On the weekend of April 28-29, 2007, the National Antique Doll Dealers
Association returned to Chicago with the annual Spring show. The much
anticipated show was attended by dealers and collectors from across the
continent and from as far away as the UK. The fact that the crowd arrived
at the opening and stayed until the end of the day attests to the quality
and quantity of dolls offered by the approximately 30 NADDA dealers. The
crowd was up considerably over the same weekend two years ago and sales
were brisk.
For a collector, the set up of the NADDA show is spectacular. Stepping
off the elevator, you find yourself on a miniature street of 30 doll
shops. Each dealer is in their room, relaxed and ready to visit, show
their merchandise and share information. Since the dealers work together,
you can ask them to direct you if you are looking for something specific.
When you find yourself on sensory overload, you can take a break to relax
in the hospitality room with a cup of tea and a snack and enjoy the
special study exhibit. If there is a heaven for doll collectors, surely
this must be it!
At the 2007 show, the NADDA dealers proved how hard they had been
working through the winter to find prime examples of every type of antique
and vintage doll, from the early wooden dolls of the 18th Century to the
mint examples of Ginny and Toni from the 1950s. Collectors find it
reassuring to know that NADDA dealers mark their merchandise revealing any
flaw, repair or damage on an item. They abide by a strict code of ethics
and guarantee their merchandise to be as described. Whether you were at
the show to buy or strictly to study, the weekend was a perfect
opportunity to meet dealers and other collectors and to establish the
all-important network. There is something reassuring about buying from a
dealer you have met in person. Seeing their booth full of merchandise
gives you a good idea of the quality of merchandise the dealer demands and
offers for sale, so you have a better basis for communication in the
future.
