Before Christmas I had an auction at the North Star Township hall to find homes for Smitty's tractors. They (400+) were in our basement on shelves. We used to joke about if they were going to get dusted each year. None of the kids were interested in keeping his collection, but at friend Mary's advice, I did have both of the grandgirls keep one.This picture is one long tableful and there were two more long sets of tables forming a U around the center where the bidders sat.
I didn't think they would be worth much for two reasons. One, he didn't keep the boxes that they came in, and two, he had engraved his driver's license number on each one.
But, my friends, after auctioneer, advertising, and other expenses, I had a check for just about $12,000. Isn't that amazing!
I had a few uncomfortable feelings about selling his collection, but it is nice to know that some went to children, to grandchildren, and to collectors who appreciate their value.
☼
This morning was brutally cold at 14 below zero. The water in the barn was frozen but I am partially to blame because I didn't think to take the nozzle off the hose. I got it thawed out by removing the nozzle and then sticking a little heater into the insulated water closet/thingy that the neighbors built for me. Remember? - here for a picture.
I had to include this really lovely photo taken by my dear young friend Heather when she came to visit over Christmas holidays.
7 comments:
I think it is great that the tractors went to people who would appreciate them! And wow, that is a nice check! Gotta love collectors.
Hope you can stay warm!
I had no idea that people collected tractors! Geeze, every time you post I learn something new.
Maple, I so admire you for your ability to get things done and make your decisions!! You always match the object (ie:tractors in this case) or animals to just the right person, AND you are amazing at connecting people to each other as well!!! Sorry about this continued cold snap and the havoc it wrecks in the barn with water and other chores....I've been wearing the alpaca hat, socks and hand warmers you have made me EVERY DAY this week!! I've never appreciated your craftmanship or the warmth of alpaca fiber more!! If I had alpaca "Winter Knickers" I think I'd be wearing them too!! (That is not a hint...(smile).
Snow Shovels of Hugs,
Beth
What a collection! He sure had good taste.
I'm so glad you were able to find good homes for all of them.
Congratulations on the successful sale of Smitty's tractor collection. That's a wonderful dollar amount! I'm a bit of a hoarder and am inspired by your courageous and clear decision. Now, my hoardings do not, very unfortunately ;), have such a rich dollar value, but their sentimental value, and you know I'm the sentimental type lol, make them nevertheless difficult to detach from, but I am finding, like humility, the more I practice, the easier it gets! ;)
Marg
That is a really wonderful surprise about the tractors. It's so hard to get rid of things that have emotional value, but you're right, they're better in the hands of other folks. The tractors are new to their new owners and will be appreciated all over again!
What a wonderful toy tractor collection. You were right to save one for each grandchild. My father had a wonderful Lionel train layout with lots of trains but a few years before he died he gave them all to one of his nephew's sons. He never even offered me one and I'm still sorry about that. I wish I had one of the locomotives and the big train station from our model village. I grew up with them and the other relative didn't have the same connection to them.
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