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Offline Katiedid  
#1 Posted : 11 July 2016 23:21:39(UTC)
Katiedid

United States   
Joined: 06/07/2016(UTC)
Posts: 3
Hello. My mother has been listed as the executor of one of her cousin's estates. He wished his personal belongings to be inventoried and sold. We found a Marklin train set in his basement that is in original packing and dates back to the 1950's. It is a complete set as we can tell and fills two chests. There are three engines including steam and electric with many different types of cars and buildings. One of the engines number is RM800-606 and the cars are marked with number 346. We are trying to price this for the estate. Does anyone have any idea of how much to value this or if an auction is a better way to go than Ebay. Any suggestions would be helpful, we are a little overwhelmed as our cousin was quite the collector of many different things :).
Offline 5HorizonsRR  
#2 Posted : 11 July 2016 23:41:11(UTC)
5HorizonsRR

United States   
Joined: 05/12/2004(UTC)
Posts: 2,863
Location: CA, USA
Photos are the best way for us to help you!

I'd say ebay is your best bet by far. Unless you have something massively special no specialist auction will bring you more...
SBB Era 2-5
Offline Katiedid  
#3 Posted : 11 July 2016 23:44:04(UTC)
Katiedid

United States   
Joined: 06/07/2016(UTC)
Posts: 3
Thank you so much for the reply. I will get some pic's and see what you think.
Offline Pmare4  
#4 Posted : 11 July 2016 23:48:06(UTC)
Pmare4

Australia   
Joined: 15/10/2015(UTC)
Posts: 237
Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Hi,

The value of Marklin trains depends on the condition of the items as well as their rarity. Generally, items sell better when sold separately to in a set or a lot. The RM800 is a rarer loco than others, and, with a box, yours could be worth $140-250. 346 coaches can be worth about $100 for the 346/6 and other rarer variations, however, common variations can be worth about $35 if they are boxed and in a good condition.

Regards
Peter
Peter
Collecting vintage Märklin from 1935-1970, also Hornby O Gauge
Offline baggio  
#5 Posted : 12 July 2016 00:44:30(UTC)
baggio

Canada   
Joined: 21/09/2012(UTC)
Posts: 1,729
Location: Toronto
Hi, Peter:

Are you referring to USD?

Do you think the prices in the USA may be different from where you are?

Offline Pmare4  
#6 Posted : 12 July 2016 05:14:45(UTC)
Pmare4

Australia   
Joined: 15/10/2015(UTC)
Posts: 237
Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Originally Posted by: baggio Go to Quoted Post
Hi, Peter:

Are you referring to USD?

Do you think the prices in the USA may be different from where you are?



Yes, the prices are in USD. I got the prices from Ebay.de, but, after having had a look on US ebay, the prices for sold items are about the same.

High prices are common in Australia because of the expensive shipping. Here, we can pay twice as much for common locos and wagons than you would in the US.
Peter
Collecting vintage Märklin from 1935-1970, also Hornby O Gauge
thanks 1 user liked this useful post by Pmare4
Offline cookee_nz  
#7 Posted : 12 July 2016 08:50:09(UTC)
cookee_nz

New Zealand   
Joined: 31/12/2010(UTC)
Posts: 3,948
Location: Paremata, Wellington
Originally Posted by: Katiedid Go to Quoted Post
Hello. My mother has been listed as the executor of one of her cousin's estates. He wished his personal belongings to be inventoried and sold. We found a Marklin train set in his basement that is in original packing and dates back to the 1950's. It is a complete set as we can tell and fills two chests. There are three engines including steam and electric with many different types of cars and buildings. One of the engines number is RM800-606 and the cars are marked with number 346. We are trying to price this for the estate. Does anyone have any idea of how much to value this or if an auction is a better way to go than Ebay. Any suggestions would be helpful, we are a little overwhelmed as our cousin was quite the collector of many different things :).


If you find a large box with compartments, this would indicate an original start set which might include several of the items in one group.

Such a box would typically be Red, perhaps 12"-18" long and maybe around 8" wide and it would usually have a label on one end with the set number from this you can find out what items were originally part of that set and for disposal purposes it would be very important to reassemble that set as closely original as possible.

