International Flat Figure Society - British Flat Figure Society

Flat Figures Painters Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: Mrs Young on June 15, 2016, 06:40:14 AM

Title: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Mrs Young on June 15, 2016, 06:40:14 AM
We have recently inherited a large collection of Flat Figures. Aprox 10,000 pieces. Some painted, most are not.

These are aprox 30-50yrs old and collected from Kulmbach in Germany.

We are looking to have them apprised and the collection sold.
Would this be something anyone could advise on?

Thank you very much.
Kind Regards
Mrs Toeni Young  toeni@oakburystudios.com
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Nicholas Ball on June 15, 2016, 07:43:58 AM
Dear Mrs Young,

the first thing to do is to photograph and identify them. Are they are is sets, still in the boxes or just individual, put into a draw?

If you put  photos on here, there may be some interest from the members in buying them. Alternatively, there are also auctions that specialise in this type of thing.

I noticed you first posted this in March, ( Newbie section ) and there are now many more figures than previously thought.
( originally 2000+ )  I presume it is only the painted figures that are in the cabinet.

Nicholas

Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Brian on June 17, 2016, 09:32:02 AM
As Nick said, they need to be identified

Going back 30-50 year I assume there 30mm figures?  sets are what you have to find but single figures your not talking a lot 50p for foot and £1/£1.50 mounted figure unpainted.
As most of the old figures are still produced and sold there not a great market for secondhand figures, but saying that you could also be sitting on some wanted sets?

can you send photos? 

     
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Mrs Young on June 20, 2016, 05:13:22 AM
Dear Sirs,

I have some photographs of the collection, I have attempted to upload these here?...

The cabinet holds 40 drawers... Each drawer is holding a large mixed collection of bare, primed and painted figures.

On top of the cabinet are 9 further drawers of figures. As well as three large boxes of un sorted figures, some in original packaging from purchase.

It is quite something!

Sent from my iPhone
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Kulmbach on June 20, 2016, 06:07:33 AM
Looks like a quality Collection! Those figures showed are mostly Gottstein figures, now hard to find. Seems also to be a complete collection of Blum´s Murten set now out of reach and the Egyptiens from Neckel´s list. Shouldn´t be hard to sell at the rigt price, I recommend I table at next year´s show in Kulmbach.

Best regards
Jan
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Hannibal on June 20, 2016, 06:42:15 AM
Ooh, I am ready to invest in these .... where do you live ....

You should make an inventory, divide in lots and sell in auctions, on EBay and in sseveral shows over a year time to maximize your selling prices !!
Some of those  arerare and are quiet valuable, will be disputed and sold at good prices !!! if you are patient.

Looking at the pictures .... fantastic treasures !!!
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: willie on June 20, 2016, 07:29:15 AM
 Dear Miss Young.  I am amazed at this collection.  I do not think you will have any problems selling your collection.  At the Valley Forge Show and the National Capital show in DC. I meet this lady who was selling her husband collection of flats and books he had passed away. It took about a year to sell the collection and this year at Valley Forge she just had prints left. I wish you the best of luck on your endeavor. Willie 
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: snagy on June 20, 2016, 08:05:30 AM
Where are those pictures available you all write about??
I can't find them...  :(
Best regards-
Sandor

Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Hannibal on June 20, 2016, 09:20:48 AM
Someone from BFFS UK (Nick ? or ...) should pay a visit to you of 2/3 days and make an inventory and pictures to organize this task : I would if not far away, till september ... then to plan a selling campaign .... by EBay and various events ...
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Kulmbach on June 20, 2016, 10:04:53 AM
Where are those pictures available you all write about??
I can't find them...  :(
Best regards-
Sandor

Scoll down a Little and you will find the Pictures under the text
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Mike G on June 20, 2016, 10:14:22 AM
Wow. I would be jumping up and down to paint some of these. I should think they're worth at least $15-20k
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: snagy on June 20, 2016, 11:19:48 AM
Thank you Kulmbach - that direction I did not try to move ...
Now I see them...
Br.
Sandor
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: errant49 on June 20, 2016, 12:42:54 PM
Hi Mrs Young
There seems to be a lot of nice quality sets
All that is valuable
But before putting it for sale it is important to gather the figures set by set
I see for instance the Louis XIV Staff, the Camp of the Cloth of Gold, Landschnechts camp, Battle of Murten and probably many others
You need an advice from a rather specialized collector for that
Maybe, and if you are not too much in a hurry, could we organize a meeting with you at the next Euromilitaire show in Folkestone , September 18th
You could also meet Nicolas Ball at another show, "Figure World" in July
I would gladly help you having personaly no interest in buying figures because I have already too many !

