Any National Wrap-ups

[calvindog]

I thought the show was significantly better than last year in terms of both material being sold and prices. Dealers seemed more realistic and were no longer simply dumping their unsold ebay store inventories on tables. As such I ended up with some cards that I didn't expect to find after the past two relatively disappointing Nationals.

I also felt the dealers were a bit more solicitous than in the past, again probably a function of the economy. I even saw some Civil War era material which were real highlights for me. The very back of the floor was mostly a vast wasteland with modern cards and boxed sets but, again, I felt there were more vintage tables set up than last year.

Baltimore is also a great city for the National. Unlike in Chicago, the convention center and connected hotels are close to the good parts of the city.

[Peter W Thomas]

Baltimore is a great location - everything within a few blocks of center, including baseball if the O's were in town. Never in a cab except to and from airport.

[Howe’s Hunter]

I've only been to the last one in St. Louis (94 or 95?) and the Cardinals were on the road then. From Peter's post, I gather that the Orioles were on the road also. When a city hosts the National, is the local team ever at home? Would seem to be a draw for some to go to a game to relax after a day of shopping.

[byrone]

Originally Posted by StuckInOmaha

I've only been to the last one in St. Louis (94 or 95?) and the Cardinals were on the road then. From Peter's post, I gather that the Orioles were on the road also. When a city hosts the National, is the local team ever at home? Would seem to be a draw for some to go to a game to relax after a day of shopping.

The last show in Baltimore the Orioles were in town. I attended five games that week...it was a great time. Too bad the O's weren't at home this year.

[tbob]

The Cubs are always in town when the National is there. I don't know if that is lucky coincidence or planning. Last year the White Sox were also in town but only for one night. Although I go to see old friends and fellow collectors and hopefully vintage cards, the home town team being in town is always a plus for me. I used to always watch the Rangers when it is was in DFW, Cubbies in Chicago and Indians in Cleveland. I remember the 95 National and was very disappointed the Cards were out of town.

[Piratedogcardshows]

It was my first National so I have no comparison.However I thought it was a great show and had a wide selection available.Just not many T210's.I was able to pick up a few additions including a great deal on a Series 8 Dunn.The dealer who sold it to me said he just came into a nice collection of T210's but sold them the day before in two lots.Wish i caught that deal.I also got to pick up a Red Border from Leon's table and kind of regret not picking up a couple of the nice T209's they had available.

I did succeed in getting my son to start a vintage card set at the show.What started as a passing comment by me has turned into a full blown obsession for him.Its not Baseball but we have to start somewhere.He is Batman crazy right now and when I showed him the 1966 Sets of cards it just clicked.He has bought a few T cards at shows to mimic me I think but never with the passion I see with these cards.A little of the Baseball card topic but it's another young collector getting interested in cards.

All in all it was a great show and I wish it was set for Baltimore in the near future.I hope to get to another National.I enjoyed meeting the collectors I did and wish I could have met more of the ones who have been an pleasure dealing with on the boards.

[tbob]

Jason- did you see Joesvintagesports table at the National? He always has a ton of nice T210s, although they aren't cheap. He will dicker a little on price, but not too much. He also has a website where he sells them. I have found that he is good to deal with and has excellent service and has many cards, especially series 8, which I have been unable to find elsewhere.
tbob

[Bocabirdman]

Originally Posted by calvindog

I thought the show was significantly better than last year in terms of both material being sold and prices. Dealers seemed more realistic and were no longer simply dumping their unsold ebay store inventories on tables. As such I ended up with some cards that I didn't expect to find after the past two relatively disappointing Nationals.

I also felt the dealers were a bit more solicitous than in the past, again probably a function of the economy. I even saw some Civil War era material which were real highlights for me. The very back of the floor was mostly a vast wasteland with modern cards and boxed sets but, again, I felt there were more vintage tables set up than last year.

Baltimore is also a great city for the National. Unlike in Chicago, the convention center and connected hotels are close to the good parts of the city.

As someone born a dozen blocks from the Inner Harbor, I would have to agree with your statement. The Broadway/Inner/Harbor/Little Italy area of Baltimore has both held on t0 the old city charm and grabbed a double handful of the new. As long as you do not stray too far off the path. To the East is the neighborhood I grew up in. It is tired. Owner-occupied homes no longer exist. Without pride of ownership blah,blah,blah. Of course, too far south puts you in the Bay. Too far west finds you in a neighborhood in sadder shape than the one I grew up in. If you go north, you will run smack dab into THE BLOCK which is the Red Light district, not a place for an out-of-towner to be after dark.
I guess the same could be said of any major city but at least B-more has great crabs..........

[Tim Kindler]

Bob,
I found lower grade e98s to be very affordable. I picked up 7 of them, some graded, some raw, but all range in A to 30 condition for an average of less than $100 each. Unfortunately I only found 1 that I needed for my master set, but it is better than none. Down to 10 to go. The one I needed was a blue tenney which I got for $1,350 cheaper from one dealer than the other dealer who had the same card in lesser condition. I believe he is the reason why everyone keeps talking about overpriced e98s. I just ignored his table and went on searching and with a little help from a friend spotting some for me got some great deals. Even with the swamp 98s out there, I'll continue to collect and treasure the lower grade ones that I can afford.
Best wishes,
Tim Kindler