3rd Annual Vintage Trade Show and Get Together
 

Andrew and I are pleased to announce that the 3rd Annual Vintage Trade Show and Get Together will be held on February 1, 2025, from
11am - 5pm, at the 1757 Golf Club @ 45120 Waxpool Road, Dulles, Virginia.

Free admission, free food, free to set up (just bring your own case), free fun.

This event has really grown over the last two years and we look forward to continuing that trend; this may eventually turn into a Vintage “National” if we continue the momentum. It’s near the airport, tons of hotels, and good social fellowship after the show at dinner and beyond. Please join us.

Maybe some folks who attended last year can give some testimonials and post some pics.

Trade Show
 

I will be there Ryan!

I'm really looking forward to the get together. More details to come...

Here is a video I made at last year's event:

https://youtu.be/vxQPw3wfDg0?si=fABS01aLUBBJlT0Q

One of the best days of the year!

Looking forward to it.

It really is a fantastic event. Great environment to show some cards and get to know collectors.

Fantastic event !!! Oh hell yeah !!!

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I've been waiting to put this date on my calendar.

I look forward to being there again -- thank you! This is such an enjoyable event.

Cheers,
Steve

As long as Val is there with his Hughie Jennings shirt the earth will continue to rotate on its proper rotational axis...

Wish it wasn't so far away! I'm guessing a vintage autograph table would be great to set up amidst only vintage cards & memorabilia. This from a guy who swore off shows a long time ago, but this kind of event would be much more to my liking.

Show
 

Sounds like a great event. Maybe I’ll make the trip:) Trent King

I, too, wish I lived closer and could make the drive and set up a table there, although the middle of winter might not be the ideal driving conditions for that. From where I am, 12-13 hours for a one-day event, I just can't do it. If I can somehow get an early morning flight there and a late-night flight back home, I will likely try to make it. Those familiar with the area, better to take a taxi from the airport and back or rent a car for the day?

Uber and Lyft pickup is right outside of baggage terminal.

Please a you tube video love this octavio

Enjoyed it last year. Wouldn’t miss it this time

Thanks again for doing this

I’ll be there for sure. It was great putting faces to the names from N54 as well as seeing friends from the hobby. Not to mention the awesome cards on display!!


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How much wheeling and dealing goes on?
 

I would be interested in how much selling and swapping is happening at the event?

I know it wasn't conceived primarily as a BST event, but if it is to become a "Vintage National" (which would be awesome) that implies buying/selling/trading for sure.

Knowing more about this might help me and others who don't live close by to decide whether we want to make the trip to attend.

Thx!

This event sounding like such a wonderful time last year I was looking forward to the next one! I’ll bring a case or two of vintage and hopefully reconnect with some old Chantilly area friends!

I would say that at this point, although the room may have the feel of a small, all prewar/vintage card show, it is primarily hanging out, talking cards, and showing off collections, with some transactions mixed in. If this continues to grow, it is possible that it could evolve into more of a traditional card show, but that really isn't what it is right now.

Andrew

I think Andrew's description is on the money but I will add that I have met several people at the event with whom I have subsequently done/are discussing deals. It's a great opportunity to actually get to know folks with similar interests. Big card shows can be a little too hectic to allow for much of that.

This sounds great---good luck guys! I wish we had a SoCal version.

This is a great point. The networking and introductions are very real and material. There may not be many in-person deals at the show, but the relationships created and strengthened absolutely lead to other introductions and deals down the road.

Hi Phil, yes I'll be there with my with my Jennings-back-run T-shirt, the vintage-card god willing and the creek don't rise.

I fully believe that our hobby will evolve to where there is an annual Vintage National (limited to pre-War, hopefully). I just hope this happens before I become too old to attend.

This sounds like a great excuse to visit family in Maryland. Is the setting in a conference/ballroom type environment? This would be my first time going.

It's on my calendar
 

A little early to say 100%, but I've been at the last 2 and intend to be at this one.

Sammy, here is a picture of the room where the get together takes place. Obviously, it is set up differently for our event. 1757 is a private golf club that I am a member of. It is very close to Dulles Airport and not far from Dulles Expo Center (where the Chantilly Show takes place).

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...c6a8f8d755.jpg


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It's a lovely place, the perfect size so far, with a good restaurant and bar.

The food (and maybe bar) will be free this year. As part of the reservation, we had to commit to a certain $$$$ of food (and it is a lot of food), so everyone eats free!

