More on disposition of radio collections - reflections from a semi-old collector

Mon Apr 3 11:57:49 EDT 2006

My 2 cents worth on the disposition of old radios (Please, not radio's-no
apostrophe to make plural!).

I do keep a somewhat up to date list of my collection of about 75 major and
(mostly) minor pieces of gear.  And my brother, a "reformed" ham, has it,
along with condx and approx. value. But if a lot of it goes for less than
value, then so be it.  I have bought a number of estates at far less than
value because the survivors wanted it all out before selling a house, did
not have time or energy or knowledge to deal with it.  As this is a sideline
business with me, I'm entitled to a reasonable profit for the cleaning,
evaluating, fixing, and the expenses and time involved with the sale.  The
fact that I have bought these items reasonably means that other collectors
can enjoy them reasonably into the future.  If my situation is similar to
others, I would guess that the value of most of our collections, even at top
ebay prices, is a small fraction of the value of our estates.  If my family
realizes a couple of thousand less in total and someone is willing to carry
all of it away at a lesser price, I'm sure my family would be happier,
rather than trying to deal with dozens of individual items, not to mention
thousands of small parts.  It's worth it to me to have someone enjoy them,
as I have, at a reasonable price.  If your family is counting on the value
of your old boatanchors for their support after you have shuffled off this
mortal (tank?) coil, then buy more life insurance!

In my never to be humble opinion.

I enjoy everyone's comments.  Keep 'em glowing!

Ron K2RP

-----Original Message-----
From: Boat Anchor Owners and Collectors List
[mailto:BOATANCHORS at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV]On Behalf Of Graham Hunter
Sent: Wednesday, March 29, 2006 11:40 AM
To: BOATANCHORS at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV
Subject: Re: [BOATANCHORS-TEMPE] More on disposition of radio
collections - reflections from a semi-old collector

Hi Bob,

I totally agree with all the points you have made. We all should take heed,
regardless of age.

73,

Graham, N6GH

On 3/29/06, Bob And Bettina Groh <rgroh at swbell.net> wrote:
>
> I've been following the recent thread on Boat Anchors regarding large
> collections of ham radio equipment and the (eventual) problem of
> disposing of them after the collector's eventual (and inevitable, I
> might add) demise and exit from this world.
>
> I, too, have accumulated my share of old radio's - both amateur radio
> types and broadcast types. When I was younger, I frankly did not give
> much thought to what a burden these might be to my family when I pass
> away. But now I am older (just retired and a 'youngish' 65) and I have
> certainly given the problem much more thought. Additionally I have
> helped other's dispose of their collections and have, in some cases,
> purchased collections of equipment for my own collection. Anyways here
> are some serious thoughts for those of us who love our radio's.
>
> 1.   Make a list of your radio's and keep it up to date. Include an
> estimate of condition and what you would guesstimate the 'street value'
> is. Make sure your wife and family know where this list is.
>
> 2.   Make a list of people and organizations your wife and family can
> turn to for help when the time comes to dispose of your equipment. In my
> case, this includes a few local hams and the antique radio club that I
> belong to.
>
> 3.   Keep your collection honed down!  Purge it on a regular basis. EBAY
> and these lists are a great way to keep the surplus down I'm still
> working on that part of it and, more or less constantly, I go though my
> 'stuff' (not just ham or radio gear either) and get it gone!
>
> 4.   Buy with discrimination! It is easy to become a hoarder! I am
> trying to be more discriminating now - in fact, I skipped the last
> couple of hamfests. I only buy what really appeals to me and only at a
> good 'value point'. I have plenty and plenty of radio's to work on. I do
> enjoy the hunt for new and interesting radios (building an HBR is still
> a dream) but I am more discriminating that before. Plus I try to sell
> some for every one I buy (kind of spread the joy).
>
> So it is serious - this 'obsession' that we have. It does behove us to
> try to keep it in check and try to make things easier for your spouse
> and your family when the big cleanup is needed. With any luck, I'll sell
> my last radio just before you pass on and that will be one less burden
> for my wife to cope with. Meanwhile I intent to have some fun with my
> collection. But remember - the emphasis should be on the fun (and in
> preserving old radios!).
>
> 73 de WA2CKY
> Bob Groh
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------
> This list is a public service of the City of Tempe, Arizona
> -----------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subscription control -
> http://www.tempe.gov/lists/control.asp?list=BOATANCHORS
> To post - BOATANCHORS at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV
> Archives - http://listserv.tempe.gov/archives/BOATANCHORS.html
>

-----------------------------------------------------------
This list is a public service of the City of Tempe, Arizona
-----------------------------------------------------------

Subscription control -
http://www.tempe.gov/lists/control.asp?list=BOATANCHORS
To post - BOATANCHORS at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV
Archives - http://listserv.tempe.gov/archives/BOATANCHORS.html

-----------------------------------------------------------
This list is a public service of the City of Tempe, Arizona
-----------------------------------------------------------

Subscription control - http://www.tempe.gov/lists/control.asp?list=BOATANCHORS
To post - BOATANCHORS at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV
Archives - http://listserv.tempe.gov/archives/BOATANCHORS.html