When we are dead and gone! - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Andy Day · 9th Mar 2006, 8:55 pm

Sitting here in my shack with a can of beer, looking at the rows of radios on the shelves, I wonder what will happen to them all when our generation through death and decrepitude is forced to give them up.

The demographics of the people who contribute to this web site indicate the majority of us are approaching middle age, I suspect the truth is that a greater number are not computer literate and couldn't contribute to a discussion forum anyway. Which will place the age of people owning old radios substantially higher.

There can't be enough museums to accept all these finely restored pieces, I wonder if ultimately all our carefully restored treasures will end up on the scrapheap anyway. I also restore old motorcycles and have a horrible feeling that eventually there will be more old tat restored than the market will accept in that field as well. Perhaps the answer is to move your restorations on while you have the opportunity!

ppppenguin · 9th Mar 2006, 9:11 pm

We've covered this subject before, albeit with a different slant (mainly to do with wills) though I can't find the thread at present.

I don't think we need be too pessimistic with youngsters like Sam and Adi around.

dazzlevision · 9th Mar 2006, 9:43 pm

Hello,

I also think that our collections will find homes with younger collectors/enthusiasts, when we are too senile to care!

What I have done (without being too morbid, I hope), is to compile a detailed list of what I have, and what I think it's worth.

This is to help my other half to dispose of it when the time comes and gain some financial benefit from it - which may be helpful.

I think it's a good idea to have a complete list of what we have anyway. Sometimes we forget items lurking in cupboards or the loft!

Regards,

Dazzlevision

maxwell · 9th Mar 2006, 10:57 pm

Hello all.

My son has already said that he is going to “get rid” of all my radios on Ebay! Most people interested in this technology are from a generation that have been brought up with the manufacture repair and use of these artefacts. Unfortunately, in this age where the powers that be are looking after us, and all electrical equipment is imported, is no longer repaired and no one seems to be interested in how things work, I can see a future where our collections become a burden on future generations and have to be disposed as hazardous materials.
I’m afraid I agree with Andy, the future doesn’t look too good.

Max.

tvden · 9th Mar 2006, 11:18 pm

Hi all I agree with all that has been said, I have two sons who dont want to know about my hobby of radios and televisions, so I expect all my stuff will end up on Ebay

what a shame deverstated

mikelect · 9th Mar 2006, 11:30 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Day

Sitting here in my shack with a can of beer, looking at the rows of radios on the shelves, I wonder what will happen to them all when our generation through death and decrepitude is forced to give them up.

Strikes me drinking beer alone makes you morbid

Mike

Paul Stenning · 9th Mar 2006, 11:47 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ppppenguin

We've covered this subject before, albeit with a different slant (mainly to do with wills) though I can't find the thread at present.

It's here https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ead.php?t=7330

Biggles · 10th Mar 2006, 4:28 pm

I did a "stock take" a while ago when having a reorganisation (long overdue tidy up) in my workshop, and made notes of type, serial number, and date I acquired the set where available. This was partly for insurance purposes (I know, vainly optimistic that insurance companies would consider them to be of any value) and also as a running record of my hobby. Also I find the list to be useful if any one asks about parts wanted etc. It took me quite a while though, but I uncovered stuff that I had forgotten all about. It's difficult not to be side-tracked while rummaging through old boxes. Now what could I make that into?

Biggles

ianj · 13th Mar 2006, 11:14 am

just enjoy them while you have them--its a hobby....................some will always survive---either on ebay to a new home, or of interest to someone else...........................I think it will be sets like Noble, Etronic, etc. that will vanish................................ianj

radio edgar · 13th Mar 2006, 6:33 pm

Rather a morbid subject, but one I suppose will have to be addressed someday.

As for myself my 11 year old son is obsessed with radio's and valves.
He can already solder pretty well and he is learning to identify the different parts of a wireless.

He has already laid claim to my collection, (a bit premature I hope) so I know that mine at least will live on when I have passed my sell by date.
So there is hope all we have to do is encourage some more younger ones to get bitten by the bug.

