Three frequently asked questions
November 19, 2008 by Gordon
Filed under Collecting
Most of the inquiries we receive from folks who find a horn in the attic or buy it at a flea market or rummage sale fall into three categories.
1) What is it?
2) Can it be repaired?
3) How much is it worth?
Since we are not in the business of buying instruments, we cannot help with their next question, “how much will you pay me for it.” To help these folks with their questions, we are starting a “Buy and Sell” section where people will be able to list their instrument and deal directly with prospective buyers. This will be done for an low up front fee and the seller and buyer are on their own to hammer out a deal. After you list, we exit the picture and unlike eBay, have nothing further to do with the transaction. We will be happy to answer your first three questions, but please understand, we do not buy instruments.
Unfortunately, not all people asking this question can be lumped together. It IS frustrating to give someone an idea, only to find that figure used as an eBay starting price. For other people, however, they simply want a “bigger than a breadbox” idea to see how careful they should be with grandpa’s mellophone, which they have no intention of selling, anyway.
For those people, it might be useful to have non-monetary descriptive classes, from “Contact the Smithsonian” all the way down to “A dime a dozen”…
Sure, everyone wants a bargain, but giving realistic intrinsic value from a non-auction source is also a valuable service. The way estates are broken up, you might wish to be on the side of the angels on this one. Then again, I have no idea what the potential volume might be…
You are correct Michael, not all persons asking these questions can be lumped together. The value of grandpas Mellophone is different to different people. I have no need for and would not purchase a mellophone no matter what shape it was in, but grandpas grandson may place a high value on it for sentimental reasons. I think you are talking apples and oranges here.
The serious collector is looking to advance his/her collection and wants to acquire instruments a price that is affordable. And some collectors have a thicker bankroll to buy what they want or need. All the more reason there is a need for a place for collectors to meet and learn. Advanced collectors can provide a wealth of information to the beginner and the beginner should set some guidelines and goals so that his collection has organization and meaning.
So the question “how much is it worth” is subjective and cannot receive a one answer fits all reply. I am not going to tell someone his mellophone is worthless. I might say it is not as collectable or desireable as say, an OTS horn made by Fiske. I’ll leave that up to him to figure out.