Date: Fri 27-Nov-1998

Publication: Ant

Author: DONNAM

Quick Words:

Expo

Full Text:

Rockingham Expo

w/10 cuts

SALEM, N.H. -- New England Antiques Management reports that on Saturday,

October 31, more than 500 patrons waited in the lobby for the opening of the

new Rockingham Super Collectibles Expo at Rockingham Race Track. Throughout

the day, a steady attendance perused the offerings of 75 exhibitors who

presented everything from player pianos to Barbie dolls. Sunday morning again

brought a long line for the 10 am opening, and many sales then ensued

throughout the weekend.

New to the antiques show scene was the Internet auction company E-Hammer,

which was busy throughout the event registering new buyers and sellers. The

firm's partners, Fred Giampietro and Jim Harley, were on hand with computers

which projected, onto a white screen, objects being sold live on-line.

"This is just one of many innovative services we can provide to the public to

help them unite with dealers and a wider world of merchandise," said show

promoter Cathy Sykes. "We look forward to having E-Hammer at all of our shows

in 1999."

Guy Gilchrist of Gilchrist Publishing was also on hand signing original

drawings of Nancy comic strips. Gilchrist, known for his Muppett comics, has

just come out with a new strip, Night Lights and Pillow Fights, recently

picked up by the Baltimore Sun, among other papers. Participating as well was

Glen Erardi, who, in addition to his syndicated column featured in over 300

newspapers, is the author of a new book entitled Guide to Tarzan Collectibles.

Vintage Vending, an industry leader in 1930-1960s Coke and vending machines,

clocks and signs, in Salem, N.H.; Murray Segal of The Poster Company, Rye,

N.H., who specializes in car related ephemera and advertising; and Martha

Mullins & Pat Sedler of Sedler's Antiques, Georgetown, Mass., with dolls were

among the dealers present.

Natalie Warner, known for her Mickey Mouse collection, offered a great

assortment of Disney and early tin toys. Connecticut-based Al and Brenda

Roberts, of Lest We Forget Antiques carved out a niche with lighting, and

found that primitive and more traditional examples sold best at the expo.

The show was divided into two areas. One section featured vintage material

(over 25 years old), while the other offered newer collectibles in the latter

section, Orange Trading Company offered 1960-1980s material, and John Hart, of

Wellesley Books, sold new reference material. Beanie Babies weren't as hot as

has been in the recent past, but dealers who sell Baby Boomer nostalgia items

found a good footing. World of Stooges, A&B Collectibles, MadMoe Collectibles,

and G&G Girls enjoyed a strong market.

According to Sykes, exit poll taken of the dealers praised New England Events

Mgt. for their efforts getting a new show started with the roller coaster

stock market. Vowing to return, many dealers suggested this venue be changed

to a different date that did not conflict with the heavy load of shows already

booked in October in New England. Sykes is researching dates which might

better service this ever growing collectibles market and plans are already

underway for next year.

For information, 603/569-0000.