My wife howerver would happily put the lot in a skip tommorow

she calls them dusty smelly things and she cannot understand our liking of them.
I suppose this is a common thing in our hobby, as I suspect is

!!
Regsrds
Paul.

Heatercathodeshort · 13th Mar 2006, 8:19 pm

Hello,
Don't have any illusions. Most of our collections will be disposed of at the earliest opportunity after we have passed to TV heaven. Ebay will have a field day and I suspect a large quantity will leave this Island. All people think of today is HOLIDAYS and where the next planet polluting air fair will come from. I saw this many many times in business over 40 years, the tears soon dry up when they discover what Grannies bungalow is worth.
Enjoy your collections, they will not provide you with a pension and if they did I'm sure the government would rob you of it by means of some vile tax.....
Anyway what does it matter in the end? Museums are not interested unless the items are accompanied by a large cash addition that will cover their 'expenses'. The world is awash with old radio's. Enjoy aquiring them, repairing them and swopping items with other ENTHUSIASTS. Leave the lot to the BVWS if you really want them to go to other ENTHUSIASTS rather than greedy antique dealers....Enjoy your drink...I might have one myself. Regards John.

JoshWard · 13th Mar 2006, 8:41 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heatercathodeshort

Hello,
rather than greedy antique dealers

Careful, I want to be an antiques dealer...................

Courtney Louise · 13th Mar 2006, 11:34 pm

I grew up with this stuff all around me. My first dansette when I was 5 and then My first BSR deck with my dads old homebuilt KT88 ampthen a really close friend of the family was an Electrical nutcase and when he passed away (I miss you Barry) quite a bit of his collection came to Me. So I already have My dads to come and Barry's and of course all the stuff I have collected...

Now, having kids to leave this stuff to needs a wife correct?

Wanted : one mad as a hatter woaon who can live with 50+ radios and other assorted junk... hahaha

Andi

Heatercathodeshort · 14th Mar 2006, 9:49 am

Hello Josh,
Great...Just so long as you dont start dealing in radio's Josh..[Now I have this darling little Catalin...] Oh no! CATS again! Nothing personal of course Josh but I'm sure you know where I'm going.Happy days ! John.

Drifton · 14th Mar 2006, 12:51 pm

My son and daughter have an in-joke that when we bring home something of any worth… radios, clocks, gramophones, a stack of 78’s, etc… they immediately decide who’s going to have it when we’re gone. They have three ways the items can go; His... Hers... Skips. It’s done in good humour though.

But then, their favourite TV ad’ is that John Smiths one where the son (Peter Kay) unplugs the mothers vac’ saying. “Come on ma, your off to the old folks home… I want your room to put a snooker table in and anyway your beard frightens the kids… ”.

So maybe I should be worried!

Dave.

murphymad · 14th Mar 2006, 3:02 pm

There are a few options to those left behind when the radio collector's filament has glowed it's last glow...

1) The family can keep the lot and do nothing with it.
(This does happen.)

2) The family can auction the lot at either a vintage radio auction or local auction house.
(The local Auction house is probably not a good idea for good items, as they will fetch a lower price than at a specialist auction and the owners will have to give most of it away in fees! Happens a lot!)

3) The family could Ebay it all.
(Well if it's a big pile of sets and parts, best of luck to them if they have the endless hours to list each radio, valve, capacitor etc. Pay the listing fees and then have the commission taken as well. You wonder, unless you have something that is worth over £50 when you get the final amount, is it really worth the time?)

4) The family could contact a specialist auctioneer.
(There are at least two organisations who hold regular auction events, let them deal with it for a single fee which is used to keep the organisation going because it's run by volunteers. That way they get the best audience for the sale and a fair price for the items without the hassle of the above options.)

5) Call a vintage radio dealer in.
(They are trying to make a living...)

6) Donate the entire lot to a Museum.
(not just any museum with no space, who worry about how much it will cost them in storage and go through ten sets of paperwork before they accept just a few of the items you want to dispose of and say sorry your problem to the rest. They would probably end up on a shelf, never to be seen again as they can't afford to get them out for display.)

