Selling valve radios.

[DOUGLAS66]

Hi all I have inherited a large collection of vintage radios, testing equipment and boxes of valves, I am looking to sell everything. Would appreciate any info on the best way forward, cheers

['LIVEWIRE?']

Perhaps the best way is to list things on eBay or other similar on-line auction sites. You can list items in the Sets, Parts, and service information offered' section of the forum, but please bear in mind that, unless you are asking for donations to charities in return for items offered, the forum rules state that a fixed price must be asked for each item. It would be a good idea if you posted pictures on the forum so that members could advise you as to what individual items are, and the likely value of them.

[high_vacuum_house]

Good morning,
General pictures can tell a thousand words! It entirely depends on what you have and condition as to what you could get for an item. A 50’s LW/MW wooden table set might not get more than £5-10 but an art-deco 30’s set in good condition may be worth several hundred pounds. Valve radio sets don’t usually go well in the postal system unless very well packed. I see you are in Dorset which doesn’t help if it is collection only.

My best bet and probably the best outcome in this case would be to have a word with the BVWS auctions team who can offer an excellent service, possibly collect in a van, identify catalogue and photograph items where required and the auctions are all attended by vintage radio enthusiasts and so normally items fetch a decent realistic price and postage/transportation is not usually an issue Their Wooton Basset auction would be most convenient for you. The commission they make goes towards the vintage radio museum in Dulwich. I have used their service to dispose of a number of items and find it a well run and professional service.

Christopher Capener

[Richard]

Hi

As suggested Ebay works well, if you have got the time to photograph, pack, work out delivery costs, often overseas, answer questions (many from people who never bid), sort out delivery etc etc, this all takes a lot of time.

You can list the whole lot in one go, or at least large lots, collection only, this is easier but will considerably reduce what you get ££


We need some pictures to guide you further.

Richard

[Ed_Dinning]

Hi, depending on condition both electrically and cosmetically the sets may be worth a lot or quite a small amount.
Please DO NOT connect to the power to see if they work as this could cause expensive damage, unless you are familiar with these sets.
You may get more for the sets on ebay, but the smaller items, spares, books, tools etc will sell well on this site if accompanied with a picture. We are always looking for oddball spares here! Parts such as these will post well, however the larger items will need very careful packaging if they are to survive the postal / courier services.

You could even start repairing them yourself (with forum guidance) and start a new hobby !

Ed

[Paul_RK]

It could be worth your while to approach a local auction house and see if they're interested, particularly if there's one within range which caters to collectors of various kinds. Depending how large the collection is they might even care to devote a whole sale to it, as auctioneers in Newcastle ever so nearly did for me recently when I needed to clear 300 or so radios and related items before a house move. I was well contented with the proceeds even after the practical problems involved for me in physically separating the half of my collection that was to move with me from the half that was for selling had required the auctioneers to make five successive collection visits. eBay is tolerable for smaller items if you're willing to devote substantial amounts of time to it, but more of a challenge if you don't have personal knowledge of the items you're selling, and radios too large to send often sell very cheaply if at all.

Paul

[Murphy Maniac]

There is an organisation run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts called "Radiophile" who will help dispose of your collection by auction. A much nicer way of disposing of what will have been a valued collection, knowing that they are going to good homes rather than speculators on sites such as EBay.

[Pamphonica]

Originally Posted by high_vacuum_house

Good morning,
My best bet and probably the best outcome in this case would be to have a word with the BVWS auctions team who can offer an excellent service, possibly collect in a van, identify catalogue and photograph items where required and the auctions are all attended by vintage radio enthusiasts and so normally items fetch a decent realistic price and postage/transportation is not usually an issue Their Wooton Basset auction would be most convenient for you. The commission they make goes towards the vintage radio museum in Dulwich. I have used their service to dispose of a number of items and find it a well run and professional service.

Christopher Capener

I would certainly second this suggestion, to use the BVWS Auction at Royal Wootton Bassett. Mike Barker and his team have helped with two large disposals I have been involved in and were very professional and helpful.
-Jeremy

[Radio Wrangler]

Whichever way you choose to go, take a lot of photos and post them on here. You can attach a max of 5 photos to each posting,so use multiple postings, but the postings can be in the same thread.

People here can then identify the things for you and tell you what range of prices each would typically fetch.

This can save you some effort by weeding out anything not worth taking trouble over, and it may protect you from any chancer telling you that something of real value was otherwise.

If you choose to put something on an internet auction site, then you would be able to decide on a sensible reserve if appropriate.

If you choose to offer things on here, then you can pick suitable prices to keep the forum rules happy, and give the right model numbers so interested folk can spot it.

If you choose to consult an auction house, then going in with a list of items is a great start.

They don't need to be prize-winning photos, just good enough for an ID.

Oh, and welcome!

David

[Cobaltblue]

There are several BVWS and forum members in Dorset who will be able to give you an idea of what has value and likely to be of interest to collectors.

Then you can take the most appropriate route Ebay BVWS Radiophile or local Auction.

Cheers

Mike T

[Julianh]

Post Pictures up here, that way you're appealing to the very people who would want them.

Remember to get some photos looking inside them, but without opening the backs

[crackle]

Originally Posted by Julianh

Remember to get some photos looking inside them, but without opening the backs

If you want to take a photo of the inside to show how if it is all there and complete, it is best to REMOVE the BACK panel.

Mike

[AC/HL]

That puzzled me too, but the important thing is to replace it afterwards with all it's fixings. Many wanted posts here are for itinerant back panels.

[crackle]

Originally Posted by Murphy Maniac

There is an organisation run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts called "Radiophile" who will help dispose of your collection by auction. A much nicer way of disposing of what will have been a valued collection, knowing that they are going to good homes rather than speculators on sites such as EBay.

I think there are some misconceptions here. Selling at specialist vintage radio rallies will not always bring you the best prices. I can't speak for Radiophile rallies but I do attend many BVWS auctions.

Because the prices are often very low they attract not only the genuine collector but also people in the business of buying and selling radios for profit. These people in the "business" of buying and selling are far less likely to buy a radio from Ebay as the competition on there is so much more and the prices have already fetched the maximum they are likely to.
So my recommendation would be to sell on Ebay if you are prepared to do a little work to get the best price.
Mike

[greenstar]

The problem is if you have limited time. I imagine the OP does not want to spend the next few months researching, describing, listing , packing and posting a large number of radios, plus parts, etc. I have sold one or two sets on ebay, and with any but the smallest it is quite a mission. Finding the right sized box and packing a single set properly can be a headache, and on top of that is the risk of damage. For a large collection I would think an auction by far the most cost effective route, if you value your time at all. I don't think there is anything wrong with selling on ebay, but with respect Mike, it's more than a little work.
Tony

[Radio Wrangler]

Nothing further has been heard from the original poster. He may have lost interest.

David

[David G4EBT]

Originally Posted by Radio Wrangler

Nothing further has been heard from the original poster. He may have lost interest.

David

He viewed the forum at 1.40pm yesterday, albeit he's yet to respond to the thread.