Just keeps getting better and better. You guys are amazing!

My dad and I have really enjoyed going the last 2 years. Will be great to see everyone again. It's already on my calendar, I can't wait.

This sounds great Andrew! Looking forward to being there.

Well, Jay, if anyone can make it happen...

This looks like fun guys. I think I might come out to it this time. What do I need to do to reserve a few cases of space, if I come out? Thanks to you guys doing this too. It's appreciated by all.
.

Leon, that would be amazing. I hope you do come.

You ask a good question -- reserving space. Its much less formal than a traditional "card show", so we dont have a site plan/map, we dont have X number of spots/tables and people arent reserving or buying a certain number of tables or a location.

Instead, there will be lots of tables set up around the room with white table coverings and people just set up where they find space -- first come, first serve. Andrew can correct me, but to my recollection we have not yet run out space, nor has it ever been an issue, which is why we are happy staying in the same room; maybe next year we will graduate to a bigger room or venue.

I have 3 cases, but likely dont need all 3 since I recently sold a most of the bulk of my cards. So I may have one or two cases you can use so you dont have to schlep large items.

It's a gorgeous room for a show, that's for sure. Beats the cold, uncomfortable concrete slabs that have been the norm.

I agree with Jim who I met for the second time and got to know better. (I think that's a good thing? It is!) I sold one card and bought two, but had a hell of a good time looking at other folks' collections, and talking with like-minded people. The attached is one of the cards I bought, a favorite NL player.

This is a small venue that allows for good conversations without having the crushing cramped noise of the National. Ryan and Andrew are to be commended for putting this together and it's already on my calendar for 2025.

Cheers,
Mike

I attended the first two and will attend this one if I can. Meeting everyone and hanging out is the highlight, although I was able to make two deals in the last one, including picking up this card.

Andy Cook

The room size has been sufficient the last two years, and we have worked with the event staff to fit as many tables as possible, while maintaining space to comfortably move around. That said, I think last year, most of the tables were used. Since we don’t know how many people will show up, and since we aren’t reserving table space, each attendee will be limited to about two showcases worth of space, initially. If there is room, we can spread out as the day goes on. The other banquet room is substantially bigger (but also a lot more expensive). Based on attendance last year, we didn’t think it was necessary to move into the bigger room just yet…

I have this on the calendar as I went for the first time last year late in the day, clearly not taking full advantage of what Ryan and Andrew have created. I look forward to hanging with and meeting so many like minded hobbyists. Thank you Ryan and Andrew.

Hey Ryan and Andrew,

I am most definitely interested in coming! Just want to confirm that you aren't going to restrict the attendance / setup to baseball collectors like you did a few years ago when I was all set to come and then was told that only pre-war baseball people were encouraged to come.

I'd love to be involved if things have changed!

jeff

Nothing has changed from a few years ago, the theme is still prewar vintage baseball (like this part of the forum). We did not restrict anything last year, we just discouraged non-themed set ups. Of course we wont turn anyone away, but please know that the event is currently (and still) geared to prewar vintage baseball.

Hi Ryan,

So it’s ok if I bring some unique postwar cards to display next to prewar ?
I’m new to collecting prewar (only the last 12 months).

Thanks,

How many people attended last year?

What's that date/time?

What are the costs associated with participating?

Can this thread provide a list of cards that people will be bringing to sell/trade?

Any other pertinent details worth mentioning that can be provided in a summary thread entry?

Well, that's too bad.

jeff

Hi Fred,

I would say around 30-40 people came last year (over the course of the day). Details regarding date, time, location etc. are in the first post of this thread. There is no cost to attend and food and drinks will be free this year. People can feel free to post in this thread with items they plan on bringing to sell/trade.

Andrew

Sure, You can bring whatever you want! That said, the theme is prewar baseball, and the vast majority of the items there (and collector interests) will fit that theme. Further, we highly encourage people to try to stick mostly to prewar baseball.

Hope it stays Pre-War
 

For this show, and other shows I might go to, I hope it stays pre-war baseball. I don't mean to offend anyone it's just what I collect.

I have only a little interest in post war cards except someday I might own a '51 Mantle.
As I PM'd Ryan, it's their show and I am just happy and appreciative of being invited.
.
and a card

https://luckeycards.com/d311peck.jpg

No way to know for sure, but I'd guess the attendance was in the range of 50-60 people or so. I think you probably had 30 or so just manning the tables. I ran nightclubs back in the day, and would often do headcounts in the room to compare to door tickets, sales, etc. Just my two cents, but from being there all day, I think you've understated the count a bit.