If this is your prefered route, donate your items to The Vintage Wireless and Television Museum, Dulwich London.
This way they will be put to good use in either being displayed, sold for museum funds, found more approriate homes with other collectors etc.
They won't get dumped and they will have a future either at the Museum or with other collectors.
After all, the reason we collect things is to preserve our Wireless and Television history and that we enjoy having them. This way you can continue what you started.

Make sure your family know what you want done with things and get it down on paper (your will) to ensure that it happens..
There is no time like now, so rather than leaving a problem for those left behind, make the decision for them and it is easier for everyone.

Mike...

THE BAKELITEMAN · 14th Mar 2006, 3:04 pm

As my collection diverses into all things bakelite, with I must admit a more than passing interest in bakelite radios, my children know there's a market for desirable sets and indeed other items of bakelite and I'm sure will take advantage of raising a bit of dosh for whatever by the avenues open at the time. I would not begrudge them one penny to be honest and with my incessant drooling, raving and excitement at certain sets, know what to keep hold of !!:

a poem by my daughter a few years ago sums it up for me guys !!

This is the story of Jools my dad,
the bakelite man we first thought was sad.
Everything started in a shop in Shaw
a mystery object in the shop he saw.
Brown, a funny shape and only 50p
a bargain buy what could it be?

The " tiemaster " made us all grin,
even though my mum thought it
belonged in the bin !!
And as a result of this amazing find
followed more and more of a
different kind.

All colours of the rainbow
red green and blue,
and a mottled variety that
looks like bird pooh !
Cameras, bracelets and
eighteen radios...
and that thing in the corner?
Nobody knows !!

Now every Sunday dad gets in the car
and looks for bargains
near and afar.
Apparently the test is scratch and smell,
but you have to have the eye
for it as well.

And when people tell him " It's Bakelite You Know"
My dad just looks surprised
and says "oh"
Now everyone wants him, twice on TV
and Homes and Antiques mag
for the BBC.

The collection keeps growing
much to mum's dismay,
but I just want to take this
opportunity to say....
Keep collecting Bakelite man
your son and daughter are
your biggest fans.

And when you leave us all your wares
we will sell it all
and become millionaires !!!!!!!!!

He Hee!!

Steve_P · 14th Mar 2006, 3:44 pm

I showed this to my G/F who said 'I like that' with a grin and wandered off.

Still, with a stroke and a Kidney Transplant, I may not have much left on this earth.

She knows the rules:

1) Her, Mikey Bennett, Dave Hazell, Andy Emmerson, Everybody Else.
2) Rest to the BVWS - Some for the musuem, some for Auction.

Some things are of Sentimental Value.... Three are in here now as I speak.

Savings similarly.

Steve P.

John Bartley · 15th Mar 2006, 5:42 pm

Anticipating a move in a few years to a place in the country where we will retire, I am cleaning up, throwing out, giving away and selling a few things. I plan to take about 15-20 sets with me when we move, all reasonably decent sets. I am also carefully putting away the parts that will allow me to tinker at homebrewing tube sets during my retirement. I don't have a lot of valuable sets, but one which will be given to a museum at my death is a Marconi CSR2 set, rack mount, complete with power supply and speaker, all from 1937. It was a gift to me and as I've never seen another one, it's the only set I have that I would treat specially. All the rest are commonplace.

cheers

stephanie · 15th Mar 2006, 7:29 pm

If I kick the bucket before my husband does....he's gonna have a ball dumping all my junk.

9th Mar 2006, 8:55 pm	#1
Andy Day Pentode Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK. Posts: 154	When we are dead and gone! Sitting here in my shack with a can of beer, looking at the rows of radios on the shelves, I wonder what will happen to them all when our generation through death and decrepitude is forced to give them up. The demographics of the people who contribute to this web site indicate the majority of us are approaching middle age, I suspect the truth is that a greater number are not computer literate and couldn't contribute to a discussion forum anyway. Which will place the age of people owning old radios substantially higher. There can't be enough museums to accept all these finely restored pieces, I wonder if ultimately all our carefully restored treasures will end up on the scrapheap anyway. I also restore old motorcycles and have a horrible feeling that eventually there will be more old tat restored than the market will accept in that field as well. Perhaps the answer is to move your restorations on while you have the opportunity! __________________ The older I get, the faster I was!

