To save or not, the boxes (1 Viewer)

[Terp152]

We re-modelled the spare bedroom that house some of my permanent displays this yr. :rolleyes2: A lot of my collection moved temporarily to the bonus room over the garage. Have most of the figs lined up along the floor until I can rebox them. It's been 4 mos and a very slow process. Hard to match correct figs with the right box. At least WB now labels their figs under the base. Chris

 

[Vicknor]

I agree...when we're gone...someone who has zero knowledge of manufacturers and their products will struggle sorting out their collection too...even with the Internet and the boxes...

many times...I have seen long time collectors on here...who I consider extremely knowledgeable...start a thread for product identification...so if they don't know...what chance does a complete novice have in identifying them...

when my time comes...I have a friend in the business who has promised to help my remaining family sort it out...

I'm sure I have boxes for well more than 95% of my figures...but I have some off brand and older buildings/structures/trees/Hirst Art's molds...etc... that even a seasoned toy soldier collector would struggle with identifying...

as Vicknor said...these are a part of my estate...and even standing alone...they hold a significant dollar value that I would like to see my family members recoup a fair value on...

my immediate family is somewhat knowledgeable about what these cost...about what I spend on this hobby...and some day...somebody is going to have to sort this out and sell it...

I'm glad it's not me...it's gonna be a pain in the butt...

The wife is in charge of the spreadsheet detailing ‘manufacturer, code, product description, RRP, price paid’ etc etc

The missus will be well informed should I croak

 

[joesgis]

The wife is in charge of the spreadsheet detailing ‘manufacturer, code, product description, RRP, price paid’ etc etc

The missus will be well informed should I croak

I did that for my wife too.
I need to be careful that I don't give her more motivation to make me vanish though. lol

Joe

 

[ivanmoe]

The wife is in charge of the spreadsheet detailing ‘manufacturer, code, product description, RRP, price paid’ etc etc

One of these days, we ought to do a thread (on another forum) where we post our spreadsheets for public view. Talk about "airing the dirty laundry!"

-Moe

 

[lancer]

Even though I am well versed in terms of what boxes go with what figures in my collection, my memory is not perfect, so sometimes matching them up is a real pain. Figure shapes and die-cut foam don't always match to perfection. A couple of years ago, I began painting the figure set numbers onto the bottom of the bases of any figures that didn't already have such markings. I use a paint pen (obviously in opposing color to the bottom of the base). It takes only a few minutes of effort and drying time and I now know exactly what figure goes in what box. Maybe a bit harder for the person with no interest or knowledge to put together, but it is the best I can do for those that may get stuck with my collection. -- Al

 

[mikemiller1955]

Conte used to stamp the bottom of his bases with the product number...I think WB does it to some extent...unsure about that...

but I wish all manufacturers stamped the code number in the bottom...it would sure help the people who have large collections sort through the figures to match to boxes when necessary......

 

[Der Alte Fritz]

After I leave this mortal coil I don't care what happens to my figures.

My spouse would kill me if she knew the real value of my toy soldier collection.

 

[45thdiv]

I am blessed with a wife who is also interested in military history, wargaming, and such. She knows what the prices are.

I too do not care what happens with my collection of all my various size soldiers, though I am pretty sure my son will take them.

As for sorting out the figures and boxes, it is good that Jenkins keeps his catalog on line with the codes and a picture of what goes into the boxes. I know that Minutemen Toy Soldiers has images of around 90 percent of the King & Country sets. I am sure the K&C web sight might also keep photos of their sets, both new and retired, but I have not checked.

 

[Artillery_crazy]

Yeap I fully agree.....
If my wife figures out the budget tagged to the collection...I am a dead man {sm4}{sm4}{sm4}
The additional info I have provided her, is that what ever my sons do not want, they should be sold via auction houses..and provided her with contacts to a few...{sm3}{sm3}
Cheers
A_C

After I leave this mortal coil I don't care what happens to my figures.

My spouse would kill me if she knew the real value of my toy soldier collection.

 

[Larry Allen]

Conte used to stamp the bottom of his bases with the product number...I think WB does it to some extent...unsure about that...

but I wish all manufacturers stamped the code number in the bottom...it would sure help the people who have large collections sort through the figures to match to boxes when necessary......