Absolutely get the photos up for us to look at and you'll quickly get some helpful assistance right here.

Hope this helps

Steve
New Zealand
Cookee
Wellington
NZ image
thanks 2 users liked this useful post by cookee_nz
Offline Katiedid  
#8 Posted : 07 August 2016 00:44:51(UTC)
Katiedid

United States   
Joined: 06/07/2016(UTC)
Posts: 3
Hello All!. I have started an album with just a few samples of the trains. If anyone has any suggestions as to what we should sell them for or if anyone is interested we would appreciate it. I can upload more if needed. We would love to keep them, especially my husband and oldest son, but are following our cousin's wishes. Thanks for all the help.
Offline cookee_nz  
#9 Posted : 09 August 2016 12:29:27(UTC)
cookee_nz

New Zealand   
Joined: 31/12/2010(UTC)
Posts: 3,948
Location: Paremata, Wellington
Originally Posted by: Katiedid Go to Quoted Post
Hello All!. I have started an album with just a few samples of the trains. If anyone has any suggestions as to what we should sell them for or if anyone is interested we would appreciate it. I can upload more if needed. We would love to keep them, especially my husband and oldest son, but are following our cousin's wishes. Thanks for all the help.


You have some very very desireable items indeed and most (if not all) look to be in top condition.

https://www.marklin-user.../album?u=9940&a=1698

Selling them in one lot may be a tall order, not that there is any shortage of interest, quite the contrary. But finding one person who wants such a collection all in one hit may prove to be a challenge.

Based just on what I can see the collection will run very easily into the first $1,000 and close to if not beyond $2,000

I base this on a very arbitrary average of say $40-$50 for each item of rolling stock, and there's around 30 items so there's $1200 - $1500. And they are all with their original boxes. Major plus.

The Loco's, easily $150 each without blinking so there's $450-$600. And I can assure you I am being very conservative. I am assuming there is more than you have not yet added, for example Track, which from the vintage I would be assuming to be what we call solid-centre 3-rail - in other words the center rail is just like the two outer rails, rather than the less-obtrusive center studs which were introduced in 1953. And if the track is in as good condition, and with original boxes, well who knows what that might fetch.

I would be a starter myself, but regrettably, the freight on such a collection all the way down-under would be huge chunk of the value!! Doesn't stop me from drooling though. Drool

Some of the coaches may be double what I have suggested and bear in mind this is based only on what can be seen from the photos. Physical inspection may prove them to be even better than shown, or (unlikely) not quite as pristine.

The structures also are very collectible, more so if they too have their original boxes.

I hope some other enthusiasts will chime in and fine-tune my estimates. I don't want to give you unrealistic expectations, but worse would be for you to sell yourself (or your Cousin) short. There is no shortage of rogues (not here fortunately) who will try to tell you they are too old, or there's no market, or anything else to persuade you to part with them for less than they are worth.

If you were to list them on Ebay I have no doubt every single item will sell, and quickly but then you have the hassle of listing, getting payment, packing and shipping. It's a lot of work which is why selling as a lot is so appealing. You may not get quite as much, but if you are lucky you'll get a buyer who really wants them for their own collection rather than a trader who will simply flick them on.

We'd love to see your Husband and Son keep them, and become active Marklineers and perhaps an agreement could be struck with your Cousin to allow this?

I hope this gives you at least some indication. If anyone here was interested they'd have probably private messaged you already so good luck, if there is more please put the pictures up. If nothing else, they are lovely to look at. Your Cousin has great taste!!

Regards

Stephen
New Zealand
Cookee
Wellington
NZ image
Offline analogmike  
#10 Posted : 09 August 2016 13:09:38(UTC)
analogmike

United States   
Joined: 02/08/2014(UTC)
Posts: 737
Location: NEW JERSEY, USA
Drool Drool Drool You have some very nice pieces here. I would keep them.

There is so much sentimental value here for your family.

Trains of this vintage are magical.

Mikey
I love the smell of smoke fluid in the morning .
Offline foumaro  
#11 Posted : 09 August 2016 13:37:50(UTC)
foumaro

Greece   
Joined: 08/12/2004(UTC)
Posts: 4,420
Location: Attiki Athens Greece
Perfect collection in perfect shape.LOL Love ThumpUp
Offline Alberto Pedrini  
#12 Posted : 09 August 2016 14:08:12(UTC)
Alberto Pedrini

Italy   
Joined: 02/07/2004(UTC)
Posts: 1,448
Location: Italy
UserPostedImage

UserPostedImage

Love Love Love
Alberto

Marklinfan Club Italia
www.marklinfan.net
thanks 2 users liked this useful post by Alberto Pedrini
Offline mike c  
#13 Posted : 09 August 2016 19:31:40(UTC)
mike c

Canada   
Joined: 28/11/2007(UTC)
Posts: 7,880
Location: Montreal, QC
You seem to have most of the models by model number. If you want to know the value of each, you can check on ebay.com or ebay.de (under modellbau/modelleisenbahn) for the values of current offers and recent sales. Remember that on ebay.de to type "Maerklin" because of the accents. You can also go to a hobby shop like Reynaulds, AJCkids or other and order the Koll's guide, which provides an estimated value for Maerklin trains.

You have a very nice assortment and if family members appreciate them, you might consider keeping them. I am sure that the cousin would be happy (in heaven) seeing your family take enjoyment from them. If the profits from the disposal of these items are supposed to go to other beneficiaries, you would have to contribute to the estate in consequence if you choose to keep these items.

You did not mention where in the USA you are from. Once you have evaluated the items, if you choose, you can put them on consignment at a reputable shop or sell them on ebay or at auction. If you want a suggestion for a shop close to you, send me a PM with your location (state).

Regards

Mike C
Offline HO Collector  
#14 Posted : 28 October 2016 23:03:19(UTC)
HO Collector

United Kingdom   
Joined: 21/02/2016(UTC)
Posts: 195
Location: Just north of London
Funny, during the early 1990's I used to go to all sorts of weekend train shows and sales. From time to time I came across those coaches and bought them for around £10 (no boxes). I sold them to a London dealer for £25 - £30 and then he sold them for £45 BigGrin
Offline nitramretep  
#15 Posted : 28 October 2016 23:52:18(UTC)
nitramretep

United States   
Joined: 22/01/2015(UTC)
Posts: 207
Location: lower hudson valley, ny
I am not a all things Marklin but as regards E Bay I have a friend who sells watches, older ones, and he tells me the following tips make a big difference in the auction:

!. Do not bunch items. list each one separately as a bid - you do better that way in terms of bidder interest and money
2. Have the items photographed as best as possible with a neutral background with multiple shots, including images of any damage, other than normal wear and tear
3. Keep in mind E Bay fees and Paypal fees
4. Avoid shipping to China or countries where the recourse is limited
5. Have a complete inventory in Excel to send to reputable dealers or auction houses

If you have a list I would be happy to check each item in the Kolls price guides that I have, send me a PM.

Good Luck, you have a nice collection (I think there is some serious money there, unfortunately I am not a collector of older items)



Offline pab-windmills  
#16 Posted : 29 October 2016 05:37:44(UTC)
pab-windmills

United States   
Joined: 02/03/2007(UTC)
Posts: 79
Location: Haverhill, MA
Hi Katiedid,

I would echo what other forum members have said. That is a beautiful collection; he obviously took care of it over the years. Would be wonderful if a family member had an interest in this.

The buildings may have a lot of value too. You might look for markings on the underside of them. If there are blue-tint letters, about a 1/2 inch high, they may have been manufactured by Creglingen. These are high-value buildings. Other good quality structures include those made by Faller, Vau-Pe, RS, etc.

Best of luck to you!

