Dave I always try and take as many as I can for those who've never seen a big show to freak out on!!!!!!
Dave,, Young master Vincent has been M.I.A. for almost 5 years now... All attempts to contact him by myself and many others have resulted in nothing! There are auction houses that owe him money and they are not going to pay him unless they actually hear his voice..
- For everyone else,,,this is the 4th yr I believe of the MAX being in York PA.. Every year it gets a little better than the last show... Many new dealers,,guys that are older that couldn't make the SOS/MAX because of distance etc. that are refreshing to see and the new items they bring etc.
I also would appreciate any and all pictures from the show. Always fun to see what we are missing. Appreciate that it takes time from the photographer that could be spent bargain hunting, and some dealers don't like pictures taken of their wares.
Joe,,," some dealers don't like pictures taken of their wares."
The ones that don't like it tell you as you walking up to them.. They see that camera around your neck and freak out a bit.... Most I let go,,,but just to annoy some as I'm walking away I'll take a quick turn and take a shot anyway!!!
Most don't mind.. York dealers seem to be very friendly. It's the big shot dealers that mind the most,,,interesting huh!
I usually take a lot of photos of table items and overall show shots.... - * For those who have never been to a SOS or MAX,,,just imagine the best WWII museum ever seen. Everything there,,,,you just got to find it..
We leaving 4a.m. and will have the next few days there.. No table this year and that absolutely sucks.. But we'll make the best of it.... Have a good safe show the rest of you going...,G.
I arrived yesterday and was in at 12 I finished the entire show in two hours three times I have pics for anyone who would liketo post em send me your email cheers and best nice weather Ryan
Not as big as in Monroeville. If you are going to MAX to see "neat and rare" it was a great museum. I found the prices to be very high on almost everything. I bought a mint second Luft with mint deluxe hangers and mint portepee mint painted wooden handle, un marked blade $500 from a non dealer seller who was selling off his small collection that was my only purchase and it was in first 10 minutes I have attended every MAX since 1994 I don't think I will return for a 16 hour drive I will attend the SOS which IMO is a far better show for a 22 hour drive To each his own others may love but I spoke to 4 known dealers who said otherwise cheers and best, Ryan S P.S. I emailed my pics to Dave for all to enjoy
Thanks for the photos guys. The MAX Shows in PA were always a long drive from MO. SOS is easier. Were there any dealers with firearms? Simpson or Legacy?
"This hobby is a continuing education" Looking for Walther Model 8 #727649 and Walther PP #975557
it all goes by the local.. For us that now only have a 3 hour drive we love it... There was plenty there. IF your bargaining skills are good you'll do good!
I had no table this year but will next! Its still new there and gets a little better each year. saw some members there and others and all had a good show whether dealer or buyer:
yes smaller than Momroeville. But the 2 'other' rooms there rarely had anything,,the book guys, the movie guys etc. .. Pretty sure there were at least 1000 dealers there [?]. No empty tables.
I had a great show. My buddy also and got some great buys!!
IF your close there's no better show.. For me to go to the SOS just isn't worth it any more. Same dealers for over 20 years in the same spots..
York there are a lot of local guys that don't / won't travel so it seems fresh.... Great to see some of the GDC guys and meet others. [can't beat that steakhouse right across street!]
All the shows are what you make of them.. I had a great time,,,and did fairly well myself!
Thank you for the pictures. I have never been able to attend a large show as they don't seem to have them here in the UK, & by the time I've paid out airfare to travel to another country to visit one I wouldn't be able to afford to buy anything....
"Much that once was, is lost, for none now live who remember it"
I hear ya Don.!. Same with most East Coasters here when it comes to the SOS..
Besides most of us really are on the way out... Its the plane fair,,,you can't bring what you want to sell when it comes to some items,,the room ,,food ,,and can't forget the cocktails!
Even in this -overall- picture (posting #359043, second photograph) you can see that at least the FHH dagger and the SStroddel are fakes..... Regard, wotan.
wotan, gd.c-b#105
"Never look for sqare eggs" as a late owner of an original FHH-dagger used to say.
Yes.,,, Wotan,, some dealers sell fakes and say it right off. When I asked to take that photo someone from behind the table said the baton etc. are fakes...
There is also a dealer that sells only medal ribbons from all countries, but all are postwar. Another that sells bevo like patch's that are very good reproductions. So good some other dealers buy them 'under the table' to do some restorations... Another sells wartime spools of thread, snaps, buttons, and rolls of tresse [he's running very low]..
This is at every big and small show in the US. - * One of the rules of the MAX and SOS are : IF you buy something you discover it is fake/reproduction the dealer must refund the money [not a credit]...
Most of the serious collectors know what they're doing, very friendly and always willing to help,,,, - and many experienced guys help the new collectors just starting out..
There have been authentic FHH daggers at the show , but don't think any at this show [think you have them all! .... You never know what you'll see as everything is there from Wehrmacht N.O.S. condoms to Hitler , Himmler personal items!
The show is what you make of it.. Me,, my buddies, we had a great time ,and managed to get some great items... See you guys next year
aren't they the same owners? IF not sorry you might be correct.. Even at that I can't imagine a buyer getting flat out ripped off and the show not doing something about it..
Yes, same owners now. Policy in 2023 ? I don't know.
I saw a dispute at the SOS about 15 years ago. The show management at the time said that they were not in a position to adjudicate whether the item in question was correct or not. Probably on the advice of their lawyers. Probably the only realistic approach.
The subject of checking stands for funky items was discussed many years ago here with Jim Modena (R.I.P., Jim) advocating that before opening, dealer stock be checked. That suggestion was based on what he said happened at antique furniture shows. At the time it was judged to be impossible based on the large volume of items and lack of an inspector acceptable to all. One wag suggested Charley Snyder as the inspector
Dave,,,as of some years now,,,, You buy something during the 4 days [1 set up day] and its a fake you would get your money and/or trade refunded... I take it that the SOS and MAX have same owners that it would be true of the SOS too.
As far as not showing swastikas,,flags, armbands, etc. and AH busts it's just ridiculous,,,and doesn't seem to be enforced much..........
Thanks for the extensive photo review Gaspare. With that one photo of rings, you must have been in hog heaven. And thanks Vern. SOS does have the same consistent dealers/participants.I am not a dealer, but have had the same spot for umpteen years. And everyone waits for my late Thursday arrival to see what I bring or ask questions. And Louisville have some fantastic restaurants and great Bourbons to sample.
Who took over the Johnson enterprise after Tom passed away?
"This hobby is a continuing education" Looking for Walther Model 8 #727649 and Walther PP #975557
Appreciate that it takes time from the photographer that could be spent bargain hunting, and some dealers don't like pictures taken of their wares.
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