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Collectibles--Toys/Hotwheels to Nascar to Trains to Hess Trucks

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Expert: - 3/10/2009


Question
QUESTION: My grandfather passed away in January of this year.  My parents and I are helping my grandmother go through his toy collection.  He has Hess Trucks, Hot Wheel, and Hot Wheel Nascar cars that span over 30 years.  He also has train sets that are 30 years old or older.  Where should we start to go through all of this and determine the values? How should we start the process of going through and cleaning out these items?

ANSWER: First off.... my condolences on the loss of your Grandfather.
To sell a collection like this you will need to break it up of course into each of the different categories. I really can't think of anyone who would purchase everything and have you make out.
Remember if you sell to a dealer, they will only give you up to 50% of value….
You can go one of two ways once you have them all segregated.
You can try to find someone that would be interested in buying that part of the collection or you can take the time to put each piece on such places as Ebay. There are also places that will do the whole thing for you.... They do charge a fee or percentage of the sale.
As far as values, well now is not the best time to be looking for big money on collectibles unless you have some really hard to find pieces.
But for finding values, just stop into any good bookstore. There are many good value guides. If you have the boxes and packaging, make sure that they stay in as good condition as possible. In most cases, pieces without packaging have far less value.
Best wishes....
Mike Zarnock


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am not as concerned about big money as I am that i know these will go to someone who will cherish them like he did.  I also do not want my grandmother to get taken advantage of.  Do you recommend any specific books for the hotwheels?

Answer
That's why I stated that you or someone should put them up for auction. That way you will get the prevailing value. Guides are just that, a guide to show you what, where and how. As for Hot Wheels, you can try "The Ultimate Redline Guide" by Clark & Wicker for the cars from 1968 to 1977. The "Tomart's Guide To Hot Wheels" for cars from 1977 to 1988 and my book, "The Ultimate Guide To Hot Wheels Variations 3rd Edition" for the cars from 1989 to 2005.
Best wishes....
Mike Zarnock

Collectibles--Toys

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Michael Zarnock

Expertise

I am able to answer questions about Hot Wheels toy cars and accessories.

Experience

Michael Zarnock is an American author and columnist, who writes collector guides and articles about Hot Wheels toy cars and accessories. Michael's knowledge and his massive Hot Wheels collection has earned him notoriety around the world. Whether it be because of the 11 books and countless magazine articles that he has written about Hot Wheels toys or the sheer size and diversity of his collection, this extensive knowledge has earned him the label,
"One of the worlds leading Hot Wheels authorities."
For more information visit: www.MikeZarnock.com

Publications
Bibliography:
2011-Present - "Die Cast X Magazine" (Hot Wheels Highway Section)
2009-2010 - "The Car Room Magazine" (Hot Wheels Column)
2008-2009 - "Die Cast X Magazine" (Hot Wheels Column)
2002 to 2008 - "Toy Cars & Models Magazine" (Hot Wheels Column & Variation Price Guide)
2002 - "The Ultimate Guide to Hot Wheels Variations"
2002 - *"The Standard Catalog of Die-Cast Vehicles II"
2003 - "Warman's Hot Wheels Field Guide"
2004 - "Hot Wheels Variations, The Ultimate Guide, 2nd Edition"
2004 - *"Toys & Prices - 11th Edition"
2005 - "Hot Wheels Accessories, The Ultimate Guide"
2005 - *"Toys & Prices - 12th Edition"
2005 - *"The Standard Catalog of Die-Cast Vehicles III"
2006 - "Hot Wheels: A Warman's Companion Guide"
2006 - *"Toys & Prices - 13th Edition"
2007 - "Hot Wheels Variations, The Ultimate Guide 3rd Edition"
2007 - *"Toys & Prices - 14th Edition"
2007 - "Warman's Hot Wheels Field Guide 2nd Edition"
2008 - *"Toys & Prices - 15th Edition"
2009 - *"Toys & Prices - 16th Edition"
2009 - "Hot Wheels: A Warman's Companion Guide 2nd Edition"
2009 - "Once Upon A Street Race" (Based on the true story of the time Mike got kidnapped at a street race!)
2010 - "Hot Wheels Variations, The Ultimate Guide 4th Edition"
2010 - "Warman's Hot Wheels Field Guide 3rd Edition"
2011 - "Hot Wheels Prototypes" (Bruce Pascal & Michael Zarnock)
* - Denotes Hot Wheels Collector Number chapters on that publication.

Education/Credentials
There are no Educational Credentials needed for this area, just the need to be obsessed!

Awards and Honors
Michael is a 2 Time Guinness World Record holder! First in 2003 and then again in 2007! He is in the record books for owning the "Largest collection of different model cars". He is featured in the 2008 "Ripley's Believe It Or Not!" book #5 “Prepare To Be Shocked!” And the 2011 "Ripley's Believe It Or Not!" book "Utterly Crazy!" February 2009 Michael was inducted into the "Diecast Hall Of Fame" and later that year Mattel Hot Wheels® honored Michael by reproducing his old Altered Roadster Race Car as part of their Nostalgic "Drag Strip Demons®" Series!

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