About Us

Joe Tonelli, owner and expert collector at Tianguis Antiques de Rosie

Rosie, the namesake and co-owner of Tianguis Antiques de Rosie

Hello,

My name is Joe Tonelli, and Rosie is my best gal—an 8-year-old Plot Hound mix I adopted on my 30th day of sobriety from alcohol. That was 7½ years ago, and she’s been my loyal companion ever since. Together, we’ve embarked on a new chapter of life here in Mexico.

Growing up in a family of collectors, I learned early on that treasures aren’t just objects; they are stories, memories, and pieces of history waiting to be discovered.

There’s a moment—you know it if you’ve held something real—when time collapses. Your thumb brushes the stitching on a 1930s denim work jacket, and suddenly you’re not just some guy at a flea market anymore. You’re the guy working in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) after the Great Depression—the sweat and dirt of long workdays still lingering under decades of attic dust. That’s what I’m after: a connection to our shared past, good and bad, the experience of all who came before us.

For over 56 years, I’ve been immersed in this world, spending weekends at flea markets, antique shops, and yard sales, always on the hunt for unique and meaningful items.

Over the decades, I’ve built extensive collections in military artifacts, vintage clothing, toys, folk art, and advertising. What started as a hobby quickly became a way of life. Buying and selling collectibles not only supported my passion but also allowed me to share these treasures with others. I’ve had the privilege of working as a dealer and consultant for private collectors and auction houses, helping others find the perfect pieces to complete their collections.

I even found myself photographed in an article from a Japanese Vintage Men's Clothing Magazine!

I’m also proud to be the author and co-author of two books on American collectibles, both published by Schiffer Publishing:

Visor Hats of the United States Armed Forces 1930-1950: Army - Navy - Marine Corps - Other Services by Joseph J. Tonelli

Bowling Shirts, A Collector’s Guide by Joe Tonelli and Marc Luers

I started selling on eBay in its early days (1997) and continued until this past year (2024). In the early 2000s, I specialized in original military photographs, which grew into a full-time business with a dedicated team. At one point, I was selling 4,000 items a week on eBay—long before the platform offered the seller tools it does today. In 2008, I launched my own online auction house, Tonelli Auction and Collectibles, which operated successfully until 2013. After a brief hiatus, I returned to collecting in 2018, reigniting my love for this timeless pursuit.

Now that I’ve retired from my career as a Senior Superintendent in the construction industry, I’ve returned to what I love most: curating, buying, and selling unique collectibles. Tianguis Antiques De Rosie is more than just a store; it’s a reflection of my lifelong passion and expertise. Every item I offer has been carefully selected, not just for its value, but for the story it tells and the joy it can bring to your home.

Since moving to Mexico in the fall of 2023, I’ve focused my business on serving Mexican collectors. I understand the importance of finding quality, meaningful items that fit your budget. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, Tianguis Antiques De Rosie is here to help you discover treasures that resonate with your personal style and heritage.

Here you can join the treasure hunt with me, like last fall when a junk dealer asked me if I wanted to buy a bunch of old movie posters he found while cleaning out the movie theater in Dolores, Mexico—over 2,000 movie posters and complete lobby card sets. If not for him finding them and calling me, they would have been lost, thrown in the trash!

All items come with a NO QUESTIONS ASKED RETURN POLICY. The only requirement for a refund is to return the item in the same condition as sent. Once the item is received, your refund will be issued promptly.

That’s why I sell like I do—no slick descriptions, no hiding flaws. Just me telling you straight: This one’s special because…Maybe it’s the hand-painted silk Mexican Revolution banner that was donated to a Mexican rifle club in 1963, which hung there until it was found by a seller at the CDMX Tianguis, where I bought it at 6:00 a.m., buying the seller coffee from "vendedoras de café" as part of the deal. Whatever it is, I’ll show you the cracks along with the gold, like this banner untouched as found.