Troiani Collector

Why sell to a private collector?

Can't I donate my things to a museum, where they will be on display forever with my name on?

Museums and Historical Societies often have tens of thousands of items to be stored, taken care of and inventoried. Only a very small fraction of their collections will ever be out on display for the public to see. Remember the final scene at the end of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" where the Ark of the Covenant is shuttled into an endless government warehouse? Many institutions are understaffed and frankly, militaria is of little interest when compared to furniture, silver and other more prestigious "politically correct" antiques. WWII German and Japanese items are particularly considered too "offensive" for most museums to even place on exhibit.

Do museums ever dispose of items from their collections?

Donating something to a museum with the belief that it will be preserved there for all eternity has proven for many to be a rude shock. Major museums (even the Smithsonian!) have sold huge amounts of unwanted items, duplicates and lovingly donated things that no longer interest them. This is done for fund raising for renovations, to make space and to purchase other objects, or pay for daily operations. If the curator likes American silver, all the military and weapons might be sold to fund the purchase of that Revere teapot! Museums frequently redefine their mission and readjust their collections to reflect new interests.

Could I sell it to a museum?

Even if they want what you have, museums rarely have funding for purchases, and it can take years of meetings for them to even decide or actually pay.

What about placing my things at an auction?

Auctions are sometimes a good way to dispose of items, but are always risky as things might sell very cheaply. Bargains are found at auctions all the time! It can also involve months of waiting until your items are auctioned (while out of your possession), and weeks or months until you actually receive payment after the sale. There is also no guarantee interested collectors will even know about your objects if the auction house does not properly promote them. Frequently, dealers and/or collectors illegally conspire to suppress price by agreeing not to bid against each other. Ebay will not allow most Nazi related items or firearms of any type including antiques. It also takes a good deal of time and experience to properly photograph, scan and create the listing for each item. There are also major risks for the unwary to be duped by bidders.

So why should I sell to a collector?

The private collector is usually buying because of his love of history, the objects themselves and is therefore willing to spend his own funds to indulge this passion. Also you have the security of being paid immediately, rather then waiting months.

I'm a WW2 Veteran - shouldn't I give my mementos to my children?

Absolutely, if they have a genuine interest. However, should you feel they will just sell anyway, or dividing it up will cause a family squabble, you might be wiser to sell yourself and gift them the proceeds. If your family has no interest, sell now rather then leaving your wife the burden of trying to sell after you are gone and dealing with probate court, heirs, etc. Besides, Don likes to hear and record the veteran's first hand untold stories that go with the relics. It's part of preserving our history.


Links
For information on Troiani Artwork: www.historicalartprints.com	To License Troiani Artwork or Photographs of original artifacts: www.historicalimagebank.com