Looking for advice

ORCA Online Forum - Feel free to talk or ask about ALL kinds of old tackle here, with an emphasis on old reels!
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40fordflathead
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Looking for advice

Post by 40fordflathead »

I have a friend that is trying to help a widow. His friend passed this year leaving his wife with a high end collection of antique fly rods, reels, etc. I think it is mainly English names like Hardy, Farlow, W.J. Cummins, Wells & Wells, Gamage, Manton of Calcutta, Robertson of Glasgow, Milwards, Westley Richards, Eaton & Deller, etc. I am trying to get information as the best way to sell this collection. My thought is to make it as easy as possible for the widow, Lang’s came to mind. I would like the collection for my reel room but I think it is out of my budget. I am sure that this group could weigh in with some good advice. I have a small list of some of the poles but am unable to post, it is 3.4 MB and I do not have the talent to resize. I don’t have any luck getting messages thru the ORCA pm or email system so it you send me something that way I most likely will not get it. Thank you for your time.
Bruce Harlan
wrong99
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Re: Looking for advise

Post by wrong99 »

A lot would depend on the condition of the items. The rods don't have that big of following in this country and can be tough to sell unless they are in choice condition. Reels have a better following here. Even running them through eBay wouldn't bring near the money that you might get at an auction in the UK. I don't recall Lang's selling a lot of this stuff, but I could very well be wrong. The rods are a tough sell.
Mark
40fordflathead
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Re: Looking for advice

Post by 40fordflathead »

Mark, thank you for your input. I have been told but have not seen with my eyes yet that it is a pretty amazing collection.
Bruce Harlan
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Mike N
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Re: Looking for advice

Post by Mike N »

Sounds to me like those reels would sell best to a British/European audience.

I sent Stef Duma a link to this thread and hopefully he will chime in.

Here is a link to Stef’s website in the UK: https://www.antiquetackleobserver.com/2 ... ing-reels/

Mike N
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40fordflathead
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Re: Looking for advice

Post by 40fordflathead »

Mike, thank you for your input.
Bruce Harlan
Stef Duma
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Re: Looking for advice

Post by Stef Duma »

Thank you very much Mike.

There are two specialist auction houses in the UK, Angling Auctions and Mullock's with both offering on line bidding.
There is also a glut of tackle coming to the market with both auctions having lots of items lined up for next year. A list of the reels with images would be good and I would be more than please to help evaluate them and advise on the disposal.

We have some major collections being auctioned at the moment and some items making spectacular prices, but we also have lots of run of the mill items being snapped up at bargain prices.

Like I said I am more than happy to help.

Stef
Retropeche
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Re: Looking for advice

Post by Retropeche »

The problem with using a UK auction house is that the cost of shipping and import duty will negate any increase in the selling price. Also, these companies charge commission on the sale price. Unless you can accurately catalogue the collection nobody can give you a meaningful answer. Some of the items may be worth the consideration of shipping to a UK auction house, others will do better at home. There is no point paying shipping and import duties on the latter items.

Just to add: another option for the British made items is to sell directly to a retailer specialising in vintage fishing tackle. Thomas Turner buys collections, there are others. But, until the collection is catalogued yiu cannot really proceed very far.
Regards, Clive

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and cast to fish nobody knows
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RonG
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Re: Looking for advice

Post by RonG »

Here's a list of Bruce's Rods.

40fordflathead
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Re: Looking for advice

Post by 40fordflathead »

Stef, thank you for your input. I am working on getting more info and will be in touch.
Bruce Harlan
40fordflathead
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Re: Looking for advice

Post by 40fordflathead »

Clive, thank you that great input definitely something to consider.
Bruce Harlan
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Re: Looking for advice

Post by Retropeche »

Unfortunately the cataloguing will need to need to be far more detailed. The buyers will look for make and model, length, number of sections including spare tips, general condition of the cane, ferrules, guides and wrappings, handle and reel ssat. Also whether an original or other bag is included.

There are some nice, saleable rods in the collection that would probably realise a higher price in UK specialist auction house or retailer. That would have to be weighed off against cost of getting them there. The greenheart salmon rods would probably not be worth sending, but a specialist like Thomas Turner would be my first point of contact for advice.
Regards, Clive

"I tread the paths where no one goes
and cast to fish nobody knows
"
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