| I don't remember the first time I met Bob Barnett, at
another show, I'm sure. I got on his mailing list and was soon buying glasses
from him. For a long time this was my main method of acquisition. The best
place to buy glasses, especially if you want a deal, is at shows.
Unfortunately, many of the larger shows are in California, a long ways off. Two
states over is no big deal in the Eastern U.S.; out here it's a full days drive
or more. So, my collection grew, but slowly. Competition for the better
glasses was fierce, and could be frustrating. Even though I would grab the list
from the mail carrier, dialing the phone as I did so, I couldn't seem to get
thru first. I often settled for glasses that weren't as desirable. Bob had told
me that most collectors started out trying to get everything under the sun,
until they realized how much was out there. I didn't believe him, not at
first. I finally noticed that the Western glasses sold quickly, while many of
the Eastern glasses, as nice or nicer, languished. So, I decided to buy from
anywhere in the U.S., but only what I found attractive. I made it to a couple of National bottle shows and bought
quite a lot, especially from Paul Van Vactor, one of the biggest dealers around,
and a true Southern Gentleman. I also got to meet Barbara Edmonson at a show in
her hometown of Chico, California. Barbara's books were (and are) the bible
for pre-pro collectors. I've read them over and over again. I also did some
buying/selling with Ken Schwartz and Ralph Van Brocklin, two prominent members
of the collecting community, as well as people I met through bottle mags. I
still didn't have any hand enameled or L.U.G.'s.
|
