Wednesday at The National

[Brent G.]

As a first-timer, I couldn't believe the rush to get in and the scope of the place. Saw incredible items I'd only seen online. Got some items authenticated at CGC/JSA within an hour and left some others for slabbing. I think I made it around maybe 60% of the place in 4.5 hrs.

Struck out on Indianapolis-related pre-war, but added to my Jim Thorpe collection. Also, saw the future of collecting — these two lugnuts had a wagon that took up a ton of space but they remained oblivious.

Let’s hear about your experience!

[IndyDave]

One of the more comfortable days I’ve had at the National in a long time.

Most importantly the air conditioning worked. It was very comfortable inside. I’m someone who’s thermostat runs hot do that’s saying something.

The show was crowded but the floor never seemed jammed. There were only a couple of tables I couldn’t get to.

Wristband distribution to use commoners with General Admission tickets was simple. Getting let in 30 minutes earlier was sweet.

Incredible selection. I was hyper focused on a few items today. Going to expand my horizons Thursday.

[Brent G.]

I rode 16 miles on my bike yesterday, followed by 5 hours of work and 5+ hours on the ground in Rosemont … but I was up at 4:30 this morning thinking about what area to hit upon arrival this AM. The fever is real. I’d compare it to trying to sleep in Vegas, which I find difficult due to sensory overload.

One thing I’m remembering from yesterday was how wild it was to see senior citizens haggling with pre-teens who came to sell hundreds and even thousands of dollars in cards.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Brent G.

I rode 16 miles on my bike yesterday, followed by 5 hours of work and 5+ hours on the ground in Rosemont … but I was up at 4:30 this morning thinking about what area to hit upon arrival this AM. The fever is real. I’d compare it to trying to sleep in Vegas, which I find difficult due to sensory overload.

One thing I’m remembering from yesterday was how wild it was to see senior citizens haggling with pre-teens who came to sell hundreds and even thousands of dollars in cards.

The moment you realize you are a senior citizen .

Flying in this morning and hope to see a lot of friends and cool cards.

[ClementeFanOh]

Good luck and happy hunting, enjoy! Trent King

[LuckyLarry]

Trouble free flight JAX - ORD Tuesday (Im told storms impacted flights arriving on Wednesday). Show is greatly expanded its intimidating even after having been to many Nationals. I didn’t make it to the tables up the escalator. Show was crowded non sports cards everywhere of course lots of modern and some Pokémon too. I found some 1970s OPC hockey next to a chair so spent some time there also bought several 1948 football exhibit SPs that I haven’t added to my collection in years some cost $50 - $80 each so much fun. Almost 13,000 steps. Long lines in the late morning to pick up VIP badges. Great seeing all my collecting buddies and favorite dealers. A/C and WiFi seemed more than adequate today. Almost 13,000 steps was at the show from 1 until closing at 8. Heavy traffic leaving the show so we ate across the street and after dinner traffic had cleared and back to the Air B&B. Up at 5:30 tired but ready for more today (Thursday).

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by Brent G.

Also, saw the future of collecting — these two lugnuts had a wagon that took up a ton of space but they remained oblivious.
Let’s hear about your experience!

Wish you had gotten a picture of the wagon itself. I think of them as the food trucks of the hobby.

[Brent G.]

The break pavilion is every bit the biggest shit show you can imagine.

[Brent G.]

I mean, wow…

[MVSNYC]

Thanks for sharing...keep the photos coming...let's see some showcase videos too!

[skelly]

My first thought when I see the Ruth and Gehrig autographs isn’t their value, but the quality of the signatures. The modern player signatures look like they are just seeing if the pen works. Names are often not recognizable.

[rand1com]

Originally Posted by Brent G.

I mean, wow…

Nice museum.

[conor912]

Hard to believe that autos are selling briskly at this one…

[ruth-gehrig]

Wouldn't mind seeing some Giordano's pizza slices as well

[perezfan]

Originally Posted by MVSNYC

Thanks for sharing...keep the photos coming...let's see some showcase videos too!

Here’s one of the best so far. Lots of great vintage and pre-war cards here. Theo (Clemente Collector on YouTube) does a great job filming these slowly and with the prices visible. He even started it off with a shout-out to Net54.

Link below….

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xw4Zvg...Vlbi1VUw%3D%3D

[Joshwesley]

Keep the pics coming

Living vicariously through you guys !

[mrreality68]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/144250058@N05/

I put on other post but in case you missed it

I Uploaded 79 Pictures temporarily from the National to my Flicker account

[Beercan collector]

Originally Posted by perezfan

Here’s one of the best so far. Lots of great vintage and pre-war cards here. Theo (Clemente Collector on YouTube) does a great job filming these slowly and with the prices visible. He even started it off with a shout-out to Net54.

Link below….

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xw4Zvg...Vlbi1VUw%3D%3D

I somehow missed your post and re-posted on another thread 😬

[HawkFan70]

Great Job, Theo! Love your channel!

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by Beercan collector

I somehow missed your post and re-posted on another thread 😬

Great video indeed. Made my pictures unnecessary and anti climactic. lol

Saves me from taking pictures tomorrow

[Danny Smith]

The show is absolutely massive. Just room after room of cards. First time I’ve not been able to walk through the entire show in one day. Still lots to see but it’s a really impressive show. Good crowd flow. Tons of strong vintage dealers looking to sell. Lots of modern cards but they were generally bunched together and not mixed in with the vintage. Good AC. Better food options.

The hobby feels very healthy and strong. Most dealers I spoke to were really happy with the crowds and sales volume.

[tiger8mush]

Originally Posted by mrreality68

https://www.flickr.com/photos/144250058@N05/

I put on other post but in case you missed it

I Uploaded 79 Pictures temporarily from the National to my Flicker account

Thanks for sharing, looks like fun!

[4815162342]

Originally Posted by ruth-gehrig

Wouldn't mind seeing some Giordano's pizza slices as well

[Clemente_Collector]

Thanks for sharing Mark and thanks to anyone that watched the video today!

Originally Posted by perezfan

Here’s one of the best so far. Lots of great vintage and pre-war cards here. Theo (Clemente Collector on YouTube) does a great job filming these slowly and with the prices visible. He even started it off with a shout-out to Net54.

Link below….

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xw4Zvg...Vlbi1VUw%3D%3D

[OLLIECARNEGIE]

Agreed. Why do people pay for, basically an unreadable scribble?