1934 Model Train set - Reputable dealers?

[mssocks]

Why oh why do people think it is okay to swindle the elderly??
My dad is cleaning out his home before they sell it and is finding all sorts of treasures.

He has a 1934 model train set, quite a few American Flyer trains ( a bit newer ) and an another set from the 1950's ( the newest of the bunch ). All are in great condition and many have the original boxes.

He took the 1934 engine to a dealer in our town. Now I had just found out the worth of the thing is about $800-$1000, didn't know he had asked for a price. The dealer offered $200. Luckily, I called to let him know just before he packed it all up and sold it to the swindler ( my term ).

Has anyone heard of a reputable dealer in the Lansdale/Norristown area of Pennsylvania? We do not want to go the Ebay route for various reasons.

I know the guy must have thought he was making a great business deal, but where is the honor in cheating someone out of a fair price? Especially MY Dad who kept these trains since his 10th birthday.

Any thoughts on: fair business deals, cheating, etc.?

 

[DisMN]

Actual value, what you found they were "worth" may be significantly lower than the dealer can get for them. The dealer wouldn't give you anywhere NEAR that amount because he has to pay his costs and then make money on top of what he paid your father for it.
It's quite possible 200$ was not a swindle, and that your father may have indeed found a reputable dealer. (please just remember that the dealer is in business to make money and he DOES need to buy low *but not too low LOL* so that he can mark the item up for re-sale)

Always remember most of us like to believe our "stuff" is as valuable as the high end selling price you see listed somewhere. The reality is usually much lower.

Now if the dealer had offered say $20 bucks, yeah, I might feel taken.

I hope this helps a bit.


.

 

[mrFDNY]

pm sent

 

[Cindy B]

I'm not that far from Norristown (ok, NJ but not that far)

What is the price you are seeking? PM me.

 

[mssocks]

Actually my doctor told me how much the engine was "worth" as he is a train enthusiast himself. He reacted negatively right away when I mentioned where I thought Dad was going to go. This was before I even knew he went.

I absolutely agree that Dad's gain in this will be less than the worth of the item. It would not be a business if the guy did not make a profit. I just thought from $200 to $800 was excessive. Maybe my reaction was tainted by my doctors opinions - he did suggest a few other places. I am just trying to cover all the bases, you know?

Today I went up and took photos of all the trains so I can print them onto a sheet. That way he can take the sheet places and get a good feel for what he might receive for them.

Cindy, I have no idea on the price, but he told me tonight that he wants to sell everything in one lot. Are you still interested if it is lots of money? Or would you like to see the photos?

Thank you all for your honest opinions and PM's. I lurk more than I post here and wasn't sure anyone would even read this!

 

[Cindy B]

Cindy, I have no idea on the price, but he told me tonight that he wants to sell everything in one lot. Are you still interested if it is lots of money? Or would you like to see the photos?

Thank you all for your honest opinions and PM's. I lurk more than I post here and wasn't sure anyone would even read this!

Well, the 1950's set is more what I was thinking of. If he is bundling the two into one set, we may not be interested. My DH had a 1950's set growing up and my FIL sold it to some train dealer for much less than what it was worth.

My Dh is still made about this, even though it happened years ago.