So I have come to an impasse on th durbar Range. Also starting a new range WWII! Yikes! So what to do. Nothing real pressing in the Durbar stuff. Should I sell? If so as a big lot or Individually? I think one big lot would be interesting. Certainly easier in respect of getting rid of it all. It might have even appreciated a little.
here is a view of my modest collection. I have boxes for all the Britains and Hocker stuff.
Let me know what you guys think. I am clearing out the Sudan stuff. It is Imperial
I need the room and I need the money.
Hi Vamp,
Oh my! It pains me to see you considering the sale of such a nice Durbar collection. However, I understand your motives. If you decide to sell, I certainly wish you the best of luck. In my opinion, if you attempt to sell the entire collection as a lot, you will limit the number of collectors who will bid on it. Collectors that could bid on the entire lot and who have an interest in the Durbar are more likely to already own many of the sets in your collection. Further, you have a variety of manufacturers included in your Durbar collection and some collectors will only focus on one manufacturer. I think you would net a greater return by selling the individual sets. And, yes, I think your overall Durbar collection will have appreciated some, but not at the rate you typically see with the King and Country figures.
If there is no immediate pressure for you to sell this collection, you might spend some time watching eBay to identify prices your sets usually bring. One of the first things you will notice is that figures like yours do not occur on eBay with great frequency. Especially the sets I will mention below. When they do appear, note the price they bring.
Here are a few thoughts of mine regarding the potential sale of some of your sets:
The Britains 8848 Elephant should net you a very nice primium. It is the most rare and most sought after of all the Britains Durbar Elephants. You should have no trouble selling it. The other two Britains elephants in your collection are certainly good sets and, while they will not command the price of the 8848 elephant, they will certainly be of interest to many Durbar collectors and they should readily sell for a nice price.
Your William Hocker set is especially nice. The Hocker sets always draw great attention on the secondary market. Even though it is most rare to see a Hocker elephant on eBay you must remember the set is still available, and you should plan on receiving less than current retail for it.
Gaekwar of Barodas's Silver Gun is a very good item. It is not frequently listed on eBay, but when it is it usually brings a fair price.
The Amphitheater Pavilion and Dias is also a choice item. However, as you know, it is a huge piece and only a few collectors would have room to display it. Nevertheless, it is a difficult item to find and you should consider the scarcity of the item in establishing your minimum opening bid. Be sure and carefully check the shipping cost of this item as it will be fairly substantial. I hope you have saved the original box for it as it will be a huge aid in shipping the set.
The demand for and the price of your Durbar sets has been slowly increasing during the past year. You have many fine sets in your Durbar collection and I believe they will readily sell. I would be very surprised if you did not net more than you paid for the items in your collection.
If you desire more specific information regarding the potential sale of your items, send me a PM or e-mail with questions you may have. I may also know a few buyers who would be interested in your Durbar sets.
Warmest personal regards,
Pat
