Complete collection value, for insurance.

[michael carroll]

I am soon to inherit an entire collection with all inclusions and supplements from my father's estate. He spent over 40 years building it, and it truly is 100% complete, in excellent condition, and bound (all except this past year). I am curious as to how much it is worth, for insurance's sake. I can't seem to get a definitive answer.

[Melvin L. De Vilbiss]

A complete collection of originals (not reprints) from the first issue of October 1888 to present with all supplements could be valued at close to $150,000.00 give or take.

However, there are "so many variables" that determine assessed value it would take far more time than I have right now to explain all the details.

This might give you an idea - but still not a list of all the variables:

http://ngscollectors.ning.com/forum/topics/a-guide-to-selling-natio...

[Philip Riviere]

Michael,

Here are a few questions to help you value your collection:

1. If your collection is all bound issues and not individual issues the value will be less unless all the covers and ads are bound into the bound volumes. That being said.. Individual issues are still much more valuable than bound issues

2. Are the bound issues from 1888 to 1907 reprints? If they are NOT reprints your collection can be very valuable.

3. Are ALL the maps and supplements included ?

4. A few pictures of the collection will help for condition purposes.

I hope these ideas will help you in valuing your collection...

Best,

Phil 

[michael carroll]

I suppose when I said "bound" I mispoke, as they are not bound per se, but rather, slipcased. Each issue is separate, but each year is encased in brown leather-covered boxes with gold leaf lettering on the spine. All of the numbers ARE original, not reprints. I can remember tales from my youth of the lengths to which my father went to procure the earlier numbers. Mostly these were gotten back in the 60s and 70s. I particularly remember when the very first issues were bought. It was kind of a big deal, with Granddaddy in attendance. There was a big family dinner and weekend out at the family farm. And yes, every single last one of the supplements are intact. That always one of the main points of it all, as I'd imagine it is for most serious collectors. That, and of course condition, of which Dad was always so adamant. Growing up with this collection was always such a father and son...and grandfather affair, and the arrival of each monthly installment was an event. We'd often read together, with plenty of discussion to follow. The various television specials that would come out were always a highlight, with the evenings scheduled long in advance, and special arrangements made, ie. snacks and such in the den. NG has been a part of my family for as long as I can remember.I pity the kids who didn't have that, or something like it, with their own paterfamilias.

[Melvin L. De Vilbiss]

The memories will make your collection priceless.

I hope you will be able to the memories to your children (along with the collection).

Kindest regards,

Mel