What did you think of the Chicago show?

[Bill zap]

Well it has come and gone . What is everybody's take on this edition? For me it was the best show I've ever had and I have been doing the show since Novemeber 1987. I sold a hell of alot of advertising signs and cool stuff. Really didn't find a lot to buy. I think as far has buying something for my collection I'm a little gun shy when it is coming down to buying slots....I'm very inexperienced in this field and feel I have a better chance buying in the field then something already restored. I never really trusted the slot sellers at the show. Having sold them some nice stuff and feel that I got a line of bs to get the price down plus listening to all the chatter on this forum has scared me a little....I feel I need that education. Besides I like finding them "fresh" with the dust and patina still on them. Bought Bill Howard's book from him with autograph and Tom Gustwiller's Reel Amusement book. More education. I love to give the promoters feedback on the show so let me know what you are feeling and suggesting. They do listen.

[Dave]

From a slot machine perspective I would say it was OK but not all that special.

There were 4 Cherry Front Rol-A-Tops that I saw. 3 out in the parking lot and one in the show. Three of them were restored, one was a decent original.

Three of them were dime machines and the other one was a nickel. The two restored dime machines (parking lot) were $8,000 and $8,200. The $.05 one that was restored and in a booth did not have a price on it. Just a phone number to call.

I saw a couple of Mills Baseball machines (lithograph front) that were in fair to poor condition. The price was around $8,000 on the one that was fair.

There were only two floor wheels that I saw. A Mills Dewey ($21,000) and a Caille Detroit ($25,000). Both were nickel machines.

There was a Mills Dial with a vendor in OK shape. Price was $4,900.

A $.05 Bird of Paradise that had a bad restoration was $4,600

I saw the fake Golden Nugget that had so much discussion a few weeks ago.

Of course, there were a good number of fake machines in various booths.

I didn't see any trade stims in the one persons booth that is typically loaded up with fakes. Just a bunch of Sun Chiefs.

I talked to several dealers and most seemed to think it was a good show.

[gamblingman]

I thought the show was good, but I was a little disappointed when I learned the swap meet started Thursday night at the resort, and then was forced to move across the street. From what I gather, there were a lot of sales in those few hours. I guess I don't see any reason to go on Friday and pay the high entry fee, if all of the big deals are already going to be done before setup the next morning. There was lots to look at....most priced too high, but there were a few bargains if you looked and more importantly worked for them.

I agree the coin-op was lacking, outside of a couple of folks who brought some stock they were actually trying to sell. The show is fast becoming an all-around antique swap meet and show, rather than an "antique advertising, jukebox and slot machine" show as billed. I don't know if that is good or bad, but it has changed over the years.

[oldslotman]

Needs to get back to the basics but then again it would most likely be a lot smaller show.