THE 25TH ANNUAL EAST COAST TOY SOLDIER SHOW
Bill McMasters and Laurie
We arrived at the East Coast Toy Soldier Show a little later than planned and were at the tail end of the line. Going in we saw an old friend Norman Joplin and his wife. We headed for our very good friend John Reichl so we could drop our coats. John said he had a very good day so far and had found a bag of Disneykins and Tvkins. In the bag were small and large Ludwig Von Drake figures, which he is planning to sell. Just as we started to look around we ran into Bill McMasters of BMC who was leaving to see his son in a play. We asked if he was planning on doing any new figures. He said at the moment he had been helping other people but was looking into possible future projects. Leaving Bill we decided to walk around. At Glenn Finke's table I found a Crescent mounted cowboy and a Starlux Fireman for the collection. At another table I found some unpainted Starlux Russians for resale.
Rick Eber's Custer's Last Stand
At Rick Eber's table we saw an interesting playset. Rick had taken the contents of an Allstate Custer set, added Marx production cavalry in light blue, two resin figures of Custer with guidon and mounted Indian scout, a Dreamwish playset box and bags they had produced. The price of this set is $4000.00
Rick had a number of original Marx playsets including a Gunsmoke playset for sale as well. We did see a collector with a Ben Hur playset walking around the show.
Some of Gary Dutko's conversions
Also at the show was Gary Dutko with his conversions. Gary was not happy with his sales and with his expenses to get to the show felt that he could do better on Ebay. Gary is only the latest person to think about going the Ebay route which is sad. Also at Gary's table was Mike Westbay who was telling us about his experience as a teacher in the New York City. It was quite interesting.
Mike Westbay and Gary Dutko
A sample of figures at one of the tables
We next stopped at our very good friend Gerri Watts. Gerri is always a stop for plastic collectors. You do not know what you will find, Gerri has figures from a dollar and up. Gerri had sold a hunting party set for $150.00. I was able to get some Hong Kong copies of Elastolin medieval figures and loose Atlantic 1/72 scale figures in addition to some other figures.
Richard Conte and his wife Nancy
Walking around we found Conte Collectibles tables. The tables were manned by Richard Conte, his lovely wife Nancy, his son Travis and several other people. The tables were crowded by collectors who were buying the various offerings of Conte Collectibles. We were able to get a moment of Richard Conte's time to ask him about the new articulated Spartans. Richard said that he was hoping to have them before Christmas, but it looked like that they would be here in the new year. Richard also confirmed that he would have the Spartans in different colors. He had samples of the Spartans in red, silver and bronze (not gold as reported elsewhere.) Our very good friend John talked to Richard later and he said that he would likely use the bronze with the Persian Immortals. Several people took advantage of the appearance of Conte Collectibles to get the Viking Raid playset, a great buy at $300.00.
On new items AIP had their four new cannon groups and Marines. John and I took advantage of AIP's special of buy three get one free. Marxman had the new Barzso Robin Hood figures and sold out. I do not know if any other dealers had any of the Barzso figures.
AIP Confederate Artillery and Napoleonic Figures
After three hours, we had to leave as I had to go to work. Overall the show was very good and we will come back next year.