What Dealers to look for at the National?
 

I'm attending my first National this year. This is something I've always wanted to experience since a kid, and thankfully, due to it's location in Atlantic City, it's becoming a reality.

I know many things, especially over the past few years, have changed. And to be quite honest looking at all the dealers, on the list I am a bit overwhelmed. Additionally, I know there are a few members of the forum, that are setting up shop at the National. In everyone's opinion, are there any dealers I should specifically go to? I always tend to favor the older, more experienced people at shows, the ones that have been setting up for decades. Partially for the cards but mostly to converse, and hear stories. Additionally please post below if you're setting up and what booth you'll be at, because I would like to drop by.

- James

Lots of dealers on board here. I’m sure you’ll get some good feedback to your questions.

Number 1 is to have fun and take it all in.

I'm sure it's going to be quite the spectacle. I'm very much looking forward to it.

+1 Looking forward to it also. Be interesting to see what cards the board members picks up there.

I will be looking but not sure if I will be pulling the trigger on anything depending on what is there of course

Jeff - If I go, will you say hello to me, even if I'm a low end collector ? :D

I have been to Nationals in Chicago and Cleveland but I assume AC will be similar. The size and scope of the room will be overwhelming and takes two full days to fully appreciate. Your mind will be scrambled by mid afternoon day one so day two is the day I tend by spend my money. One end of the room will be dominated by modern and the other end of the room will be vintage (Tobacco Row) although I found some interesting vintage stuff in some odd places. I find it helpful to have a couple specific things to look for… for me it is usually PSA graded T206 and mid 50s HOFers….and then expand on my second or third trip around the room. If a dealer is a jerk or dismissive simply move on as there are plenty of good guys to work with. And take lots of cash

Any good recommendations for dealers who specializes in different types of photos?
Snaps
Type 1s
Rppcs
Etc?

I will put in a plug for fellow board member and advertiser - Rhys Yeakley aka Prewar Sports aka RMY Auctions. He does have a good selection of photos each year. My collection/archives is very specific; original photos of U.S. Olympians. I can usually find one or two in his books that fill a slot.

If you look around you can usually find other dealers that have items, especially if they have binders or boxes of publications.

I see you are in PA. I would also recommend the Allentown Paper Show. The next one is October 1 and 2. I made it for the first time this year on April 30. I noticed a lots of sports photos at that show. I showed up 45 minutes before opening and the line was about 20 people. By 10 there were about 100 or so. I was there from 10 am to about 4 pm. There were more than a few sports dealers. I was able to pick up about 20 RPPCs that fit in my collection. It is still off the radar for most collectors though I did see a few who were looking for sports. Skipping the booths that you can tell have nothing that interest you makes it easy to see it all in one day. There is plenty of free parking. They have a food area in the building. Even better, the main fairgrounds building, which is about the length of a football field, is a farmer's market and has quite a few choices for food like sandwiches and baked goods. It is 50 yards away from the show building. It is located at the fairgrounds, just east of Muhlenberg University and west of Lehigh Valley Hospital. It only takes about 10 minutes from Rte 78.

Re: What Dealers to look for at the National?
 

I usually start a dealer's roll call thread about a week before the show.

Dealers at the National
 

Don Hontz is one dealer I know that typically offers one of the finest array of vintage star cards in the room. Ruth, Cobb, Gehrig, Matty, Young, Johnson, DiMaggio, Jackie Robinson, Aaron, Mantle, Mays, Koufax, Clemente, etc…..you name the star…..he has it. Incredible mix of T206s, Cracker Jacks, Goudeys, Exhibits, Topps & Bowmans for all sports and all eras. To the best of my knowledge, Don will be in Atlantic City. Check out his table….you won’t be disappointed.