HamptonsDoc Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 I am VERY excited to be going to Tucson for the first time in a little over a week (Feb 2-5). The idea of this show seems a bit overwhelming; thousands of dealers in different venues spread over the city and some as others have pointed out already selling mislabeled and ingenuine pieces. What is the best strategy in conquering the city for the best fossils? I'm interested mainly in eggs (which seems like they may be hard to find, even at Tucson now) but excited to begin to explore other facets of fossil collecting. Any advice from those who have been there will be appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raggedy Man Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 (edited) First off you're right, it will be overwhelming. Secondly, it's a blast! Third and finally, be careful as there are many fakes there...and I do mean many. I believe that our very own member, Old Dead Things will be there at his booth so you should make every effort to visit and stop by. I say this because I wouldn't think you'd have anything to worry about in regards to the authenticity of his specimens. It also might be nice just to say hello and introduce yourself. I'd also like to suggest that you pace yourself as well. There will be many people there and it gets crowded. A camera is a must as well. Good luck and enjoy your adventure! Best regards, Paul Edited January 21, 2016 by Raggedy Man ...I'm back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troodon Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 (edited) There are two main shows for fossils the 22nd Street show and the Marty Zinn's shows. The 22nd St one is a huge tent on the corner of 22nd St and I10. Lots of fossil dealers in that tent. Zinn's shows are located in several motels but the best two are at the Ramada and Tucson Inns Suite City Center. Here is a guide to all the shows. http://www.xpopress.com/tucson-gem-mineral-fossil-jewelry-shows-schedule.html Edited January 21, 2016 by Troodon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troodon Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 (edited) Let me add that for eggs, Eldonia fossils has brought French one the past two years, he's located at the Ramada. Having said that I hear rumors that François Escuillié may be a no show since he has problems back in France. Need to see what's going on and if someone else is going in his place. I would not focus on any of the Moroccan tents areas for eggs they typically do not have them. Good luck. Edit: What else might you be interested in, can try to point you to the right areas Edited January 21, 2016 by Troodon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raggedy Man Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 Troodon, you referring to those snake eggs from France? I still kick myself for walking away from an amazing deal..lol. ...I'm back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troodon Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 No dinosaur ones, did not see the snake one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HamptonsDoc Posted January 21, 2016 Author Share Posted January 21, 2016 Thanks for the advice guys! I'm also interested in Mosasaurs currently and anything else dinosaur that my eye catches that would be nice to display! I've always wanted a mammoth tusk but I live in New York so sadly that is no longer an option. Since I'm not going until Feb 2, do you think I may miss out on a lot of quality fossils that would have been purchased already? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troodon Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 (edited) Thanks for the advice guys! Since I'm not going until Feb 2, do you think I may miss out on a lot of quality fossils that would have been purchased already? It's possible for the one off items. Most dinosaur dealers are open by the 28 and the Inns Suite ballroom opens on the 30 so by the end of the weekend everything has had a pretty good going over. The ballroom has a good Moroccan dealer for Mosasaur material Sahara Overland check him out. He's also in a tent in the back of the ballroom. Another very trustworthy dealer for Moroccan material especially dinosaur/mosasaur is Moussa Mineral-Fossils from the UK also located in the Inns Suite. Brian and Kendal are very honest and knowledgeable and have a good inventory. Most of the Moroccan forgeries are found in tents but you always have to be cautious. Edited January 21, 2016 by Troodon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grandpa Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 Be sure and bring cash. Some vendors didn't accept anything but cash last time I was there. But it's been several years since I went to Tucson. Others may be able to advise you differently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troodon Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 Good point. Cash or Checks work with most dealers in the motel areas and some do take credit. Most transactions in tents is cash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troodon Posted January 23, 2016 Share Posted January 23, 2016 Needed to go into Tucson this morning so I took the opportunity of taking some pre-show pictures of the four major fossil venues: Keno Sports Complex... tents are up where you will find the largest concentration of Moroccan dealers. Some starting to set up. 22nd Street Show...Huge tent up but dealers at this venue cannot set up until Tuesday for a Thursday open Tucson City Center (Inns Suite)... Tents up some dealers setting up to open on Tuesday Ramada Inn...Tents up some dealers setting up 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HamptonsDoc Posted January 24, 2016 Author Share Posted January 24, 2016 Needed to go into Tucson this morning so I took the opportunity of taking some pre-show pictures of the four major fossil venues: Keno Sports Complex... tents are up where you will find the largest concentration of Moroccan dealers. Some starting to set up. 20160123_101128-1.jpg 22nd Street Show...Huge tent up but dealers at this venue cannot set up until Tuesday for a Thursday open 20160123_101553-1.jpg20160123_101714-1.jpg Tucson City Center (Inns Suite)... Tents up some dealers setting up to open on Tuesday 20160123_102039-1.jpg20160123_102057-1.jpg 20160123_102336-1.jpg20160123_102343-1.jpg Ramada Inn...Tents up some dealers setting up 20160123_102958-1.jpg20160123_103029-1.jpg20160123_103042-1.jpg Great, I can't wait!! Please post some pictures form inside since you'll be there a few days before I am! ps- Those palm trees look nice...Over a foot of snow on the ground and still falling here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MB Posted January 24, 2016 Share Posted January 24, 2016 I can add that a good friend of mine will be at room 163 of Ramada, as far I know he has pliosaur, Thetysaur, urchins, ammos and crabs. You can trust him. http://www.mbfossilcrabs.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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