**** We just got back from this year's National Sports Collectors Convention and we are happy to report that the show went smoothly despite the absence of Mr. Mint. We realize that we are "small potatoes" in the hobby, but we considered the show and overwhelming success. Our sales were brisk and we made some very nice purchases. But more importantly, we were able to "smooze" with long-time friends and hopefully made a few new friends along the way. We put faces to voices of customers we have known for years only over the phone. We had a great time visiting the booths of dealer friends like Mike Lipka, Gene Haas, John Kanuit, John Collins and the boys from Lelands (there are really too many more to list). We also had quite a few laughs with our good buddies Les Wolff and Mike Hattley of Touchdown Treasures. We hope all that attended had as good a time as we did.
As mentioned, we did make some nice purchases and saw some incredible memorabilia. We bought a large sized Muhammad Ali chalk ware statue dated 1972. It was the first one that we had ever seen and it was amazing looking. It was the equivelant size of the large Babe Ruth statue that we have had several times. Because of its size and fragility, we decided to display it at the show and it lasted all of about ten minutes before it was purchased by a collector. We did not make all that much on it, but we were glad we didn't have to pack it up. It weighed a ton. There was the usual fine array of bobbing head dolls, Hartland statues, Kails and other figural memorabilia. The show really did have a little bit of everything.
There were a few dissapointments and concerns about the show. Although sales were more than satisfactory for us and dealers we spoke to, the overall consensus was that the gate was relatively small compared to past Nationals. The trend has been a downward spiral over the last several years and it would be a shame if it continues. We have already experienced the loss of most of the local shows and the hobby has suffered because of this. We realize that internet buying is easier and less work, but it can never compare with the experience of buying a piece in person. We urge all collectors to support the shows (both large and small) for the good of the hobby.
We would like to thank all of you who stopped by our booth to say hello. We hope those who bought from us were happy with their purchases. For those who have never experienced a National, please try to make it to just one. If you buy nothing, it will be worth your time to see some of the most amazing sports memorabilia the hobby has to offer. We'll be there at the National in 2008 (Chicago) and we look forward to seeing you all again.
Lou & John
***Just a quick reminder- the flyers for our August 24 auction will be mailed sometime this week. You can register, bid and view all the items in the auction by clicking the Auction button at the top of each screen.