Advice On Selling A Collection For A Tosogu Novice

[eternal_newbie]

Note to other members/moderators - I'm not sure if this is an acceptable thing to be posting here, so feel free to delete this if it's out of line and/or issue me a stern warning

 

In order to focus on my sword collection I'm looking to move my modest collection of Nara fittings, consisting of several sets of fuchi/kashira, kozuka and a couple of tsuba all sharing similar materials, craftsmanship and themes (mostly herons, kingfishers and reeds, although there's a turtle and a couple of bats hidden in there). I'd like some advice on the best way to go about doing this. In particular:

 

Method of selling - Do I try to sell them all as a single collection? Split them into smaller batches? List every single piece individually? Try to get them to an auction? eBay ?

 

Ballpark valuation - Obviously, I know what price I paid for the items, but as I'm not an expert on tosogu I don't really know what I can expect to get for them today, especially with the market being drastically different to the time when I started collecting. I'm not so much concerned with being underpaid as I am about wasting my time and that of potential buyers by setting an unreasonable figure.

 

I am, of course, willing to pay a consignment fee or related costs (e.g. better photography) for assistance in moving these items, especially as I'm living in a fairly remote part of the world as far as this hobby is concerned (Perth, Western Australia). And of course, anything sold via this board will result in a donation to Brian to help keep this wonderful resource and community alive for the benefit of future collectors.

 

I'm still working on getting my photography right as I'm even less experienced with photographing tosogu than I am with collecting/appraising them, but for now I've attached a couple of rough photos below to give an idea of what my collection is like.

 

Thank you for your time,

Rohan

 

Postscript: I also have a handful of fittings that don't match the theme of the collection below - those will be listed on NMB separately.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Rohan,

I think you have 2 options that make sense.  The 1st would be to sell each item individually by listing them someplace online.  Offering them in groups of 3 or 4 similar items probably won't help as collectors usually look for the one piece that grabs their eye, not a group.  Here on The Message Board, I think, would be best and ebay would be a distant 2nd.  Renting a shop on Tracadero or some such site might be an option also.  This will be a lot of work and probably will take a long time before everything is gone.

The 2nd option is to consign or sell in bulk to someone who has a physical store, who has a table at sword shows, and/or has a website.  This will be much easier for you and in the end may not be all that much different in the amount of money you get out of the collection (he will take a cut but but having the store or website will allow him to get better prices).  This person, if honest, will help with value also.

Selling a collection is very time consuming; best of luck.

Grey

[Geraint]

Dear Rohan,

 

"Where have all the herons gone, long time passing...."    (Sorry, couldn't resist.)  That's quite a collection.

 

For what it's worth here are some thoughts.

 

Sell the whole collection:  Quick but  a fairly narrow market apart from a dealer who might want to go for the whole lot in one go.

 

Ebay:  Not a seller myself but talking to contacts can be a bit of a minefield especially if you are not used to it.  World wide market though.  You have to take the photographs as for NMB

 

Auction:  Most auction houses here charge both a buyers and a sellers fee, 15% to 20% either side.  Result, you end up with 30% - 40% less.

 

Consignment:   Obviously there will be charges but you would at least be in the hands of someone who knows what they are doing.

 

NMB:  Direct contact with collectors, slightly more limited market, no fees though of course you mention a donation.

 

I have noticed that sometimes people offer something here and if it doesn't find a new home then send it to Ebay.

 

If you are in a hurry and don't mind the money then stick them all in an auction, you can always put a link here for us to have a look at.

 

If you are not in too much hurry then put them up here and see what happens.

 

Not sure if that isn't all stating the blindingly obvious or if it's any help.

 

All the best.

[Brian]

Individually...for best prices.
Here..(we can try auction if you like) or on consignment. Sometimes the dealers have an even bigger client base than here. Might be worthwhile to discuss it with a dealer such as Grey..see what sort of estimates you are getting.
Lots of nice looking stuff.

[GARY WORTHAM]

Greetings Rohan;

 

E-bay is for the bargain hunters, and to sell as an entire collection will get you a real under sell. You will loose big on your wonderful collection.

 

Why not fly you and your collection to the biggest show in the USA, in August, in San Francisco, and get a table to present your collection.

 

Here will be a lot of serious collectors, with money, and interested to see what they can add to their collection. Their site will tell you how to get a table.

 

The Northern California Japanese Sword Society has hosted this event for many years, and this year, 2017, will have a Shinsa by the NTHK, which will ensure a really big turn out.

 

You will not only be successful in your selling, but to meet and engage others at this event will be more than you can expect.

[SwordGuyJoe]

I second Gary's recommendation for your first option. Post whatever you don't sell here. I am sure that there are many collectors and dealers of tosogu here that would be happy to help you price your items fairly.

[kissakai]

Hi Rohan

I would suggest a table at a specialist Arms & Armour Fair

A big one close to me in the UK is every 3 months

I took my first table last month and it worked out great

I did try an Auction house but that was a disaster

 

 

Good luck

Grev

[eternal_newbie]

Thank you all for the very helpful advice. While flying over to the US and/or Europe for a show certainly sounds like a grand adventure, my remote location and full-time work commitments mean that it would end up costing me the price of a decent sword, if you factor in accommodation and missed income. Therefore, I have decided to first get in touch with Grey to see what my options are regarding consignment or bulk sale before I make a final decision.

 

Regards,

Rohan

[md02geist]

I would think piece by piece on the board would work the best. Make like a thread with all the f/k for instance with labelled prices.

[Greg F]

I would just like to say to any members thinking of buying from Rohan in the future that from my experience dealing with that it couldnt have been better. He was great with price, communicating and the item was packed very well and was as good as or even better than described. Thanks Rohan and thanks Brian for Nmb. All the best.

 

Greg

[eternal_newbie]

Hello all,

 

Grey has now begun listing the items on his website and will be offering them at the Chicago show.

 

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/22320-nara-tosogu-collection-for-sale/

 

Thanks,

Rohan