RENO 2008

Wow, what a nice weekend and what a great show this year was. We hit the road at 5:30 a.m Friday morning and arrived in Reno at 9:30. Many dealers were already there and eager to set-up, at 10 a.m sharp we got to go in. I think it's great when show's are run this way giving everyone an equal chance at a set time.

 Set-up time is always fast and furious and like many others I was scrambling to find those good deals. I really blew it on a few things I had looked at and by the time I made up my mind it was to late as the items had been sold, darn it ! I did though manage to bag a couple of nice Western goodies however.

Friday night a large group of us had dinner at the Peppermill buffet. Tons of good food and some very interesting and funny conversation. I'm sorry though that I didn't get Kenny's phone call before dinner asking us to join him for some "Irish Car Bombs" (an exploding drink). That would of been fun indeed but the exploding head part I'm not to sure of.

The show was packed with people on Saturday and the selection of nice antique bottles abounded with some great deals to be had. American Bottle Auctions once again stole the show with their large inventory of fine quality antique bottles at blowout bargain prices. Dennis & Jeff once again offrered some killer deals. In addition, Jeff's great generosity in donating high dollar raffle prizes for club shows, speaks for the integrity of the fine auction service A.B.A. provides.

It was nice seeing old friends and meeting some new ones. I had the pleasure of meeting a 14 year old young man and beginning bottle digger who recognized me from the "Cash & Treasures" t.v. show. He's  fascinated with the hobby and I believe that as collectors and hobbyist we should all encourage young people like this. While talking with him and his aunt I noticed he was looking at some probes on my table that I made. He reminded me so much of myself at that age that I was very happy to give him one of the probes, which I could tell he really appreciated. Marty Hall also offered the young lad a very fine Western Florida Water bottle for his beginning collection. Way to go Marty !

There were a couple of very nice displays of some great Western bottles. Richard Siri showed some IXL Bitters in an array of drop dead gorgous rare colors.

 Ben Kutzkey displayed an awsome assortment of Western liquor bottles including a highly prized clear "Castle Whiskey"  and some really great fully labeld bottles, god those are hard to find.

Thank you Reno Bottle club for all your hard work and dedication in putting on another outstanding show !