Will anyone be giving a blow-by-blow account from the National this year?

[Al C.risafulli]

I was really impressed with this year's show, it was one of the better Nationals I can remember. In terms of consignments, it was the best show LOTG has ever had; I'd even say it was better than any TWO shows we've done, combined. The fall auction is going to be an outstanding one.

That said, the best part of the National, for me, is spending time with everyone and getting to meet and shake hands with so many Net54 members. It never ceases to amaze me how awesome everyone is, and how much fun I have at the show, just talking with people.

Handwritten Springsteen lyrics aside, my favorite items that I saw this year were the Christy Mathewson military ID in Kevin Keating's booth, along with a stunning Goodwin Round Album with its pages all professionally matted and framed to make a beautiful display.

And of course another awesome thing was what seemed like an increase in the number of kids who were there, opening packs and getting genuinely enthusiastic about what they got.

One last highlight was the fact that DJ brought a 1984 Topps rack pack box to the booth, and it stayed there for two or three days. During that time, various collectors would occasionally stop by and open a pack, and we'd sit there and reminisce about pulling a Mattingly or a Strawberry out of a pack back in those days. Thanks to DJ for the great conversation piece.

Can't wait til next year's show!

-Al

[Snapolit1]

Every time I saw you Al you had two fists full of holders and another stack or two on the table waiting to be looked at. Can't wait for the next auction.

[GasHouseGang]

I saw this 30 minute video of a stroll around the convention that was posted by Steel City Collectibles. It's at least a small fix for those of us that didn't get to attend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uABhfN7pRks

[gnaz01]

That first dealer they show is kinda shady (hey Dan)

[vintagerookies51]

Do the majority of people actually go to the National ready to buy? I'd imagine if I went it would be more for the experience rather than paying more for cards that are readily available on eBay for much less... Or are some prices there comparable?

[ullmandds]

I go to the national with a pocket full of cash...prepared to buy if I see something I want. From my experience the last 5-8 years....I will likely not employ this tactic anymore if I ever attend a national again.

For me it would be a social experience with the cards taking a back seat.

As many have said for what it has cost me in the past to attend the chicago show...I could have stayed home and added a decent ruth...or aaron rookie to my collection.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by vintagerookies51

Do the majority of people actually go to the National ready to buy? I'd imagine if I went it would be more for the experience rather than paying more for cards that are readily available on eBay for much less... Or are some prices there comparable?

Just like anywhere else there are great deals to be had at Nationals. It just takes effort.

[ls7plus]

Originally Posted by Leon

Just like anywhere else there are great deals to be had at Nationals. It just takes effort.

+++1. Didn't go this year, but came away with a 1913-1915 Pinkerton Matty (thanks, Glyn!) and a '34 Gold Medal Flour Dean (his 30-7 season--2.65 ERA when the league ERA was over 4.00!) last year in Chicago. Two treasures for me (and thanks to Leon for his input on the Matty).

Regards,

Larry

[rats60]

Originally Posted by vintagerookies51

Do the majority of people actually go to the National ready to buy? I'd imagine if I went it would be more for the experience rather than paying more for cards that are readily available on eBay for much less... Or are some prices there comparable?

It is like any show. Some dealers are there to sell cards and some are museums. Last year I got a good deal on a t206 Magie. See the thread on the M116 Bates. There are reasonable prices on some cards, but you can also get good buys on things that rarely hit Ebay.

[Steve_NY]

I have done 34 nationals and have seen the good and the bad, well not very bad except for both earlier nationals in A.C. So I kind of expected this A. C. to be similar. In fact this was probably my best national in 10 to 15 years.

If you pick up many new acquisitions, and don't bring the same display every year, you are bound to do well if you are different than everyone else. If you load your display with 1950s and 1960s cards, you will not do well unless you already have a defined client base that buys from you every year.

For example, a potential customer saw that I had the best graded Cuban, Japanese and Caribbean cards. He asked if I had any Valenzuelan cards, and I responded that I had a 1962 Spahn in grade 7, 8, 9 or 10. He said that was impossible and wanted to see the card. It was in grade 7, and is the highest grade being a 1 of 2. He wanted to do some research on it, and left to contact me this week. I am not counting the days, because I let my stock sell itself; if he decides against it, such is life.

My point is that if you don't visit every table, you will never know what you are missing. Five of the cards that have already been posted as pickups were from me. I am not one of the big guys who pick up large finds, but I tend to focus on special items that are in demand or no one has ever seen it, including me.

Stop by next year as I am the 8th booth straight in the door.

But I will report that I have spoken to many other dealers who responded that they were down in sales from 20% to 50% or more. Maybe I was just lucky but before the show opened to the public, I was already up almost 200% from last year, so this was a great show for me.

Steve Sabow
Dynamictwo@aol.com