9th Mar 2006, 9:11 pm	#2
ppppenguin Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: North London, UK. Posts: 6,168	Re: When we are dead and gone! We've covered this subject before, albeit with a different slant (mainly to do with wills) though I can't find the thread at present. I don't think we need be too pessimistic with youngsters like Sam and Adi around.

9th Mar 2006, 9:43 pm	#3
dazzlevision Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Near Swindon, North Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 3,611	Re: When we are dead and gone! Hello, I also think that our collections will find homes with younger collectors/enthusiasts, when we are too senile to care! What I have done (without being too morbid, I hope), is to compile a detailed list of what I have, and what I think it's worth. This is to help my other half to dispose of it when the time comes and gain some financial benefit from it - which may be helpful. I think it's a good idea to have a complete list of what we have anyway. Sometimes we forget items lurking in cupboards or the loft! Regards, Dazzlevision

9th Mar 2006, 10:57 pm	#4
maxwell Triode Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: St Albans, Hertfordshire, UK. Posts: 31	Re: When we are dead and gone! Hello all. My son has already said that he is going to “get rid” of all my radios on Ebay! Most people interested in this technology are from a generation that have been brought up with the manufacture repair and use of these artefacts. Unfortunately, in this age where the powers that be are looking after us, and all electrical equipment is imported, is no longer repaired and no one seems to be interested in how things work, I can see a future where our collections become a burden on future generations and have to be disposed as hazardous materials. I’m afraid I agree with Andy, the future doesn’t look too good. Max.

9th Mar 2006, 11:18 pm	#5
tvden Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Halesworth, Suffolk, UK. Posts: 413	Re: When we are dead and gone! Hi all I agree with all that has been said, I have two sons who dont want to know about my hobby of radios and televisions, so I expect all my stuff will end up on Ebay what a shame deverstated

10th Mar 2006, 4:28 pm	#8
Biggles Rest in Peace Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Hexham, Northumberland, UK. Posts: 2,234	Re: When we are dead and gone! I did a "stock take" a while ago when having a reorganisation (long overdue tidy up) in my workshop, and made notes of type, serial number, and date I acquired the set where available. This was partly for insurance purposes (I know, vainly optimistic that insurance companies would consider them to be of any value) and also as a running record of my hobby. Also I find the list to be useful if any one asks about parts wanted etc. It took me quite a while though, but I uncovered stuff that I had forgotten all about. It's difficult not to be side-tracked while rummaging through old boxes. Now what could I make that into? Biggles

13th Mar 2006, 11:14 am	#9
ianj Heptode Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Cheltenham Spa, Gloucestershire, UK. Posts: 525	Re: When we are dead and gone! just enjoy them while you have them--its a hobby....................some will always survive---either on ebay to a new home, or of interest to someone else...........................I think it will be sets like Noble, Etronic, etc. that will vanish................................ianj

13th Mar 2006, 6:33 pm	#10
radio edgar Pentode Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Grimsby, Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 133	Re: When we are dead and gone! Rather a morbid subject, but one I suppose will have to be addressed someday. As for myself my 11 year old son is obsessed with radio's and valves. He can already solder pretty well and he is learning to identify the different parts of a wireless. He has already laid claim to my collection, (a bit premature I hope) so I know that mine at least will live on when I have passed my sell by date. So there is hope all we have to do is encourage some more younger ones to get bitten by the bug. My wife howerver would happily put the lot in a skip tommorow she calls them dusty smelly things and she cannot understand our liking of them. I suppose this is a common thing in our hobby, as I suspect is !! Regsrds Paul.