Many office supply or stationary stores sell tiny /small stickers that you can purchase real cheap. I have a package of 500 (10 sheets of 50 stickers) that were only a few dollars.


When a new K&C or JJD, or what ever arrive, I simply take the 30 seconds to apply the sticker and write the product number on the bottom.

You are opening the box and marveling at your new toy so there is really no extra work. But it sure saves time when I move them around and put them into boxes until used again. Really helpful with the JJD Indians for example (RSF) I can never remember which horse goes with which rider. :rolleyes2:

Now easy!

--- LaRRy

 

[mikemiller1955]

Many office supply or stationary stores sell tiny /small stickers that you can purchase real cheap. I have a package of 500 (10 sheets of 50 stickers) that were only a few dollars.


When a new K&C or JJD, or what ever arrive, I simply take the 30 seconds to apply the sticker and write the product number on the bottom.

You are opening the box and marveling at your new toy so there is really no extra work. But it sure saves time when I move them around and put them into boxes until used again. Really helpful with the JJD Indians for example (RSF) I can never remember which horse goes with which rider. :rolleyes2:

Now easy!

--- LaRRy

I have tried that Larry...after a couple of years...some of those stickers are very hard to remove...then when you remove them...be careful not to use "Goo Gone" remover...as it will also remove the manufacturer's painted logo and sometimes the base's paint...I really regretted using them when it came time to sell them...did not work for me...

 

[katana]

Conte, Del Prado, WB and Figarti have the product number and date of manufacturer on the base of the figures. K&C have a line name and date. TCS has a set name and date. I always save the boxes as it increases the value of the set and provides safe storage.

Conte used to stamp the bottom of his bases with the product number...I think WB does it to some extent...unsure about that...

but I wish all manufacturers stamped the code number in the bottom...it would sure help the people who have large collections sort through the figures to match to boxes when necessary......

 

[Warrior]

Ok,

I hear you all loud and clear.:salute:: I shall keep the boxes. Now, how do I get rid of my wife’s large shoe collection to store more boxes? :rolleyes2:

Wait, my wife doesn’t collect shoes.

Seriously, thank you all for your thoughts. It’s why I like to post here on the forums.

Matthew

Matthew,
Just put Chris in charge of boxing all your figures up; he'll break 90% of them though, so there's that...…………………….

 

[Warrior]

Many office supply or stationary stores sell tiny /small stickers that you can purchase real cheap. I have a package of 500 (10 sheets of 50 stickers) that were only a few dollars.


When a new K&C or JJD, or what ever arrive, I simply take the 30 seconds to apply the sticker and write the product number on the bottom.

You are opening the box and marveling at your new toy so there is really no extra work. But it sure saves time when I move them around and put them into boxes until used again. Really helpful with the JJD Indians for example (RSF) I can never remember which horse goes with which rider. :rolleyes2:

Now easy!

--- LaRRy

When Larry first starting coming with me to shows, he'd come up to me with a figure and ask "What is the code and price?" and I'd rattle off "DD/WS/LAH/RSF/QB/ whatever, 49.00, 59.00, 41.00" as I knew the codes and prices by heart. He suggested I label all the figures as it would be easier for him rather than having to ask me all the time, so we did it, he is also the one who came up with the idea of putting all the DD/WS/LAH/JJD/TGM/FL figures in the same bins so it wouldn't take us and hour and a half to find the empty box for the figure...………….he's a Wyle E Coyote Super Genius that Larry...…………………………………...couldn't do the major shows without him.


Wouldn't want to either.



I'm very much looking forward to Chicago for a number of reasons, but mainly so I can hang around with him for a week.


Due to some recent events in the toy soldier industry, I am extra EXTRA motivated over Chicago this year; I'm going out there to kick *** and take zero prisoners, CANNOT wait to get there.

Aside from that, we've had some beyond hysterical moments the past 8 years, so many that I'm thinking of writing a book when I retire from the business, "The chronicles of a toy sodlier dealer"...………………..

 

[45thdiv]

George,

Chris drops my figures all the time. It’s why I have thick, soft carpet with a really think pad. Jenkins early French marching fall from his hands may times. Know he just jabs the bayonet into his fingernail and launches the figure as he moves his hand away in pain. I must say, Jenkins figures are build for heavy gaming use. You just have to come in from the side to pick them up.