When the collection will be organized you will be able to sell it little by little on ebay for instance or try the Kulmbach show in August 2017
I should avoid an auction sale because blank figures do not sell well there

The only advice I can give you now is to be cautious because you obviously have nice and hard to find figures

Hope it can help

Eric

Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Brian on June 20, 2016, 01:48:50 PM
"The only advice I can give you now is to be cautious because you obviously have nice and hard to find figures"

So £30 will not buy the collection hahaha
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Brian on June 21, 2016, 07:08:04 AM
You have been given some good advice and the next thing to do is to identify and list what you have, not going to be easy but with the help of the BFFS maybe it can be done.

Your in the Oxford area so as said we have "Figure World" in July at Oundle near Peterborough, a few of the BFFS members will be there, maybe we can arrange a meeting to talk about what to do next.

You do have some sort after figures there but don't get to excited about the money side!! the collection will not be easy to sell and will take time.

 



Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Mrs Young on June 21, 2016, 12:23:16 PM
Thank you very much everyone...
We will organise to come to the show in July... Hopefully we can meet up with anyone who would be interested... We can then try to identify and catalogue the collection into sets etc,...
I think we would like to keep a few sets in the family and open up the rest of the collection to those who will enjoy it most. It is a collection that held great joy for our grandfather. I'm glad it can still be appreciated.
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Nicholas Ball on June 21, 2016, 02:35:18 PM
Dear Mrs Young,

We look forward to seeing you at figure world at the end of July. We will try to assist you as much as we can.

Kindest Regards.   Nicholas
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Mrs Young on June 22, 2016, 02:36:36 AM
Dear Nick,

Would it be possible for you to email me the details for the show?
We can organise getting tickets etc..

Thank you very much
Toeni
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Nicholas Ball on June 22, 2016, 03:36:59 AM
Details being sent forthwith.

See you shortly.

Nicholas
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: penmeyer on June 24, 2016, 12:42:41 PM
If you get this all organized, please put me on the list to receive the details as I would be interested in purchasing some of these flats. Best regards-Penny Meyer
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: bussy on June 24, 2016, 01:23:21 PM
Me too I am interested to buy some flat figures... :) :)
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Hannibal on June 24, 2016, 01:25:48 PM
Me also of course ....
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: willie on June 24, 2016, 02:55:30 PM
Hi Neck. I know I should not be doing this but let me know if you fine any elephants or camels. The one who must obeyed said I had enough but you never do. lol Willie
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: marko on June 24, 2016, 03:46:57 PM
I think Mrs. Young will be heartened to know there are many interested parties but, for now it would might be best to let someone asses the collection and report back we all sign up as interested parties?



In the past collections have been put online with a drawing for figures when there were multiple interested parties.  Whether that is done or they are put online for auction I am sure the advice will be something fair to all.


mark  8)


P.S.  It is a stunning collection isn't it?  Is anyone familiar with the gentlemen?  Does this rival Jim Woodley's collection of figures?


P.P.S.  It would also be nice to see some pictures of his finished figures.  The gentlemen had some skill.
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Nicholas Ball on June 24, 2016, 05:23:06 PM
Yes lets access and go from there :)

Nicholas
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Phil Y on July 29, 2016, 03:10:23 PM
Can I register my interest in the Battle of Murten figures.  Will there be any information giving details of their auction or sale.  I had hoped to attend on Saturday at Peterborough but family commitments got in the way.
Regards
Phil Young
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Hannibal on July 29, 2016, 03:51:41 PM
To get everyone equal chance, please inform all of a date ahead; perhaps via auction too ...
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Nicholas Ball on July 29, 2016, 04:06:46 PM
I collected a large batch of figures in a box at the show from Mr and Mrs Young. I have slowly been sorting them. There are a few nice sets. When I get around to it I will start posting ;)

Nicholas
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: marko on July 29, 2016, 04:45:02 PM
Goodness, excitement is palpable across the site these days...


Eric's Grey Army sales, Andrew and his Mignot and now this.  The world is apparently awash in unpainted flats!


mark  8)  who is happily about two feet underwater in unpainted flats himself.
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Mike G on July 29, 2016, 05:01:27 PM
Lol. I'm bidding on anything Michel and mark like as they have impeccable taste
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Hannibal on July 29, 2016, 05:24:02 PM
 ::) ::) ;D ;)
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: marko on July 29, 2016, 05:53:48 PM
 ;D   Yes, I have noticed of late we share similar taste on things I have missed out on... Like my lost evil twin Charles I apparently now have an American nemesis as well.  My wife will wonder why I am wandering the house yelling "Porthos", and shaking an angry fist.

