Expert: David Silver - 2/23/2011

Question
My husband has over 100 cameras that were in his grandfathers basement, some are from the mid 1800's. We don't have the space for them or a great desire to keep them all. What is the best way to find there worth and sell them? We are so afraid that we might let go of something worth keeping because we don't know where to start. There are in very old suitcases and it appears that his grandfather had made lists for what is in each case.

Thanks,
Christy

Answer

Hello Christy,

You are not alone.  More and more children and spouses of men from the "great generation" (ie. men who lived through World War II and are now in their 80's and possibly into their 90's) are being faced with the unenviable task of selling off collections of antique cameras (I also see a lot of collections of vintage pocket watches, toys, and coins) when the men pass away.  Unfortunately, those men rarely leave instructions or guidance regarding the value and dispensation of these collections, and families are left in the dark as to how to deal with them.  You are wise to seek help from an expert, as I can tell you horror stories of collections that were literally tossed out onto the driveway for free because spouses didn't think theirs husband's "silly little hobby" represented any value (this is not an apocryphal tale, I was a later witness to such nightmares on at least three occasions, when collections worth thousands of dollars were thrown away without any consideration!) or children sold collections for pennies on the dollar to unscrupulous "antique" or "estate" dealers because they didn't think any of father's "trinkets" were worth the bother.  Now this does not mean that your husband's grandfather's collection is necessarily valuable (after all, cameras are generally extremely common, and easily 90% of all vintage cameras are worth less than $100 today), but the point is that is *is* worth the time and effort for me to help you determine whether it is or not, and one way or the other provide you with a reasonable strategy for liquidating all of it.  Especially if you do indeed have cameras from the "mid 1800's", there could be treasures that represent a nifty windfall for you and your own children.

Okay, the process is simple.  First of all, you must deny the impulse to "research" the cameras on your own.  There isn't a camera in existence that I could see and not immediately tell you everything you ever wanted to know about it, whereas for you that single item might eat up a week of internet searches before you would be completely paralyzed from over-ananlysis and misleading information.  I've seen it happen far too many times.  I'm the expert, I've studied, and collected, and written about, and advised museums and universities  for 30+ years.  Please don't confuse the issue by trying to be an overnight expert.  There lies only madness!  Second, contact me directly at the e-mail address provided below (obviously we can't do this back and forth on AllExperts), and send me more details about the collection.  If possible, attach some small pictures of what you feel are representative items from the collection.  If you've taken the lists of contents of the various suitcases and transfered them to a computerized list, it would be very helpful for me to see it.  On the other hand it might be easier for you to photocopy the lists and "snail mail" them to me.  We'll have to communicate a few times to properly identify and evaluate the collection, but I'm infinitely patient through this process, and I'll make it as simple and stress free as possible.  It would also be helpful to know where you are located (I'm in California).  Third, once we know exactly what you have and the condition, I can then offer up several strategies for maximizing the value out of the collection while also seeing that any significant items go to the most appropriate collectors and historians who would properly preserve and appreciate them.

I understand the task may seem daunting right now, but I've helped families deal with this situation may times in the past decade, and you'll be surprised how simple and enjoyable I can make it for you.  You'll be provided with my telephone number so you can reach me "live" whenever you need, I will eventually prepare a thorough and enlightening working list of all you have, and if necessary I'd even be willing to fly there and join you if the task requires it.  I can't begin to tell you what fascinating and rewarding adventures I've had traveling across the country meeting and helping people just like you.  However it works out, the point is not to worry because I'm here to help!

That's all for now.  Many thanks for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Best wishes,

David F. Silver - President
International Photographic Historical Organization

silver@photographyhistory.com

(415) 681-4356