by vintagebrett » July 31st, 2023, 2:55 pm
Back from the show. As always, Chicago/Rosemont is a great location for the National - easy for people traveling to get to and plenty of lodging/excellent food in the vicinity. I have a routine for my Chicago trip where I hit a couple of antique malls/shops on my drive out and visit Tom/Josh Maddox's collection as well. Per usual, that was fun I thank them both for hosting. After 11 hours of driving, I'm pretty much a zombie but they keep me entertained with stories and gloves. Monday, I hit some more antique shops and slowly make my way to Chicago to pick up Rob at the airport. Flight was on time so that was fantastic - get his 40 bags loaded into the car (barely) and head to the convention center. Dinner at Lou Malnati's with Rob and Jeff (spaldinger) and then off to bed.
Tuesday is load in day - I was a little nervous at first because I wasn't sure I was going to be able to unload my items in the usual way. Luckily, that worked out and we got everything in super quickly and began unpacking. While I'm unpacking, I'm surprised with an opportunity to buy a glove I've been after for many, many years. Secure that (yes it's a Wm Read) and no more than 5 minutes later, another Wm Read glove walks into the booth. Two in five minutes! It was like 50 Christmases at once. Got the booth situated and looking good, took a quick run around the show to see what was available. There were some nice gloves - I mentioned earlier a Rodgers patent and XPG-H - there were others that were quickly gobbled up (not by me). The show also expanded in size and I was amazed at how big it was. Tuesday night Rob and I always due the architecture boat tour - love it every time and I've been on it a bunch.
Show opened Wednesday to a huge amount of people - I was busy the whole time with things flying out of the booth left and right. Thursday was packed as well and sales were strong. Friday isn't usually a day I have high hopes for, but still did well. Saturday was pretty dead for me but that was ok - was nice to catch my breath. I sold close to 50 gloves by the end of the show.
Thanks to all the people who stopped by over the course of the week - best part of the show is visiting with like minded collectors. I'll post my pickups later this week when I have a chance to do some photos.