My son wants a lifeboat

Many thanks Colin going to enjoy keeping her for a while now I think, now that room isn't an issue anymore and who knows she may even end up in Greenwich? All the best Anthony

From what I read these days, the seller is charged around 5% fee...........but the buyer is chaged up to 25 % of the purchase price, and that is putting many buyers off, thus reducing prices on "amature" builders models such as mine, yours and other hobbyists.........the only models reaching high prices are the old builders models.

To be honest, when Charles Miller worked for Christies a lot more low and mid priced models were accepted for sale and sold, and I was selling at Christies 20 - 25 years ago.............those boats are no longer accepted,

For instance recently a model of S.S. Great Britain came on the market, and I was almost certain until I spoke to the builders son that it was William Mowoells model that he built on Model Boats in the 1980's, as it was just absolutely stunning...........that was not accepted by Miller's as the reason was that it at 82" long and in a glass mahogany case was far too big, and priced too high at £3000.00p.

Sadly  believe Charles Miller has become far too choosy for the good of modelling

Edited By neil howard-pritchard on 20/01/2023 18:47:08

Edited By neil howard-pritchard on 20/01/2023 18:50:14

I think Neil has a point from what I have heard elsewhere.The top end of the market now seems to be exclusive to builder's models and items with some historical provenance. At the bottom end there is EBay where the rule of thumb seems to be that kit based models rarely fetch more than the price of the original kit, even if they are stuffed full of motors, speed controllers and batteries which probably cost as much again.

In the middle are the top quality models from amateur builders which often surpass what might be termed 'museum quality' but which tend to fetch disappointing prices.

The late Brian King's superlative models featured in a special auction some years back but the hammer prices were disappointing and didn't seem to reflect the quality of his work.

I suppose that's the market for you though.

Colin

Chaps you're so right unfortunately the model boat residuals are very low and don't factor time skill and above all the passion that this hobby has to offer shame but so true Ashley is in my mind  Always spot on in regards to his expertise ...if you love and want something you will pay the money that you think the model is worth, unfortunately now with heavy heart my model in now on ebay as my sons partner doesn't want a huge bright orange lifeboat in there flat !!! So hopefully in my instance my beautiful model will sell on ebay, that said if a fellow enthusiasts on here wants her I would do a deal ...anyway Onwards and upwards gang happy sailing in calm waters 

Edited By Anthony Stance on 20/01/2023 22:47:32

Edited By Anthony Stance on 20/01/2023 22:52:46

When the time comes, all my models will likely go in a skip. There residual value is zilch.

I know this. I know a few people who might like a couple of the boats, but in 20 years time ....!,!,?

As for your lovely boat Anthony, it may well be worth a lot more but realising the value may be tricky...the man may be right but realistically you have priced to sell and so on. I would be well chuffed if was in a museum somewhere however?

I’ve mentioned it before, but there is a wonderful small maritime museum at Lowestoft, packed with model boats...well worth a visit.

Ashley

Edited By ashley needham on 21/01/2023 09:16:57

Hopefully not the skip Ashley !!!!

Hi Anthony,

I suggest as your in Kent, you contact Rob the owner of the Dockyard Model Shop at Chatham to see if he has room for it on his shelves to sell, I sold 4 surplus boats last year many folk with Naval interests and modellers drop in there and you maybe lucky !

Nothing's selling at the moment, but as the better weather approaches things will start moving again.

The problem with ebay is you can say collect only, but you can bet your bottom dollar somebody in Scotland will be interested, and transporting is difficult for it to arrive in one piece.

Regards Ray

Cheers Ray thanks again for the heads up .

would that be "Sparrow's Nest" you are refering to...............a wonderful place with incredible historical value and nterest to the defence of this country.well worth a few hours or more.first time i visited with my wife and young daughters i said i would meet them on the beach after a quick look round......the time flew and the tide had come in and gone out by the time i met them..............4 hours later...........cost me a fortune that afternoon placating their anoyance at a wasted day for them...........as i said.......an amazing place.

Yes I think that’s the one. There’s a green at the side with a nice large cafe and also a military museum as well, in a camouflaged building..

Ashley