I’m not a fan of Las Vegas. I know a lot of folks love to go there and gamble, eat, see shows, and go a bit crazy, but it isn’t for me. That said, every January I go to Vegas for the antique arms show held at the Westgate Resort and it’s always a great time.
Maybe I enjoy the show because I get to see friends and colleagues over a few drinks, a meal, and catch up on what they’ve been up to. But there are also a lot of good things to see in the exhibition halls. No matter what you’re interested in, it’s there. Obviously, my interests are in American Revolutionary War-era arms and equipage, and I got to see and handle a few cool pieces. But there were tables of Civil War material, Colt single actions and Winchester’s if you’re more into the western scene. WWII collecting has been pretty hot over the past few years, and there was a lot of that material also. Helmets, bayonets, insignia of all types.
There was a second exhibition hall that contained a lot of dealers with fine shotguns and sporting arms, expert arms engravers, and I saw some really amazing Japanese swords on a series of tables. There really is something for everyone at this show.
But as I mentioned above, for me the fun of the show is sitting with friends at the end of the day over a couple of cocktails and catching up. Maybe I’m getting old, but that is the biggest highlight for me. It’s interesting to hear what people have picked up for their collections, as well as current research projects they’re working on.
For the first time last year, I was actually coaxed out of the hotel to go out for a meal. Begrudgingly, I jumped in the cab, and we took off to Circus Circus. When I got there and saw this old casino filled with people and smoke, I wondered what I had gotten myself into. However, I have to say that the best steak I have ever had was from The Steak House inside of the casino. This year we went back, and I have to say the prime rib I ordered was just as spectacular as it was last year.
I’m glad that it only comes once a year as I’m still not a fan of the City of Las Vegas, but the show is good. If you find yourself bored and looking for something to do next January, think about coming to the show. Onto the next: the Baltimore Antique Arms show coming up in March!
