Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion gas shows, auctions, or large flea markets

I have a small but growing petroliana collection. My items come from auctions, yard sales, etc. I have never been to any gas shows, like the Chicagoland one coming up. Can someone like me expect to find reasonable deals at the show or can I expect to pay full retail? No, I'm not looking to buy a $300 sign for 50 bucks, but I'm also not too interested in traveling a couple hundred miles one way to a show and not buying anything. Do people price stuff to sell at these shows, or is it more of a show-what-you-got show? Thoughts on these types of petro shows would be greatly appreciated.

You will find items in every price range and condition at most all Gas shows, Not sure about Chicagoland

i usually go to the peatone(fall and spring) and iowa gas show in august.one thing about shows is....you just never know.sometimes you will go and everything looks too expensive,then the last few hours or day come around and that 500.00 sign you were looking at just went down to 300.00.but if you wait to long,someone else might buy it. or if you get to a show early,you just might luck out and get a good buy right off the bat.but usually a vender will not go down much until the public has had a chance to go thru,but again not always true.most guys bring their stuff to the show to sell,and dont want to haul it to the next one.go to as many shows as you can,bring as much cash as you can,and get there early and leave late.and also ,very important...educate yourself as to what specific items you are looking for are worth so you can make a fair offer and you will eventually do good. jmho mick

Mick gave you some good advice. I see you're from Michigan. I would suggest you attend Chicagoland (Peotone, IL) and the shows in Dayton and Columbus, OH. You could travel a little farther to the show in Evansville, IN; and of course Iowa Gas in Des Moines, IA.

You should also try to attend the Matthews petroliana auctions.

and before tara tells me again,i WILL learn to spell Peotone!!LOL

Lastgas,

When and where in Evansville is the gas show?

Its called the Petro Peddlers show. I think it's held in May. I'm sure Jarvis can give you the details.

A fellow stopped by my vendor spot at Hershey last year. He was from California, and told me he would travel in the opposite direction to get that show if he had to!! I agreed with him, and I live in Delaware!!!

For anyone getting into this hobby it is very important to attend shows, even if you DONT buy anything. That is the best way to meet fellow collectors and educate yourself about the hobby. Yes it's true, you might walk around all weekend and not find anything but on the other hand you may go and find a few great items.

Just my 2 cents??

Be sure to click on "Events" on the top horizontal menu on this page for swap meet info.
Also, check the "Petroliana News" forum for the latest auction info.
I try to keep the "Calendar" on the second horizontal menu updated with events in a calendar grid format.

Getting hands-on experience at the swap meets and auctions is highly recommended for all collectors, especially new ones.

MICHIGAN GAS!!!! Also, there's a newspaper called "The Auction Exchange", I've subscribed for a couple of years now.... In Michigan, Rowley's Auctions does a decent amount of gas and oil stuff. Check out Auctionzip.com and click on the Michigan tab...

bwfergie,
The Evansville show or as it's called the Hoosier Petro Peddlers show is normally second Sat. in May. Rick Bonenburger puts on the show and it's a great time. It's a fast show... starts around 6:30am and over around 1:00pm. Be home for supper! LOL
What for details as we get closer to the show... Rick will post info. about the show.
I should talk to his brother soon as i have some stuff to take to him.

Sometimes auctions things go for much more than they are worth. The shows are a great way to meet people & make friends.

Our local Flea market usually has a few cans, maps and signs. All common items. Prices range from outrageous to good deals. I have had a lot of good luck just searching my local craigslist daily. Never have to leave home to do that.