Q: My mother was a collector of Wedgwood Jasperware. I inherited it all. Some I plan to keep. I have everything from 25-cent-size boxes to 3 different size Portland vases. Any suggestions on liquidation of this collection?

A: How to sell inherited collections is the question we are asked the most. There is no easy answer. Ask yourself what is most important about selling the Wedgwood ? money, your time, amount of physical labor, enhancing family memories, or avoiding arguments among heirs. There are companies that take and sell everything to empty a house for a fee or part of the profit. It may be costly, but quick. In or out of town auction companies might be interested in a valuable collection of Wedgwood. Ask collector friends whom to call and ask about what they sell and the services that are offered. (Professionals usually spot any very valuable items and estimate the sale value properly.) No luck? Try the next step, a local shop that will buy your things or take them on consignment. If the dealer has been in business locally, you can get references and check on honesty. An offer to buy from an unknown company’s ad in a newspaper can be risky. Next run your own sale. It takes time, planning, studying and a knowledge of pricing to sell in a house sale or online. Last try, take everything usable to a thrift store, church sale, charity fundraising show and sale, or non-profit places. You get a charitable tax deduction, pride in doing a good deed, and an end to the problems. Be sure to get advice from someone in the antiques world. You wouldn’t get a haircut from someone who just opened a beauty parlor and had no references.

 

Leave a Reply

Featured Articles