Going to my 1st National: Could use some advice...
paleocards
Posts: 933 ✭✭✭✭
I'm driving up to Cleveland with my 12-year-old son and a friend to go to our first National later this month. Going to hit the Show on Friday & Saturday, seeing the Indians take on the Royals at the Jake Friday evening. Needless to say, we're all very excited.
I'd like to ask for some veteran advice. I collect NrMT or better Topps baseball HOFers between 1955-1975, but the kicker is that I prefer raw over slabbed. Do any of you have recommendations of trustworthy dealers who you expect to be set-up in Cleveland that sell high-quality raw vintage?
Thanks for any info or further advice that you'd care to share,
Andy
I'd like to ask for some veteran advice. I collect NrMT or better Topps baseball HOFers between 1955-1975, but the kicker is that I prefer raw over slabbed. Do any of you have recommendations of trustworthy dealers who you expect to be set-up in Cleveland that sell high-quality raw vintage?
Thanks for any info or further advice that you'd care to share,
Andy
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Comments
Currently collecting.....your guess is as good as mine.
Another good seller of raw material is McAvoy Sportscards. I have always had some good deals with William McAvoy. Bill from the Polo Grounds always has nice raw cards, but be prepared to pay close to graded prices on most of his stuff.
Be prepared to pay $10 parking at the IX Center. You can also save money by purchasing your tickets to the National now through the Naxcom web site or Ebay seller naxcomticketseller. The price is $10 compared to paying $15 each at the door. You will save $30 there in the admission prices. They hold tickets at the will call window if you purchase throug Naxcom and I have never had a problem.
Nick
Reap the whirlwind.
Need to buy something for the wife or girlfriend? Check out Vintage Designer Clothing.
Website: http://www.qualitycards.com
Wayne always has brought his raw in the past. I slowly wiped him out of raw '40 Play Ball's at the Ft. Washington shows. All the raw is shoved to the far left, but at least it's there. Well, at least the stuff I've looked for, so maybe he doesn't bring the '50 and later EX/MT raw cards. Never really noticed.
Currently collecting.....your guess is as good as mine.
When I set up at the Fort about 2 years ago, my kid brought over his price list and I saw some 1954 Bowman baseball PSA-8's I needed for a set I was working on. I took the long 1 aisle walk to his table and asked Bill to see his '54 Bowman PSA-8's and he handed me a #66 Ted Williams w/ a price of like $10 grand on it. I said I was looking for some of the $40 ish commons, and he said they are all back at the office. And the only inventory I saw in their showcases was nice high brow stuff, so that is why I thought that was all they brought...jay
Website: http://www.qualitycards.com
Jeff
Sounds like a great trip that you are planning.
The memories should be great, however I doubt that you will find any nice star cards that are un-graded.
A couple of guys come to mind who typically carry nice un-graded stuff .......Polo Grounds, Ira Hirshhorn(sp?), and Set Builders.
Good luck and have a great trip!
Jim
Check out my ebay auctions listed under seller ID: jeej
Next to meeting other collectors....the best part about the show is all of the various memorbilia and odd ball stuff that you will see that is much better to inspect & buy in person rather than on eBay. Chances are you will walk out with some item that you had intention of buying when you walked in the door.
Looking forward to perhaps meeting some of you in Cleveland!
Thanks again,
Andy (paleocards)
I know this is common knowledge to everyone but may be worth mentioning - my first national was in Atlanta in 1992 and my first big show at the same time - I'm thinking there were about 900 tables!
After an attempt at surveying the land, even with a map, I found that having a small pad and pen helped me to write down the table number and items I was interested in going back to - otherwise, I would have found myself walking around in circles. Time FLIES by really fast!
The items on display will be great and one can pick up just about anything. Plus, I have observed some really great deals go down right in front of me. Back then I was a big buyer with Greg Manning and I had got real friendly with Steve Novella - they were too busy to chat, but I was impressed with the speed at which they buy collections.
Just a thought
Mike
Take my advice.....
Start with Joe at Set Builders, and then go seek out Jay at Qualitycards.....
YOU CAN'T GO WRONG!!!!!!!! (gee.... was that too loud...sorry...LOL....)
A lot of the Registry guys stop at Set Builders. It's 'kind of the unofficial meeting place for the crazy's on this board. If I'm hangin' around.......maybe I'll buy 'ya a beer.....
Wayne Varners "Shoebox Cards".. another great choice.....
I read a few post ago that carrying a pad and pencil was a good idea....That's a REALLY good hint. I usually carry one of those pocket sized spiral pads with the spiral down the side. You can stick a pencil right down the spiral and shove it it your hip pocket ( keeps your hands free for all that sorting...LOL..).
At the end of your first National, you'll do what most of us did......
....Shake your head.....
...................wipe the sweat from your brow........
...............................................find a chair to rest your tired feet...................
......................and start planning for the National 2005 !!!!!!!!!............
Have a great time........Hope to run across you and your son at the show........
Larry
email....emards4457@msn.com
CHEERS!!
Website: http://www.qualitycards.com
Jay-
Are you the guy walking around with a briefcase full of cash handcuffed to you?
Except I do not carry large bills, only rolls of nickels
Website: http://www.qualitycards.com