Spoils of War, now what?

[Trooper B.A.R]

I hope its okay to ask, if not, I apoligize. But what does one do with spoils one has accumulated over the year? I bought these items from co-workers that were veterans, or families of veterans while picking up US items. I have mostly Luftwaffe items, since aviation items were my interest. Daggers, pennants, etc. E-Bay doesn't accept these items. One person told me they had real good luck on Gunbroker selling WW2 items. Any advise appreciatted. Wife says I must make room. Thanks

[mcmike]

The first thing you can do to make room is move Wifey out to the garage. Then you can keep all of your stuff. But, barring that, you can sell it on the Wehrmacht Awards Forum on their Militaria E-Stand Page at http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/index.php towards the bottom of the page. Of course, it is imperative to research prices before you list them so as to achieve maximum value. Good luck!

[Bob Hudson]

Always a problem because, as you said, ebay will not allow you to sell anything with a swastika on it even if it doesn't show in your photos (amazingly they have no such rule for the Japanese Rising Sun or meatball).

 

The WAF forum is one place, but - as with this forum - you need 50 posts in order to use the for sale section (and even then you have to request access to it), You then have to tread on eggshells because they have a lot of for sale section rules (not always easy to find).

 

I've done craigslist, but that is such a weird place to start with and you may not want some TR buyers coming to your home.

 

Basically, the German stuff can be hard to sell unless you are an established dealer, so when you look around online and see those prices on dealer sites, you have to realize you will ikely get nothing close to that. I typically sell for 50-60 percent of what I see on those sites.

 

The bottom line, really is to join WAF and patiently earn your way to the for sale section. I have found that the other members are pleasant enough and I haven't encountered any nastiness.

[Wharfmaster]

Trade it for (small) US militaria.

 

 

 

 

W

[Trooper B.A.R]

Always a problem because, as you said, ebay will not allow you to sell anything with a swastika on it even if it doesn't show in your photos (amazingly they have no such rule for the Japanese Rising Sun or meatball).

 

The WAF forum is one place, but - as with this forum - you need 50 posts in order to use the for sale section (and even then you have to request access to it), You then have to tread on eggshells because they have a lot of for sale section rules (not always easy to find).

 

I've done craigslist, but that is such a weird place to start with and you may not want some TR buyers coming to your home.

 

Basically, the German stuff can be hard to sell unless you are an established dealer, so when you look around online and see those prices on dealer sites, you have to realize you will ikely get nothing close to that. I typically sell for 50-60 percent of what I see on those sites.

 

The bottom line, really is to join WAF and patiently earn your way to the for sale section. I have found that the other members are pleasant enough and I haven't encountered any nastiness.

Thanks, I have had a dealer make me an offer. He was at a gunshow, and seeing what he had, and what I had in some pieces similiar, (Luftwaffe Dagger), and what I payed a vet. He was offering 1/4 what he was selling for, and less then I paid 18 years ago to a vet. Example: He had a similiar Dagger, same condition ( I thought mine was better though) and same maker, he was asking 790.00 for his, and offered me 150.00 on mine. Same for all the other stuff I brought along.

Again thanks, I'll check the site out, or maybe wait for a show and see what a table will cost.

[Thor996]

I would too suggest the WAF forum; but as mentioned, you need a minimum number of posts to qualify and there are a lot of hidden rules/regs.

Have sold some stuff via CL but also recommend meeting them somewhere PUBLIC and not at your home-

[Trooper B.A.R]

Trade it for (small) US militaria.

 

 

 

 

W

How small? Itsy bitsy? LOL Thanks. Seriously, haven't thought of that. Sometimes trades workout, sometimes not.

[BROBS]

Thanks, I have had a dealer make me an offer. He was at a gunshow, and seeing what he had, and what I had in some pieces similiar, (Luftwaffe Dagger), and what I payed a vet. He was offering 1/4 what he was selling for, and less then I paid 18 years ago to a vet. Example: He had a similiar Dagger, same condition ( I thought mine was better though) and same maker, he was asking 790.00 for his, and offered me 150.00 on mine. Same for all the other stuff I brought along.

Again thanks, I'll check the site out, or maybe wait for a show and see what a table will cost.

WOW... 150 for a Luft dagger?

even in BAD shape they are worth 350-400 or more.

 

WAF is the BEST way to sell TR items.. hands down. At a show you might pay to get in and have a table... drag all your stuff there... then get lowballed by these same dealers trying to up their inventory.

On WAF you usually get at least dang close to market value for your items.

 

-Brian

[trenchbuff]

How about rent a table at a gun or militaria show, price it, and sell it?

[USCapturephotos]

Hey Trooper.

I would be interested in some pieces that have strong GI provenance as that is one of the things I collect....war souvenirs that have a vet name, unit,etc. to go with it. I also collect the shipping boxes, capture papers and photos as my profile shows. I echo what these guys say. If you are not in a super hurry, shop the stuff around. There are plenty of collectors who would pay you fair prices I am sure for what you have.

Either way, best of luck.

Paul

Ps: Send me a pm.

