The Little World

I used to know a chap who held a sort of unofficial position as a model broker. He was the fellow to turn to when you had things to sell. In some cases it was individual items and in others complete collections.

I resorted to his services on a couple of occasions and, on the whole, was satisfied with the course of the transactions. Nothing like the original purchase price was paid for anything, but then that was never expected. I’d had my fun from the items and had to be content with that return as well as the selling price.

After the transactions I would occasionally discover my old models for sale at commercial premises – evidence that the buyer had on-sold them. I was never distressed to see this, as the items had passed from my possession fairly.

I wish he were still evident. I plan to dispose of some of the die-cast cars I once doted upon to make room in my shelves for the model aircraft I now build. The die-cast collector’s club has fairs in which they meet to exchange and buy, but I have had experience of sad handling there before and would not welcome the task of transporting the models and then haggling with the sharpers.

I may contact the secretary of the organisation and put a proposition to him for individuals to visit and make their offers. I would still expect dealering but can set my own price and not be concerned with haggling.