Estate Sale..help...

[lifesaver]

Anyone have any ideas on how to facilitate this? its not a full estate, just breaking up the last pieces of my grandmothers estate that my mom, sisters and I dont want. FOR SOME REASON, my assignment has been to research the best way to do this. We've all kept what we wanted, so the rest is just sitting in boxes and I know people collect these things. We'd rather them have them, than we loose them in moves, kids break them, or get destroyed in a flood or fire. They should be enjoied.

One is a china set, I have the pattern name somewhere, and the second is about 40 of those Hummel figurines. I did check ebay for the Hummels and there are about 4000 of them listed. I know I need to make a list of the exact titles of the Hummels and any info from the bottom (have seen Antiques Roadshow). How do I go about finding a vendor, or dealor, buyer? What have you? I could fax/email a list once completed. But where do I start? There are lots of unscrupulous dealers out there who pray on peoples lack of experience in these matters...How do I avoid that?

Thanks for any help.

[justamom]

lifesaver!!!! Those Hummels could be worth a MINT!!! I have 2 from my Grandmother and each is worth 300-375. Since they are a set and in mint condition, the value goes UP! (Turn them over and see if they have the bee hive)

Estate sales-As you know you can find handlers in the yellow pages, but like anything, you need credible people. One way is to scan the paper's classified ads-They will list estate sales and (in our area) the handler as well. If you are familiar with the area, you know where the more prestigious "estates" are located. When you see a name show up frequently, consider giving them a call. Be aware they are in it to make money and they often devalue your items at a prety good clip. My own Grandmother got ripped of HORRIBLY after my Grandfather died.

There are consignment shops and antique dealers that you can use as well. The antique dealers can give you a "heads up" on possible slutions. They may even want to take a look for themselves. Last but not least-there are always churches and schools doing white elephant sales that could use some nice items as a draw.

If the items that remain are cracked-chipped or glued then the value is almost lost. You may consider making it a donation and use it for your taxes. One last point-I was listening to the Antique Road Show and they said things like the old Coke glasses-Disney Glasses FLINTSTONE glasses are ALL collectibles and are HANDSOMELY priced! Sorry you have to deal with all this-but your Grandmother would be happy to know the things she loved in life found a new home and if its a donation or if there's some cash to be made-she would probably smile knowng she can STILL give to those she loves. Link to "Roadshow"-look around has an link to appraisers. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/roadshow/

[archangel12]

Liversaver,
There are many ways to go about doing an estate sale. Your best bet is to contact a professional. If you want to handle it yourself the best way is to have huge auction. You place all the items you want to sell out in the yard and give them each numbers. You can do it by item or in lots (groups) of items. Advertise well and let the public view the items. Then auction the items off in numerical order. Good Luck. I know someone who may be intrested in the china if you can tell what type it is.

[Tom Earp]

ACKACK, you can get an Auctioner to do it for a %! First tho, if you have Hummels or anyother fine looking peices, go get an Antique Trader in a Store and check some of the Prices out!

I checked ebay out on some of the B & G, Noritaki, and Royal Dalton that I have owned for many years! What was was being bidded was bull sh#t!

Contact a rep. Buyer for these peices in S A and get what they think these are worth! It may cost a little money for them to appraise it but you will be better off in teh long run! Do not take just one persons appraisal!

Hows BiZ. E-M Me! Or give a call, you have my Phone #.

Your nickle for a minute!