Definitely possible… I will trust your judgement, Hank!

A random take:

I'm thinking that it's like we Topps-era guys going to a supposedly 'vintage' show and being annoyed at seeing all of the shiny stuff taking up space there.

To the pre-war guys, post-war IS the shiny stuff.

Darren, you got that right!! :)

This is the only gathering of pre-war specific collectors, 60 guys having a good time, keep it that way, if it grows to 250 guys having a good time so much the better.
There are plenty of venues for post war on up so folks that are into that can have a good time too.

Same here. Will be my 1st time attending & hopefully setting up ;)

This may sound like a silly question, but do people come to set up to just show their collections?

Some. It’s much more collegial than a typical card show, whose fundamental purpose is transactional. It’s an opportunity to meet people, hang out, show off and share collections, and do deals if the opportunity arises. As you know, at a card show, you have dealers on one side of the table and customers/shoppers walking aisles on the other side of the tables. This is not like that. There is not that one side of the table dynamic

I can’t believe that number three is upon us. The first two were a blast and I hope to be able to make this next one.

This is such a cool show, and amazing to see Hank and his book (and amazing collection!). Haven’t been this excited for a show since the old Senators reunions - can’t wait to see a lot of these cool collections.

An observation
 

Hopefully, this doesn't turn into a show with collectors/dealers bringing cases of stuff they have on ebay, and in their for-sale piles, to only sell. I want to come to see collections and meet folks. And if there are sales, trades etc...that is awesome. But a few responses make me think this could get to be a "show"...There are plenty of shows already, I want to go to a get-together. :)...

But again, not my monkey, not my circus....

https://luckeycards.com/tintype2.jpg

Perhaps a fitting card for above post…

I don't think people will. Andrew and Ryan set expectations plus continue to let people know what type of event this is. i'm looking at this event as more of a "get together" and "display show" than a "transactional show".

My prewar display inventory is limited compared to many folks here ( newer to this area of the hobby) but enjoyed tremendously nevertheless. plus, I have a 3-4 postwar vintage interesting items that are seldom seen in the wild that might be brought along. additionally, I can always quickly put those items out of sight if the overall room's theme is disrupted.

If anyone sets up displays cases like this is the Nat or The Philly Show, they should quickly feel out of place.

I am glad to hear this. I would love to see the collections of others at this get together. It's one thing to see photos here and other platforms. It's another to actually see collections in person.

Really enjoyed attending this last year and am planning on making it once again this year.

Just need to pick up a display case or two so that I can bring a few more cards for show instead of taking up valuable space in one of Steves cases.

Thanks Ryan and Andrew for putting this together once again!

Scott

Bumping this thread as a reminder. Also, please know that Joe T of Goldin will be attending as the event's sole corporate sponsor (thanks Joe).

Here are some of the items I am bringing, each of which I would part with for the right deal (cash or cards, likely the former). Feel free to post some things you may bring

Nice eye candy teaser Ryan, good luck on your 3rd annual.

I ran into Andrew in front of the Goldin table last weekend at the Philly Show (nice to meet you) and I think I am going to take the trip down. Plan on bringing a mix of some Cuban/Negro league cards/photos and some type 1 photos (mostly pre-war time-period).

Wow, wow, and wow on both fronts. Joe T is a hobby treasure, and NICE CARDS, Ryan!

Very cool!
 

Thanks... Looks great! Will there be tables there to set up on?

We will provide tables and lots of food. But each person displaying items must bring their own cases, security/locks, etc.

We'll have a near master graded set (front variations only not backs) of T207 on display that is coming up in our Spring pre war auction.

Regarding Scott's post, we strongly prefer that this event not be a forum for commercial activity. Scott shows his own personal items and generally limits what is shown in auctions.

This is a trade show/get together and not a card show.

In the Barry Sloat tradition, let me point out
 

[QUOTE=ValKehl;2467457]Hi Phil, yes I'll be there with my with my Jennings-back-run T-shirt, the vintage-card god willing and the creek don't rise.

"creek" should be capitalized because its first usage refered to the Creek Indian Nation and a possible insurrection.