Fortunately, plenty of flat goodies to go around so life is still pretty good.

mark  8)

P.S. One possible suggestion for this collection is to try the same route that Jim Woodley's collection was offered.  It was put online and members entered their wants after which winners were drawn out of a hat if there were multiple Members looking at the same set.  If that works I would be happy to donate an online spreadsheet for folks to enter their interests.


Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Charles on July 30, 2016, 05:57:54 AM
Mark
I am not lost, I am still here!
I have commissioned my own flats now, you may recall the discussions about the Charge of the Light Brigade 21st Lancers.
So I have the moulds now, and the metal, and on Friday i am off to see Brian to get some casting done.
Then I will offer them for sale. There are more in the pipeline, I have some illustrations from Vlad for Hussars and Dragoons, and he is starting some Cossack Artillery, and I have some engraving sessions booked with Karl Rieger in October, so there will be some more coming before Christmas.
Charles
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Mike G on July 30, 2016, 06:44:45 AM
That's fantastic! Can't wait to see them
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: marko on July 30, 2016, 11:29:03 AM
Great news Charles and good for you, sounds like an excellent adventure.  I also am looking forward to the figures.  I purchased Mollo's Into the Valley of Death this Year which has some great plates so I am looking forward to these

By the way way do you have Gottsteins catalog pages for the Light Brigade?  I don't but, would like to add them to the site.

I have also been hunting for his dinosaur set as you have in your gallery.  They look quite fun but, don't come up too often.


Mark  8)


Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Charles on August 01, 2016, 11:24:36 AM
Mark
I only have the typed list in German, no illustrations.
But I do have the set, part painted now. I have previously promised you that i would photograph them, but have to confess i have not got round to it yet.  I will make the effort soon.

Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: marko on August 01, 2016, 11:54:28 AM
No worries, it can hold until you have finished your stunning display and then we can match the list with the figures.


I was working on German staff from Franco Prussian War this weekend - also waiting on pictures - so I am working backwards to your time period.


Looking forward to seeing the Russian gunners.  These will lend themselves to diorama potential - somewhat of a lost art these days.  (My issue with dioramas, aside from space, was always in keeping them dusted.  German armour does not look as scary when it is dusty I found.) 


Mark  8)


P.S. If anyone else has the Wimor pictures or catalog for the Light Brigade please let me know.
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Scott Johnson on August 04, 2016, 04:27:20 PM
I guess I'd better get in line, too. Will the Forum have a clearly labled link to any auction site should that be the route taken for the flats sale?
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Nicholas Ball on August 05, 2016, 05:36:51 AM
Hi All,

with regards the figures, I am still processing the first box load. Quite a task in itself. But I shall shortly be ready to post the first sets  ( segom ) the problem is sorting all the loose figures and seeing if they make sets.
There are some very nice figures.

Mark has kindly offered to set up some form of documentation etc.

I have been rather busy at work ( run my own companies ) but over the next 6 months this should ease somewhat and I can give this my full attention ( especially the 10,000 figures that are still with Mr and Mrs Young.)

awaiting paypal details.


Nicholas
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Ed Humphreys on August 05, 2016, 06:03:24 AM
I can send you details of all the SEGOM sets (at least the Lepeltier engraved ones), as well as painting details for most of them. Just let me know which ones you mean
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: Hannibal on August 05, 2016, 08:01:30 AM
VERY EXCITING !!!
Title: Re: Large Kulmbach collection Inherited... What to do with 10,000 figures?
Post by: marko on August 05, 2016, 07:55:41 PM
A note to everyone on this - we are discussing an option to give everyone an equal chance at figures with bidders chosen at random so again please DO NOT feel you need to make sure we know what you are interested in - I would think almost everyone will be.  We are hoping to do something simple that will give everyone plenty of time to express interest, an equal chance at winning and an easy way to collect payment.

mark  8)

P.S. Major kudos to Nick once more taking this on, truly above and beyond from both sides - for the Youngs as well as a nice opportunity for everyone here.  (Personally I would have been tempted to hide in the woods with my new 10,000 best friends which I intended to paint someday but, I digress.)  Bravo Nick!