darlene's Odds & Ends at Kobey's on Saturday and Sunday, usually in space I-46. Call (619) 501-5868.