[QUOTE=Keith H. Thompson;2482543]Debatable at best.

http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa-god1.html

As we did last year, in an effort to help a very worthwhile cause, Ryan and I have chosen Wolf Trap Animal Rescue (https://www.wtarescue.com/) as a charity to support, in connection with our trade day/get together.

The mission of this organization is to rescue high-risk dogs and cats, mainly from Mississippi, where young animals are euthanized by the hundreds every day. Since 2015, WTAR has successfully rescued over 12,000 dogs and cats, and transported them to the DC area. After being bathed, vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed/neutered, they are placed in foster homes until they find their forever homes through local adoption events. The transport of animals from Mississippi occurs on a nearly weekly basis. My family adopted our dog Bo (photos below) through WTAR, and donate to them frequently.

Our get together is free to attend, however, voluntary donations will be accepted at the event, with all proceeds going directly to WTAR, which is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization (EIN: 47-5126237).

I would encourage you all, whether attending our event or not, to donate to this very worthwhile cause. For those of you who prefer to donate directly to WTAR, that can be done easily through their website.

February golf course meetup
 

I can't wait. I'm 100% in. Let me offer you guys ANY HELP you might want or need for this. I want to pitch in!

Is it that time of year already? You had me at “food”. Thanks again Ryan and Andrew for putting this on again.

Hey Leon. It’s been a long time. Unless it changes from the first two years, it will be nothing like you described. It’s, for me at least, the best of
both worlds, the ability to admire collections and maybe buy or trade something, but without the somewhat oppressive vibe of a card show.

I hope you can come. I’m sure you’ll know many of the folks there.

Ken

Just went on their site. What a wonderful organization! Saving lives by the hundreds. This event combines two of my passions, dogs and vintage cards. What more could I ask for?

We just finalized the details. Lunch will be served from 12pm - 2pm+. It will be a BBQ buffet that includes- Slow Smoked Chicken Breast, Cajun BBQ Glaze Smoked Pulled BBQ Pork, Bacon Mustard Potato Salad, Macaroni and Cheese, Fresh Baked Brownies and Cookies. We will also have a "limited" open bar, which means we have prepaid for a certain amount of alcohol (beer, wine and spirits) and they are free until we use the prepaid amount. Soft drinks will be provided. This is all free. No admission cost, no cost to set up, no cost for food. That said, per post #72, voluntary donations will be accepted at the event, with all proceeds going directly to Wolf Trap Animal Rescue, which is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization (EIN: 47-5126237).


Last year a bunch of people went out to dinner the after the event. I cannot do that this year, but comradery is encouraged. My only request is that you post pictures of any post-show dinner/event

How would you display the items you bring if not in a display case? Personally I wouldn't just put $50k of material out on an open table and walk away. With the display cases at least you can keep your items under lock and key and you're free to roam.

+1. I sold some stuff out of my display cases at both the first two of these, and didn't feel out of place. As long as it's nice vintage material, I see nothing wrong with adding some possible commerce to spice up the proceedings and make the show a little more exciting. I guess if that started overwhelming the show and tell vibe, I could see banning it, but as the show has been so far, I would have no problem with some buying and selling going on and even with some dealers showing up for that purpose. If I'm wrong, then make it a firm rule that there will be no money changing hands and that will be that.

I think we have been pretty clear about our intent for the get together... there are multiple posts on the topic. It is not a card show. It is a day for prewar (mainly) baseball collectors to hang out, show collections, discuss cards, make connections, eat, drink, and, if a deal develops, buy/sell/trade. It is a very laid back atmosphere, but there were definitely some sales and trades that took place last year, and that is fine. Just don't think of it as dealers on one side of the table and buyers on the other side.

There will be some space limitations, so for those who want to set up, plan on no more space than about the area that two showcases would cover. Space is first come, first served, and please monitor/safeguard your cards at all times. All of the following are ok:

-Displaying your cards in showcases (2 max)

-Bringing cards and laying them out on a table

-Bringing cards in a carry case/storage box and just walking around with them

-Coming just to look at other people's collections (although we would encourage you to bring something that you collect)

I think those who have attended before (and commented above) have been accurate in their descriptions of the feel of the event. If anyone wants to see what it looked like last year, here is a link to a video I posted on my YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxQPw3wfDg0&t=812s

I am going to try an make it. I will bring along my W530 Pinkerton cards and some George Burke autographed photos (just to show off).