13th Mar 2006, 8:19 pm	#11
Heatercathodeshort Dekatron Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Warnham, West Sussex. 10 miles south of DORKING. Posts: 9,147	Re: When we are dead and gone! Hello, Don't have any illusions. Most of our collections will be disposed of at the earliest opportunity after we have passed to TV heaven. Ebay will have a field day and I suspect a large quantity will leave this Island. All people think of today is HOLIDAYS and where the next planet polluting air fair will come from. I saw this many many times in business over 40 years, the tears soon dry up when they discover what Grannies bungalow is worth. Enjoy your collections, they will not provide you with a pension and if they did I'm sure the government would rob you of it by means of some vile tax..... Anyway what does it matter in the end? Museums are not interested unless the items are accompanied by a large cash addition that will cover their 'expenses'. The world is awash with old radio's. Enjoy aquiring them, repairing them and swopping items with other ENTHUSIASTS. Leave the lot to the BVWS if you really want them to go to other ENTHUSIASTS rather than greedy antique dealers....Enjoy your drink...I might have one myself. Regards John.

13th Mar 2006, 11:34 pm	#13
Courtney Louise Octode Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Welshpool, Powys, Wales Posts: 1,327	Re: When we are dead and gone! I grew up with this stuff all around me. My first dansette when I was 5 and then My first BSR deck with my dads old homebuilt KT88 ampthen a really close friend of the family was an Electrical nutcase and when he passed away (I miss you Barry) quite a bit of his collection came to Me. So I already have My dads to come and Barry's and of course all the stuff I have collected... Now, having kids to leave this stuff to needs a wife correct? Wanted : one mad as a hatter woaon who can live with 50+ radios and other assorted junk... hahaha Andi __________________ *33, 45, 78, around and around they go...*

14th Mar 2006, 9:49 am	#14
Heatercathodeshort Dekatron Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Warnham, West Sussex. 10 miles south of DORKING. Posts: 9,147	Re: When we are dead and gone! Hello Josh, Great...Just so long as you dont start dealing in radio's Josh..[Now I have this darling little Catalin...] Oh no! CATS again! Nothing personal of course Josh but I'm sure you know where I'm going.Happy days ! John.

14th Mar 2006, 12:51 pm	#15
Drifton Pentode Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Cambridge... in that country formally know as 'Great Britain' Posts: 54	Re: When we are dead and gone! My son and daughter have an in-joke that when we bring home something of any worth… radios, clocks, gramophones, a stack of 78’s, etc… they immediately decide who’s going to have it when we’re gone. They have three ways the items can go; His... Hers... Skips. It’s done in good humour though. But then, their favourite TV ad’ is that John Smiths one where the son (Peter Kay) unplugs the mothers vac’ saying. “Come on ma, your off to the old folks home… I want your room to put a snooker table in and anyway your beard frightens the kids… ”. So maybe I should be worried! Dave. __________________ "Ah! The news".CLICK-nothing-nothing-still nothing-"whistle-zzz...and now for the weather”. "Hmph"!

14th Mar 2006, 3:02 pm	#16
murphymad Heptode Join Date: May 2003 Location: Devizes, Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 650	Re: When we are dead and gone! There are a few options to those left behind when the radio collector's filament has glowed it's last glow... 1) The family can keep the lot and do nothing with it. (This does happen.) 2) The family can auction the lot at either a vintage radio auction or local auction house. (The local Auction house is probably not a good idea for good items, as they will fetch a lower price than at a specialist auction and the owners will have to give most of it away in fees! Happens a lot!) 3) The family could Ebay it all. (Well if it's a big pile of sets and parts, best of luck to them if they have the endless hours to list each radio, valve, capacitor etc. Pay the listing fees and then have the commission taken as well. You wonder, unless you have something that is worth over £50 when you get the final amount, is it really worth the time?) 4) The family could contact a specialist auctioneer. (There are at least two organisations who hold regular auction events, let them deal with it for a single fee which is used to keep the organisation going because it's run by volunteers. That way they get the best audience for the sale and a fair price for the items without the hassle of the above options.) 5) Call a vintage radio dealer in. (They are trying to make a living...) 6) Donate the entire lot to a Museum. (not just any museum with no space, who worry about how much it will cost them in storage and go through ten sets of paperwork before they accept just a few of the items you want to dispose of and say sorry your problem to the rest. They would probably end up on a shelf, never to be seen again as they can't afford to get them out for display.) If this is your prefered route, donate your items to The Vintage Wireless and Television Museum, Dulwich London. This way they will be put to good use in either being displayed, sold for museum funds, found more approriate homes with other collectors etc. They won't get dumped and they will have a future either at the Museum or with other collectors. After all, the reason we collect things is to preserve our Wireless and Television history and that we enjoy having them. This way you can continue what you started. Make sure your family know what you want done with things and get it down on paper (your will) to ensure that it happens.. There is no time like now, so rather than leaving a problem for those left behind, make the decision for them and it is easier for everyone. Mike... __________________ Mike Barker.

