Very large collection

[Steveward]

Hi
Sorry but I'm new to forum sites and unable to post pics I only use a tablet and it will not let me post pictures.
But anyway I have been visiting a old bloke near me that owns the largest collection I have ever seen not only in the boxes they have not been out the shopping bags he fetched them in.
I am going to do some sort of inventory of his collection but need to know if there is a best way to go around doing it but when I say it's a large collection it's mad every room is loaded the old chap stands on them so I have made a wall with his very large collection of magazines to pile up the bags behind them.
He also owns Hornsby 0 gauge still in boxes,stamps loads there are matchbox ,corgi,hotwheels Johnny lighting and more I would say that you would need four or probably more transit vans to move it.
If anyone can advise a good way and best way to log the collection please help
Many thanks
Steve

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Hello Steve.

Welcome to the forum.

It sounds like you are about to take on a very daunting task and unless you feel confident and experienced enougth to do what you say, I think you would need help from a collector with experience is such matters.

It will all need recording in the simplest form possible using a Camera, A4 paper pad and pencils. Clearly everything needs pictures done and even this will take a lot of time as each picture will need to show the model, it's packaging and a picture of the baseplate. This work will at least create some sort of recorded catalogue of what's there.

I would not worry about values at the early stage, it is more important to record what is there, not how much it is worth.

I would also get a signed written permission note from the Gentleman to cover you being there doing the work.

Also don't concern yourself about not posting pictures to the forum just yet, this should not stop you carrying on with the sorting out of the collection.

Use the A4 pad to write down what you take picture of...

Corgi Mini in pale Blue x 1.
Dinky Aston Martin in Red x 1.
Dinky Transit Van in Yellow x 2.

etc, etc.

Does this make sense and something you think you can do.

Keep us informed of your progress if you don't mind because we would be interested in seeing the listing of models in the collection.

Ghosthunter.

[Steveward]

Hi thanks for the info I know it will be a very very large task to take on a lot are on blister packs a large number are mail order some are one off that should had gone on front of magazines or on blister packs that didn't make it he had a contact that could get models that didn't make the shops I have stacked bags up to the rafters I think the last time he whent shopping was 2005 he's not been out since then he always had the policy of buying three one to play with one to put on display one to put away but he never played or put on display just put them on the floor in the bag never came out my main concern is space like I said every room is crammed there is no floor space I think iv got to do each bag then seal it then place it in a bin liner till the liner is full then start again he is happy for me to do it one its company for him and it's like shopping again I'm unearthing things he forgot about

[motorman]

Good luck, a daunting task but hopefully an enjoyable one, keep us updated with your progress please.

[Idris]

Don't forget to tag the bags individually in some way so that you can easily find a specific model should the need arise.
I would also suggest that you work with a computer spreadsheet rather than pen and paper since it will make sorting out exactly what is there (once you've catalogued it all!) a whole lot easier.

[YYS4BOB]

You need a good system to sort huge volumes like this. I suggest sorting initially by manufacturer. So select an area for diecast another for trains another for tinplate (if any). Then split down by manufacturer, Dinky Corgi, Lesney etc. for the diecast, Hornby, Wren, Lima etc. for the trains. Once you've done this you can target an individual brand. Pen & paper is fine for an initial listing as it's portable, but you will need to use a spread sheet to make a digital record as well. Also suggest once you start the digital version, back up with a copy to a 2nd device just in case of problems. The last thing you want to do is spend weeks building a data base then lose it all due to some malfunction.

[Steveward]

Thanks for all the help so far my main problem is space I think by looking at the vast amount and how it's all mixed up I will tackle each room by just seeing what's in each bag make a record then place a number of bags in a bin bag then number each bin bag so I know what's in each bag that's in each bin bag then when all that's done go further to brand name spread sheets are not my thing so will need help from my son he can do them so they work I will post each time iv been to his house on what iv come across but if I get it done with in a year I will be surprised keep you posted

[Idris]

I will post each time iv been to his house on what iv come across...

Please remember that a picture paints a thousand words.

[Rob]

I will post each time iv been to his house on what iv come across...

Please remember that a picture paints a thousand words.

That's good advice, my suggestion would be to photo every item you put in a bin liner and then create say an excel spreadsheet at leisure of what is in that bin liner by looking on the internet and forums like this to find the same model as the photo, otherwise you will be forever reopening bin liners to check which variation you have...a £1 model or a £100 model.

[Steveward]

Ok thanks again I will take pics and see if I can put them on the forum site I know his sister wants it doing she wants to give them to charity but the old fella says no he spent all his life building it up not just to be sold off at 50p each but it's not about the money value to him he does like to grab one from time to time then I spend a few hours sticking them back to a safe place up stairs out the way it's hard to grasp or explain how they are everywhere some are that covered in dust you can't see them.