Hello all,

My Dad was a Leica collector and sadly passed away a few years ago.

We are thinking about selling his collection to raise funds for my Mum. I obviously want to gain the best price possible for her and would appreciate any recommendations for the best specialist auctions.

I can see several online in the UK and Germany but recommendation from genuine enthusiasts is preferable.

Thanks,

Tim

 

bump.

 

A lot would depend on their age and condition. There are vintage Leica dealers around and I know of one in Austria.

 

There are certainly retailer who'd like a Leica collection, eg Ffordes, but they would be offering you wholesale prices for them to sell at retail (otherwise they'd never make any money). How that compares with the risks of non-sale or low sale at auction I wouldn't know.

 

I have successfully made several sales via ffordes on a commission basis and been pleased with the results achieved. Afraid I have no experience of anyone else

 

ffordes seem genuine when selling kit, have bought stuff from them which was excellent. No idea of selling through them, but I would get their prices would be fair, and safer than ebay.

S

 

Isn't there a Leica specific dealer that advertises in the magazines sometimes?

 

The downside to commission sales is that the dealer will often promote stock that they have invested in ahead of commission sales. This means it may take a lot longer to get your money. It may be worth investigating specialist camera auctions. Yes there's a risk you may not make as much as you'd hoped, but in my experience auctioneers are pretty accurate with their valuation and its in their interests to maximise the final selling price. You can always set a reserve price to protect yourself from low prices.

 

Indeed.

As the (more or less) good book says: "Bind not the mouths of the kine that tread the grain".

 

May be worth contacting this lot:

https://www.theleicasociety.org.uk/

or :

https://www.specialauctionservices.com/Departments/Cameras

S

 

If you mean Richard Caplan, he retired in December.

 

Yes, I think that's who I meant.

 

I would suggest contacting The Leica Shop Vienna and asking their advice re their auctions. I of course know nothing about your collection, you could be very disappointed or on the other hand delighted. Give them a ring, they will all speak perfect English.

 

Brian's advice above comes from someone who goes (went? - do you still have your collection, @Brian?) beyond "enthusiast" - I think following his advice would be a very good call.

 

Hi Adrian,

Yes but the majority is now in the safe keeping of my son. Still have the Kiev collection, just finished putting it all in the form of a book.

Brian.

 

Good to hear, Brian, that one collection looks a life's work in itself. BTW, you did send me a version of your Kiev collection work - if I haven't said before that I enjoyed reading it (a) sorry, very remiss of me and (b) I did, very much.

 

Glad you enjoyed it. Seemed to remember sending you a copy.

 

I wonder if Mr. Lane will return for an encore post?

Jack

 

No just a user Jack.

 

Thanks very much for all the helpful advice.

I'll check out the recommended sites and call The Leica Shop Vienna