I've been a business and professional resource coach and mentor for years. during my MBA classes the big questions on everybody's lips was, "will you run your own business". ArtioZen was started in 2018 and is still gathering material, outlets and resources - long may it continue! - Thank you all for your interest, support and well wishes!
Forks of the Delaware HMS, Allentown Fairgrounds. July 2024
I had the assitance of a 30 year suttler veteran for set up and the Saturday of the show - he was a great help and full of insights! The extra vehicle also allowed a little more prepared material to be on display - it made returning with one vehicle a challenge - so this is as big as it gets! On set-up day I also bought a No4T sniper complete in the chest and immediately added it to the display (after passing the background check and paperwork). The bargain bin was replaced by more WW1 officer purchase items (electric travel iron, copper cup and spirit stove and an "Orilux" torch in its leather case - the previous 2 items sold on Saturday :). Other additions included the Bugler vinyl poster display and a 5th Riker full with replica Paratrooper insignia and a focus on Royal Marine items (berets, trench art, insignia and stable belts). Meanwhile the insignia for sale was brought in bags in Akro boxes and could be sifted through in person - better bags and index cards are on their way. Three more No4 rifles were delivered from the private collection too. My thoughts now go to setting up a permanent sales display in the house / barn and setting "schedule an appointment" option on the website and social media for viewing - adding a Facebook messenger video chat / tour option for remote customers / contactless commerce. The weekends "Mystery Item" was researched and found to be a Canadian Parachute Company made Horsa Glider lap seat belt, which was earmarked for donation to the 1HQ Canadian Paratrooper reenactment unit. A huge "assist" was given to detail and research an RAF blouse and flight jacket for a Battle of Britain pilot who went on to write a book and become and airline pilot for BOAC in the 1960's - this will be held now in the selling dealers personal collection. An honorable mention should be given for meeting and selling Pattern 37 webbing to Normandy Dioramas (FB page) that will help the modelling community get 1/37 scratch built model details perfected - check them out!
Forks of the Delaware HMS, Allentown Fairgrounds, May 2024.
This was the biggest and best show ever! With 8 rifles for sale from WW1 to WW2, including 4 different Enfield Models, and the No4T Sniper. The first replica SANo15 chest for the No4T was on display, as well the 4 cases of British insignia which had been processed all Spring. The tables were lifted on PVC pipe stilts - inspired by my mentor at WMR Firearms. Under which were the Pattern 37 wooden crates and 2 example Uniforms picked up at the show. The book section was back and had more Skennerton Titles - the US models were added for this show. The bargain bin did good trade, clearing take off parts and wholesale supplied defect components. Thanks to all that bought items and asked for more leads. A special thanks to those that did trade business for the first time - I left the show with an education in British WW2 jump wings and several examples to study - this included sales consults with UK based dealer contacts. The local BATF representatives kept us company on a neighboring table and answered a lot of FFL questions - the start of things to come!