6 replies to this topic

[Sharman]

Can anybody offer advice on the best way to sell a small but unique collection of 1950s action shots 12x10" all autographed in period. The subjects being Fangio, Brooks and Collins, Gerard, Behra, Fairman, Moss, Rosier, Schell, Collins and finally Salvadori. They had used to hang in a well remembered Pit Bar and were given to me by the then circuit manager. Reason for sale nowhere to display them when we downsize.

[D-Type]

They look too good for e-bay so you need to go to a 'proper' auction and I think these would sell at Bonhams Goodwood sale in the Automobilia section. Alternatively one of the specialist autograph dealers might be interested - google something like 'Fangio autograph' to find them.

[Sharman]

They look too good for e-bay so you need to go to a 'proper' auction and I think these would sell at Bonhams Goodwood sale in the Automobilia section. Alternatively one of the specialist autograph dealers might be interested - google something like 'Fangio autograph' to find them.

I did have a bit of correspondence with Bonhams, they wanted telephone numbers in commission and they would ask a buyers premium. They would damn nearly get as much out of sale as I would by the time insurance and delivery were taken into account. My overall impression was that they were greedy and the little boy I dealt with appeared to know considerably less than I did about a)the period b)the photographer and c) the location in which they were originally hung.
But thank you for taking the time to answer, I was in Kenya in the late 50s as a National Serviceman. I was staggered by the changes (!!!!) when I went back for a visit in 93.

Edited by Sharman, 29 July 2013 - 16:15.

[Julian Roberts]

I did have a bit of correspondence with Bonhams, they wanted telephone numbers in commission and they would ask a buyers premium. They would damn nearly get as much out of sale as I would by the time insurance and delivery were taken into account. My overall impression was that they were greedy and the little boy I dealt with appeared to know considerably less than I did about a)the period b)the photographer and c) the location in which they were originally hung.

I 'discovered' an original Mike Hawthorn letter to a young fan and accompanying signed photo a while ago, and like you was put off by the Automobilia 'specialist' at Bonhams' attitude. So I took my life in my hands and listed it on ebay with a healthy reserve as a safety net. It took a few days for the reserve to be met and ultimately it sold for over £800 - and it stayed in UK. In my opinion, high quality items (listed properly) will achieve their true worth on ebay.

Edited by Julian Roberts, 16 August 2013 - 07:20.

[taylov]

Can anybody offer advice on the best way to sell a small but unique collection of 1950s action shots 12x10" all autographed in period. The subjects being Fangio, Brooks and Collins, Gerard, Behra, Fairman, Moss, Rosier, Schell, Collins and finally Salvadori. They had used to hang in a well remembered Pit Bar and were given to me by the then circuit manager. Reason for sale nowhere to display them when we downsize.

 

I agree with earlier comments. Ebay is still a good medium on which to sell quality items. In the last 3 years, I have acquired a signed BRDC menu from 1948 (John Cobb and many pre-war stars); a signed menu from the 1958 New Zealand GP and a autograph book signed at the 1936 Donington Empire Trophy (inc Dick Seaman).  All sold on eBay.

 

You do need to protect yourself with a sensible reserve or starting price and think twice about what countries you will post to. Remember that you do need to have a PayPal account.   Good Luck.

 

Tony

[tj67]

I 'discovered' an original Mike Hawthorn letter to a young fan and accompanying signed photo a while ago, and like you was put off by the Automobilia 'specialist' at Bonhams' attitude. So I took my life in my hands and listed it on ebay with a healthy reserve as a safety net. It took a few days for the reserve to be met and ultimately it sold for over £800 - and it stayed in UK. In my opinion, high quality items (listed properly) will achieve their true worth on ebay.

 

I am currently going through the same episode myself, I have my fathers Alberto Ascari autographed 1954 British GP programme on there, one day into a 10 day auction, nowhere near the reserve yet, but plenty of watchers. http://www.ebay.co.u...984.m1555.l2649 

Edited by tj67, 11 October 2013 - 18:06.

[Sharman]

Just an update following last weeks auction.  Despite the comment by the valuer that the photographs were "stunning" and a sensible reserve being placed on them, only 4 of the 10 sold, and well below estimate. Surprisingly, two which I know are exceedingly rare were among the unsold items. Auctions are baffling, as a make weight I put in a couple of un-autographed photos one of NGH in an Equipe Endeavour 3.8 and the other of Black Jack at Oulton in '67, the two made more than a fantastic autographed shot of 'arree in his f2/ 250 Maser which didn't make its reserve.

Ho Hum lets try eBay in the run up to Christmas.