 

[45thdiv]

I'm very much looking forward to Chicago for a number of reasons, but mainly so I can hang around with him for a week.


Due to some recent events in the toy soldier industry, I am extra EXTRA motivated over Chicago this year; I'm going out there to kick *** and take zero prisoners, CANNOT wait to get there.

Aside from that, we've had some beyond hysterical moments the past 8 years, so many that I'm thinking of writing a book when I retire from the business, "The chronicles of a toy sodlier dealer"...………………..

I want to do Chicago this year as well. I have some SUDAN Figures I want to sell, having never gone too deep in the range, they are just taking up space and I can use the money for the new stuff from John this year. Not sure if it is cost prohibitive to do a dealer room/table. I also have the two exclusive UK shows that he did a limited 100 figures for, one of a Sudan infantry based on the “Dads army” ww2 show on the BBC, but in his younger years, and the other is his Spanish Inqusition finger holding a toy Jenkins figure in his hand. They were neat so I got them, but really do not have room anymore.

Say, can you be on the look out for the ammo wagon and some draft horses for me, along with the tent set A&B at Chicago for me? If I find them before the show, I let you know.

Thanks,

 

[desk11desk12]

Fundamentally: Is your collection an "investment" or a "hobby"?

The easy answer is both; however if you don't have the space are you ready to spend capital to add onto your existing home or move into another larger home?

I sold off 70% of my collection a few years ago and since my collection has grown yet again.

I hate using up valuable space on boxes!!!! Did I say it loud enough?

It comes down to 2 choices:

1. Throw the boxes away and enjoy your collection today and save on the cost and hassle of storing boxes.
Downside: Expect a fractions of the original cost when you or your family attempt to sell them later.
This might not matter much (depending on your longevity), because the value of your collections may drop anyway due to waning interest in the hobby.

2. Keep the boxes in a safe place for future sales (especially in the near term) to maximize resell value .
This is a great option if you keep your collection in the near term, allowing you to "sell & buy" over & over again keeping your collection current with your changing tastes

I'm torn and yet I did through away some of my largest boxes knowing that I will never sell these items. I've kept boxes on the remaining collection.

Good luck,

Carlos

 

[Warrior]

George,

Chris drops my figures all the time. It’s why I have thick, soft carpet with a really think pad. Jenkins early French marching fall from his hands may times. Know he just jabs the bayonet into his fingernail and launches the figure as he moves his hand away in pain. I must say, Jenkins figures are build for heavy gaming use. You just have to come in from the side to pick them up.

I heard John hired him as a professional drop tester...…………..imagine him gaming with First Legion figures?...…………….

 

[Warrior]

I want to do Chicago this year as well. I have some SUDAN Figures I want to sell, having never gone too deep in the range, they are just taking up space and I can use the money for the new stuff from John this year. Not sure if it is cost prohibitive to do a dealer room/table. I also have the two exclusive UK shows that he did a limited 100 figures for, one of a Sudan infantry based on the “Dads army” ww2 show on the BBC, but in his younger years, and the other is his Spanish Inqusition finger holding a toy Jenkins figure in his hand. They were neat so I got them, but really do not have room anymore.

Say, can you be on the look out for the ammo wagon and some draft horses for me, along with the tent set A&B at Chicago for me? If I find them before the show, I let you know.

Thanks,

You can sell out of your room, a lot of people bring stuff to sell, open their room for periods of time to sell, then close it to go shopping. You can also get a table for the day of the show, they are not very expensive and you get a large number of buyers coming through during the show on Sunday.

If you are coming, you can do both, buy and sell, I highly recommend it. You can also bring any Conte or Barzo buildings, just come see me first...……………..………………….

 

[King Tiger II]

Well for me i put all my empty boxes in the attic. They are all inside big plastics boxes rectangular with lids.
So that the rats if there is one dont eat the paper boxes.

Also i do have around 15 planes from different manufacturers that sleeps in the attic all year round and last time i went to check the situation of each planes to see if any damage has been done from extreme cold and extreme hot. I was glad not one damage to report.
I live nesr Montreal and temperature can get as cold as -40 and to +40.

They have been in the attic since the last 3 years.

Serge :smile2: