This is for the older veteran collector OR,,the new high tech collector....

How do you guys inventory what you have?.. ---- Main interest: How would your family know what to sell your stuff for? The Value?

-- Do you guys have a book with listings and a number on the items reverse?

A photo that correlates to a list?

Where do you keep this info?? A safe? an agreed area,,,your wifes underwear drawer? Somewhere on the computer? [prob not a good idea right?]

Hi Gaspare I really just began to ponder this question recently..............I sold off my dagger collection within the past 5 years Himmler, chained SS , NPEA, NPEA chained leaders, 2 full mint Rohms, 2 Government leaders, HJ leaders 21 naval dirks I have nothing left Im under 60 but thought best to do now I do have other collectibles and have supplied my spouse with contact numbers of knowledgeable people who will liquidate when and if necessary I'm fortunate in that my spouse is aware of and has met many in the hobby............................. a valid question as many older collectors pass away.. regards, Ryan

I keep a computerized list with property tags strung to the items. One of my daughters has a file copy and a video of all the items. I also gave her a list of reputable buyers and auction houses.

Ryan, Jim,,thanks very much... It's an important thing to do no matter what the size or what your collecting....

I'm going to link this to the jewelry forum as there are members who just take a look there and I feel this is an important thing to do...,


- Come on guys,,,anyone else?!

I have an inventory sheet that I will attach if I can figure out how. Each item has an inventory number which matches up to the insurance policy, then a description including model number if applicable. Markings are then listed with photos as appropriate. There is a section for the trademark. If I can insert the actual trademark on the item I will do so, but with most swords you cant do that so I will insert a photo of the type of trademark found on that sword. Photos of the hilt, obverse and reverse are inserted along with photos of any blade etchings or other significant markings. Then there is a place for date of purrchase, purchase price and estivate value as of the date of inventory. The form can be edited periodically to keep the value up to date.

Here is one filled in.

I hope this help!. I keep a printed copy in the house, one on a flash drive and one in the safe deposit box in the bank. Hopefully, if my family has to dispose of this stuff they will be able to accurately identify the stuff and have a starting point as to value.
Joe S

Here is a completed inventory sheet. I have one set printed, kept in the house, one on a flash drive and one at the safe deposit box at the bank. Hopefully this will help my family get an accurate identification and a ballpark figure as to fair market value if they ever have to sell the collection.

I hope this helps!
Joe S

Somewhere you need to explain "Value" unless you expect the reader to be a knowledgeable collector of swords. Is this what your heirs would expect from a sale to another collector, to a minor dealer, or a major dealer, or a militaria auction ? There can be a significant difference. A few comments on rarity desirability would help.

Hi Dave,

That is a good point.
As far as my collection is concerned, I placed the value at what I would consider to be a conservative and realistic fair market value. Not top dollar and not wholesale. I sold the vast majority of my collection a few years ago so for me its a moot point, but I do agree that your heirs should have an understanding as to how you valued the collection and that fact that prices can go up or down over the years. I did give my wife a list of collectors who I know will be honest and fair, but having the detailed inventory should help protect against someone who might try to take unfair advantage. There is ample room on the form to add whatever you think is important in terms of rarity, etc, but that is usually reflected in the estimated FMV. Sometimes rarity can be deceiving. I had several swords that were extremely rare, but with limited demand, such as an Eickhorn Greek Navy saber. At any rate, I agree with your point . In my opinion, the main thing is for your family to be able to accurately identify each item and have a ballpark figure as to what it should be worth.


Joe

I take pictures, create a file that also has a text file with source, description, date purchased and price paid. This file is in my Dropbox, so safe from computer crashes .

I also have a chronological paper binder of all my purchases with the text information.

My kids know where this stuff is.

John