Rock n Roll. Already looking and planning for this show! Every year, I try to top what I took the year before. I usually sell at least 1 one of a kind item at this show that just doesn't fit in my own collection anymore. I believe this year I will be bringing a tabletop Diorama from the late Jack Updyke (Minimen Toy Soldiers) of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It is a unique piece that covers half a table top. Beautiful scenery and it includes a background oil painting by his son. Truly a unique piece, not cheap, but for a collector, it is a creme del la creme!
And of all the unique items I took last year.............they are all gone and in new homes. One didn't actually sell at the show, but it sold at the show! What I mean is that a collector who saw photos purchased it for delivery later. Point the one thing I can say about Chicago, it still provides the most unique variety of any show in our hobby today. Just a cool one to attend, buy and sell at.
Another point - I always get the question, why are you selling? The answer is I have been collecting since 4, and I am not "selling selling". I am only thinning out pieces that have been replaced or no longer have room for. I still collect in earnest. I also collect a lot of other items past toy soldiers. It all has to fit somehow! Sometimes having certain pieces just pass though my hands has been a unique experience in itself - ie the thrill of the hunt, the glory of the kill and then the return to the wild so to speak to another collection.
Tom
www.marriott.com