14th Mar 2006, 3:04 pm	#17
THE BAKELITEMAN Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: North West of England Posts: 16	Re: When we are dead and gone! As my collection diverses into all things bakelite, with I must admit a more than passing interest in bakelite radios, my children know there's a market for desirable sets and indeed other items of bakelite and I'm sure will take advantage of raising a bit of dosh for whatever by the avenues open at the time. I would not begrudge them one penny to be honest and with my incessant drooling, raving and excitement at certain sets, know what to keep hold of !!: a poem by my daughter a few years ago sums it up for me guys !! This is the story of Jools my dad, the bakelite man we first thought was sad. Everything started in a shop in Shaw a mystery object in the shop he saw. Brown, a funny shape and only 50p a bargain buy what could it be? The " tiemaster " made us all grin, even though my mum thought it belonged in the bin !! And as a result of this amazing find followed more and more of a different kind. All colours of the rainbow red green and blue, and a mottled variety that looks like bird pooh ! Cameras, bracelets and eighteen radios... and that thing in the corner? Nobody knows !! Now every Sunday dad gets in the car and looks for bargains near and afar. Apparently the test is scratch and smell, but you have to have the eye for it as well. And when people tell him " It's Bakelite You Know" My dad just looks surprised and says "oh" Now everyone wants him, twice on TV and Homes and Antiques mag for the BBC. The collection keeps growing much to mum's dismay, but I just want to take this opportunity to say.... Keep collecting Bakelite man your son and daughter are your biggest fans. And when you leave us all your wares we will sell it all and become millionaires !!!!!!!!! He Hee!!

14th Mar 2006, 3:44 pm	#18
Steve_P Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Bolton, Greater Manchester, UK. Posts: 6,644	Re: When we are dead and gone! I showed this to my G/F who said 'I like that' with a grin and wandered off. Still, with a stroke and a Kidney Transplant, I may not have much left on this earth. She knows the rules: 1) Her, Mikey Bennett, Dave Hazell, Andy Emmerson, Everybody Else. 2) Rest to the BVWS - Some for the musuem, some for Auction. Some things are of Sentimental Value.... Three are in here now as I speak. Savings similarly. Steve P. __________________ If we've always had it, why is the Car Boot open? You're not sneaking another Old TV in are you...?

15th Mar 2006, 5:42 pm	#19
John Bartley Diode Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Monteith, Ontario, Canada Posts: 6	Re: When we are dead and gone! Anticipating a move in a few years to a place in the country where we will retire, I am cleaning up, throwing out, giving away and selling a few things. I plan to take about 15-20 sets with me when we move, all reasonably decent sets. I am also carefully putting away the parts that will allow me to tinker at homebrewing tube sets during my retirement. I don't have a lot of valuable sets, but one which will be given to a museum at my death is a Marconi CSR2 set, rack mount, complete with power supply and speaker, all from 1937. It was a gift to me and as I've never seen another one, it's the only set I have that I would treat specially. All the rest are commonplace. cheers

15th Mar 2006, 7:29 pm	#20
stephanie Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: New Bern, North Carolina, USA Posts: 346	Re: When we are dead and gone! If I kick the bucket before my husband does....he's gonna have a ball dumping all my junk.