Paul
Offline Tiki734  
#17 Posted : 29 October 2016 11:56:21(UTC)
Tiki734

Australia   
Joined: 13/03/2012(UTC)
Posts: 227
Location: Perth
Hi
Just an update on the collection. I contacted the family and agreed on a price. In the back of my mind I was conscious of the postage to Australia. Anyway I thought it's a really nice assembly and looked in wonderful condition. In the end I had some work colleagues that were working in Houston and I decided to get the track posted there and all the wagons and engines to Australia. Then the family very kindly offered to pay for half the postage. So the 4 parcels were dispatched and the 2 arrived in Houston quite quickly. However the 2 bound for Australia went missing from arriving in Australia to nothing for 7 days. No tracking information what so ever. So after lodging a lost claim in both the US and here suddenly they found them in Perth waiting for delivery. So the original owner had bought them in 1955 and had looked after them and it took Australia post 1 day to loose them. However it all turned out relatively well except the parcels had got mixed up and one box had the transformers and track and the other had the 346 wagons, 2 of the 334 fuel wagons and the RET and SET engine. Both the engines had a little damage to the couplers where the box had been dropped and they the ends broke off when straightened. But otherwise the condition was amazing. Only one of the buildings which was the small alpine house Faller No 283 with the original 7,50 price tag on the bottom. The detail is superb. Also in one of the 1954 catalogues was a letter from the owner ordering the set. He was stationed in Berchtesgaden after the war. I'm not sure if he actually fought in the war or was conscripted in the 50's. Letter is attached. I immediately recognised the village due to it's proximity to the so called Eagles Nest. two weeks ago the other box of track arrived. I did ask my colleague to bring the engine and wagons but he missed the email. Last parcel will arrive in December. Postage for the transformers and track was US$154 and the other box was US$140. So if I had posted the 4 boxes to Australia it would have cost A$800. In the end it they capped it at US$150. Happy to post and better photos if anyone wants.
Roger Marklin 1955 Letter.pdf (611kb) downloaded 93 time(s).
thanks 5 users liked this useful post by Tiki734
Offline PJMärklin  
#18 Posted : 29 October 2016 15:14:15(UTC)
PJMärklin

Australia   
Joined: 04/12/2013(UTC)
Posts: 2,206
Location: Hobart, Australia
Originally Posted by: Tiki734 Go to Quoted Post
Hi
Just an update on the collection. I contacted the family and agreed on a price. In the back of my mind I was conscious of the postage to Australia. Anyway I thought it's a really nice assembly and looked in wonderful condition. In the end I had some work colleagues that were working in Houston and I decided to get the track posted there and all the wagons and engines to Australia. Then the family very kindly offered to pay for half the postage. So the 4 parcels were dispatched and the 2 arrived in Houston quite quickly. However the 2 bound for Australia went missing from arriving in Australia to nothing for 7 days. No tracking information what so ever. So after lodging a lost claim in both the US and here suddenly they found them in Perth waiting for delivery. So the original owner had bought them in 1955 and had looked after them and it took Australia post 1 day to loose them. However it all turned out relatively well except the parcels had got mixed up and one box had the transformers and track and the other had the 346 wagons, 2 of the 334 fuel wagons and the RET and SET engine. Both the engines had a little damage to the couplers where the box had been dropped and they the ends broke off when straightened. But otherwise the condition was amazing. Only one of the buildings which was the small alpine house Faller No 283 with the original 7,50 price tag on the bottom. The detail is superb. Also in one of the 1954 catalogues was a letter from the owner ordering the set. He was stationed in Berchtesgaden after the war. I'm not sure if he actually fought in the war or was conscripted in the 50's. Letter is attached. I immediately recognised the village due to it's proximity to the so called Eagles Nest. two weeks ago the other box of track arrived. I did ask my colleague to bring the engine and wagons but he missed the email. Last parcel will arrive in December. Postage for the transformers and track was US$154 and the other box was US$140. So if I had posted the 4 boxes to Australia it would have cost A$800. In the end it they capped it at US$150. Happy to post and better photos if anyone wants.
Roger Marklin 1955 Letter.pdf (611kb) downloaded 93 time(s).


Hello Roger,

Thank you for recounting your remarkable experience with this transaction.

The personal letter from that time is extremely fascinating and a precious piece of history. Remarkable.


Regards,

Philip
Offline CCS800KrokHunter3  
#19 Posted : 30 October 2016 17:04:56(UTC)
CCS800KrokHunter3

United States   
Joined: 03/04/2007(UTC)
Posts: 1,605
Congratulations, what a wonderful collection and extra special with the letter and history.

Paul
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