For many years my wife and I have attended these antique paper shows. The past few years I have lost some interest in the paper shows because the paper I am looking for is more oriented toward the mid-century rather than older merchandise. As a result, I could stroll through for 1-2 hours and then I am finished. I do find, however, that these shows offer a wealth of history.
On the other hand, my wife can stay at a paper show for 3+ hours. One thing to discuss are prices. Today we attended a paper show at Allentown, PA. I did find a few radio brochures that I could have purchased for the right price. Now, I don't like to only use Ebay prices but that is what I can use to compare between venues. The prices at the show were so high on the few items I would have bought that it was not worth negotiating 10-20% discount. ************************
Another dealer at the show has been going out of business for the past three shows. He had a nice big sign out (as usual) referring to his generous 25-50% retirement discount sale.
Yet, the few items I found of interest were so EXCESSIVELY over priced that the dealer would have to offer me a 90% discount just to get the price in the approximate neighborhood.
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On thing that I have been noticing over the past 5-6 years was the lighter overall attendance at these very nice shows. Especially after the first on rush of buyers, who are usually on line to gain entrance at 9:00am. By the time noon time rolls around many buyer-customers have flown the roost. I am pleased to report that I observed many new customers paying to enter the show even though it was afternoon. These shows are like museums to me and are always worth a walk through to observe the most interesting photographs, old books, advertising paper, post cards, and interesting documents, such as stock certificates. I do hope the day does not arrive when the internet has taken full control over the antique market. I will surely miss these shows.
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