[doyler]

How about rent a table at a gun or militaria show, price it, and sell it?

 

Thought the same or go to antique or collector specific shows.You also may find it tradeable for things you want.

 

$790 for a 2nd Luft is ludacris.I can see a stone mint one "maybe" but its a long shot.The buyer is few and far between.The dagger market has stalled for the more basic or common daggers.Demmand is down.I saw more daqggers 5 years ago for sale than I had ever seen in 40 years.3-5 years ago the Russians were buying and buying big.Prices kept going up&up as the sellers(I know)would keep bumping the price at each big show.Then...wham the Russians quit buying.Now these guys cry as they dont sell much at shows(they basically out priced themselves).Now you see prices like the $790 and they sit unsold show after show.I saw two last weekend for $350 each and no sale.

[ghost]

The Maitland Fl. Winter military relics show is just around the corner, Feb. 8-9. Should still be able to get a table, nice show.

contact info here http://www.militarytrader.com/events/military-trader-show-calendar

 

CB

[mmerc20]

I have never really had any luck with WAF and plus you need to pay their annual fee to sell there. If you ever have any Japanese pieces, I would be interested in trading US stuff for them. Especially swords or bayonets!

 

Mike

[RANDALL 1953]

I have bought, sold, & traded with both Gailen David www.gdmmilitaria.com & Bill Shea www.therupturedduck.com Both are established dealers for many years and are very reputable. Check the sites and e-mail them to see what they offer. I would also send them detailed pics of what you have. If you do not like what they offer, no harm, no foul.

[doyler]

I have bought, sold, & traded with both Gailen David www.gdmmilitaria.com & Bill Shea www.therupturedduck.com Both are established dealers for many years and are very reputable. Check the sites and e-mail them to see what they offer. I would also send them detailed pics of what you have. If you do not like what they offer, no harm, no foul.

 

Past experiance with even the biggest dealers is they still want your items in hand before payment is made.Even with all the new technology and digital pictures they want to have the items before payment is sent.THis was the way it worked pre internet as well.I realize some are way better than others but there tends to be those who take a long tome to pay the seller.One is SVM out of Michighan.Gets your items for the agreed price and payment takes a while.I think they try to sell it before paying out.

[Jack's Son]

You're going to get a better price by selling it yourself, or get a broker.

[gwb123]

Another alternative is an auction house. There are some that specialize in militaria, and others that feature it as a side line. It all depends on how much stuff you have.

 

However, be very careful to read their terms and conditions. Some of these places will take anywhere from 10% to 30% commission.

[earlymb]

Another option for you might be to make your own 'e-market stall' with a simple website or blog page from a free provider. Just list what you have for sale with pics, prices, methods of payment, terms & conditions (if any) and your contact information. A lot of free website hosts offer tools that make creating a website as easy as posting here. When that's done just spread your link around.

[Thor996]

What about ETSY?

[Costa]

just as i said---- 350-- 400 a dagger. they are common---------------

[Wharfmaster]

How small? Itsy bitsy? LOL Thanks. Seriously, haven't thought of that. Sometimes trades workout, sometimes not.

 

Medals, wings, badges, and patches can be kept safe and out of sight.

 

 

A favorable trade is up to you.

 

 

 

W

[Trooper B.A.R]

 

Thought the same or go to antique or collector specific shows.You also may find it tradeable for things you want.

 

$790 for a 2nd Luft is ludacris.I can see a stone mint one "maybe" but its a long shot.The buyer is few and far between.The dagger market has stalled for the more basic or common daggers.Demmand is down.I saw more daqggers 5 years ago for sale than I had ever seen in 40 years.3-5 years ago the Russians were buying and buying big.Prices kept going up&up as the sellers(I know)would keep bumping the price at each big show.Then...wham the Russians quit buying.Now these guys cry as they dont sell much at shows(they basically out priced themselves).Now you see prices like the $790 and they sit unsold show after show.I saw two last weekend for $350 each and no sale.

As I asked, I don't know any sites except for some suggested here. Appreciated. I see Stewarts Military Antiques has some and sells them. They have an Army one they're asking 565.00 for. I called and talked to a nice lady. She said they sell several a month when they come in, and don't last long. I told her I had 2 Luftwaffe one with the white handle, and one with orange handle, and asking for an idea what the reatil would be if she had in her store. She told me that Luftwaffe when they have them go for 675.00 upward, again on condition. But they don't last long. I send her some pictures, she made a very good offer, again she has to make a profit, but a lot more then indicated.

Again, thanks to those that have PMd me, given me guidance and help, rather then downplaying. Best to all.

[Trooper B.A.R]

Thanks to all. I was contacted by a collector/dealer who said he was told about my colletion. He drove to my place, and glad he also handles firearms. He bought everything I had at a price I didn't even haggle. He bought my Lugers, P-38, K98s, helmets, bnoculars, patches, daggers, sword, etc. I now have the cash to pursue my interest in AAF and Korean War aviation items. Thanks for all the info. I now have no more WW2 German items.

[Martygraw]

As long as everyone is happy, it's a good deal.