Help with Estate

severum · Oct 13, 2010

I have collection of mostly antique tractor books and memorabilia. These belonged to my dad who passed away last year. Unfortunately, there is no one in the family involved in this hobby, so these things need to find new homes.
There are collector books, service manuals, operator manuals, parts books, toy tractor books and magazines, and other miscellaneous items. Some of this stuff probably dates back to the 1920-30's. Mostly Case, McCormick, Farmall, Oliver and a few other brands. We're talking about 8-10 file boxes altogether.
I would prefer to sell these items in lots if possible. What would be the best way to group them and assess their value? Where would be the best place to try and sell them? I would like to avoid Ebay if possible.

Thanks in advance for your help.

bjb in TX from Ne · Oct 13, 2010

You could list them on this site, consign them to an auction, or (even though you don't want to) go to ebay. I still turn to ebay when I am looking for a manual.

One thing about selling in lots online will be that shipping will get expensive for the buyer (esp if they are only interested in one in the lot).

If you did reconsider ebay, and just want to get rid of them, slowly start listing them one at a time with $0.99 price and a flat shipping (no more than $5 is reasonable for a manual). Offer to combine shipping and then let the market decide. Any that don't sell can then be combined in a final lot for $0.99 opening bid.

paul · Oct 13, 2010

Grouping them in a lot means you are selling them wholesale, the good & the bad together, 7 you will get about 50% of what that person will get when he or she lists them singley on ebay. Selling on ebay individually is like retail, and will get you the most return.

Your call as to the hassle factor, but that's how it will work out. If you want to be rid of them sell cheap as a lot; if you want the best bucks list them individually somewhere.

--->Paul

John S-B · Oct 13, 2010

Google the items you have to see if there are similar items for sale online. That should help you establish somewhat of an idea of what they're worth.

PeterE · Oct 13, 2010

Getting an auctioneer familiar with farm collectibles would be my suggestion. Girard does a lot of them. I have no affiliation with Girard but I have bought a lot of stuff at their literature auctions. I can't say what it's like to sell through them, but they seem to handle the stuff a lot. I'm sure there are others.
Girard

severum · Oct 13, 2010

Thanks for all the replies, guys. I am guessing that the old service / owner manuals are probably a lot more valuable than the more "generic" tractor books. I could maybe sell the books in lots, and sell the manuals by the piece. I did find a few of the items on expired Ebay auctions. I'm surprised what someone is willing to pay for a Case 930 brochure, but then again I know next to nothing about this stuff.

I may put just the manuals on Ebay and "let the market decide" what they are worth, as was suggested. Maybe a local collector would be interested in the other books.

Nebraska Cowman · Oct 13, 2010

The only thing I can tell you is they would have
been worth a LOT more several years ago. The reprint
frenzy has ruined the market.

Ultradog MN · Oct 13, 2010

I agree.
On the other hand, a nice clean reprint is a little nicer to store and peruse than a greasy, dogeared original. And at half the cost too.

dhermesc · Oct 14, 2010

Sell them one by one on Ebay.

Help with Estate

severum

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bjb in TX from Ne

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paul

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John S-B

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PeterE

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severum

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Nebraska Cowman

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Ultradog MN

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