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!
Proposed Show Schedule for 2025 - do you know of any events where a British Commonwealth Suttler would be welcome?
Forks of the Delaware HMS, Allentown Fairgrounds. Oct 2024
Trying a table scan video for this installment - this was posted on our Instagram account and linked to the FB version. New to this display are Riker updates with real and reproduction insignia, mk4 prismatic compasses, all types of pistol holsters in multiple examples - including a rare Mk1 Canadian HP holster and the newly finished 2 gallon petrol cans. The Square credit card reader had arrived and will be set up for use - we will add a sign with details to the next display - We hope to see you in 2025 - our show schedule is still being developed!
Gettysburg Antiques Store - Cabinet 72 & 73 - Set Up - Nov 2024
Having served our wait time - we got the call to stock a cabinet at the start of Nov 2024! With the intent to complement existing sellers and to provide to collectors and re-enactors alike - the first inventory drop includes some more exclusive items such as A verified genuine No4 mk1 "cruciform" spike bayonet, Solid Silver medal specimens from different nations and ages, WW1 British cavalry related trade badge series in frames and exclusive Hard copy and signed version of reference book titles. Also included are examples of popular US and British Denix replica firearms and a pair of uniform sets that represent "sharpshooter" - a WW2 British and US Civil War Federal. Call in if you have time and browse the whole store between historic sites, attractions and restaurants.
Forks of the Delaware HMS, Allentown Fairgrounds. Oct 2024
For this show, we had 9 Rikers with British insignia - 6 with original items and 3 with replica. We had also expanded to stock an example of each WW2 US replica firearm by Denix. 4 more collector grade Lee Enfield's were new to the display as well as original WW2 British uniform (Blouses) on torso forms that were acquired from retiring reenactors. More wooden crates with merchandize storage than ever - one is now dedicated to British headgear in all of its forms. John from Replications joined us again and provided some WW1 Officer / Private Purchase tea brewing and picnic style personal equipment choices.
Forks of the Delaware HMS, Allentown Fairgrounds. July 2024
I had the assisstance of a 30 year suttler veteran (John from Replications) 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!
Forks of the Delaware HMS, Allentown Fairgrounds, Feb 2024.
This 2 table show display featured a clearance "sin bin" of grade "C" Lee Enfield parts that had dropped into the spares drawer - these proved most popular to customers! Especially sporterized wood, bare metal bands and damaged magazines. New to this line up are the replica 2 Gallon Water cans as a partnership from Mifflinberg Motor Works - we also included some of their coffee can wrappers and model WW2 trailer kits.
Meadowlands Militaria One Day Show - NJ, Jan 2024.
Our friends at Magi invited us over to this one day show in NJ - no firearms - just militaria. A different group of vendors and customers and a single table came up free to display some ArtioZen wares. It was an early start and over by 13:00. A good place to buy up odd British inventory smalls for us.
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