[CR]re: Passing them on, was Assessing mortality...

(Example: Framebuilding:Tubing:Falck)

Date: Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:23:05 -0400
From: "Harvey Sachs" <hmsachs@verizon.net>
To: nicbordeaux@yahoo.fr, Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR]re: Passing them on, was Assessing mortality...

Nick March makes very good points:

Althoughy only a smalltime collector, the thought has occured to me too, because when you know the market values, when you actually look at what you've got in bikes and parts, and calculate, it starts adding up.

My conclusion, which I haven't acted on because I'm too busy working on the darned things, is this: for each and every bike you have, do a write up: history, what makes it of any value, an idea of the value. And most important of all, a list of three good collector friends who you have absolute trust in and who accept upon one's demise to assist your family (or your cat if you leave your collection to the cat) in the selling, if any selling there is. And don't forget to add that the things have to be sold over time, not flood the market.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We all naturally resist doing this, because it takes time, and is just a small subset of preparing a will. But, as with a will, the alternatives are really painful for those left behind.

From another perspective, I've watched things unfold twice after dear list-members died in the past few years. One suddenly, and one after a lengthy illness. In the latter case, several list members took on the responsibility for helping his widow with this part of the estate, and worked hard to get good homes and good value for a collection of maybe 20 bikes and a very large complement of parts and accessories. Photographing, posting and selling, shipping, the whole thing. I think it was successful in helping her financially, and keeping the collectibles in the vintage bike community that understood the value. But it was a lot of work, and a heavy responsibility. In this case, as I recall, the effort was led by Joe B-Z and John Pergolizzi, with help from several others.

Last time I was in for surgery, I did hang a couple of tags on a couple of bikes that I wanted given outright to specific people. But that is a tenth or less of what I should do. Starting now.

harvey (may you be much younger, for a long time) sachs mcLean va usa