So how big a loss do you take?

[Stephen]

Most of you know the family is on dire straits. I have on more than a few venues tried to sell my gendaito Hiromasa tanto. Paying appx $2400 not counting fees shipping. At one time offering as low as $1850.

 

Wondering how low would you go?

Half? $ needed but why take a bath?

Sipping sour grape wine sorry.

[ROKUJURO]

Stephen,

that is a problem which I can understand. In the past, I have been in a similar situation. You need money urgently, you try to sell your treasures (and rip your heart in two), but nobody seems interested. What you need in these cases is time and patience which you don't have.

I have no good solution for this except winning the national lottery - urgently!

P.S. Don't give your swords away too cheaply!

[Alex A]

Hi Stephen,

 

Sometimes *#'** happens and you need the money.

 

Personally, ive sold items I didn't want to and once sold a sword for £1700 less than I paid for it. (hate to admit, but was when i first became interested)

 

At the end of the day, just becomes the past, and you move on.

 

When times get better, your back in the game.

[drb 1643]

Hi Stephen, could you please send me a link to your sale of this tanto? I have been unable to locate it on this forum.

Thanks,

Tom

[Stephen]

I haven't had it on in awhile. I think i asked Brian to delete in frustration.

Ill PM you photos are you on FB so easy to send multiples.

[16k]

Stephen,

 

I quite understand what you’re going through. If it is any consolation, I’ve wanted many times to buy swords in the sales section, some are a real steal, but even at those prices, I can’t afford them. Money is a trouble for many of us I’m afraid.

 

Get this! I’m buying a sword from Ed at the moment. I knew from the start it was going to be painful for my wallet. Yet, even priced cheap ($3200), I don’t have that kind of money and am paying it over 5 months!

 

Just hold onto your swords, better moments will come. Sell other stuff that matters less if you can. But don’t sell anything you’ll regret later on. And hold on!

[Stephen]

Thanks to all... seriously thanks for PMs saying to hold on to it. Gendaito appreciation will grow and so well the value of the Hiromasa.

[reeder]

Bummer, not fun taking losses.  Had one that was papered to interesting shinto smith, mumei though, but 27.5" nagasa, tobiyaki, premium gunto mounts, hang tag.... lost about $1000 on eBay auction.  Sword didn't even break $1500  

[Bugyotsuji]

Know nothing about your condition Stephen, but hang in there.

There are times when the fog is so thick that it is better just to stay still and wait till things clear a little, before making a move in any direction.

[Stephen]

Crazy world Brandon.

Bugs, very wise words implementing advice now!

[Brian]

You take a huge knock, sell the sword....get some momentary relief and then things go back to the usual hard life we all go through, and things are just the same, but without a small item that brings joy.
Or you battle the bad days, knowing that no matter how bad they get, things work out eventually and the road evens out until you can coast at a steady speed again...only you have something to bring joy when you look at it.

That's how I have been doing things lately. Resisting getting rid of things I enjoy even though money is needed. And then when the bad has passed, I at least still have nice things around me.
It's hard. But things really do get better.

[Michaelr]

Stephen, a very tuff question to answer. I have been there and had to do that a few times in my life. Everyone has different thoughts on the subject. Every situation is different which leads to different answers. When things are good you think about “ what would I do if something happened” easy answers because it is only a “ what if” situation. At a time when I was forced to sell my whole WW2 weapons collection it was very hard at first. But when it finally came down to it I sold a lot of my collection to friends at a reduced price because I knew they would appreciate it and enjoy the things as I did. I also had some things that I bought right and sold for a very good profit. Kinda made up for some of the loss. In the end of the whole collection I might have just broke even. On the other hand when I was forced to sell only one item I held off until I was prepared mentally. MENTALLY, is the important part. Don’t sell something that you will Regret later, when you get right mentally and know it has to go even at a loss try and pass it on to someone that will appreciate it as much as you have, this will ease some of the pain We would all like to keep everything that make us happy but Life Happens. Treasure the time that you had with ANYTHING that makes you happy and when it is time to let it go move past it and enjoy what you have. Sometimes things that we are forced to let go come back to us later in life, and sometimes later in life when things get better we look back and think “ what was the big deal and why was it so hard “ Good luck with what ever decision you make—- IT WILL BE THE RIGHT ONE!

MikeR

[Stephen]

thanks Mike

 

i've one enquire who owns a Hiromasa if it comes down to have to do he'll be first choice.

[DaveFarr]

Or like me, I've yet to break my habit of buying high and selling low. Seems most people don't share my opinion of what has value......the unwashed masses. BTW Happy New Year, hope your fortunes turn.

[Vermithrax16]

Nihonto: expensive to buy, cheap to sell.

 

For all but the higher end blades (and lower end), one has to expect to take a hit on any re-sale. Especially if there is time pressure. I have come to accept this and thus have changed how large a collection I intended to have (it's going to be much smaller sword wise than I had planned a while ago). Now most would say "I have never lost money on a sword!" but keep in mind most also say that:

- they are ahead at the casino

- ahead on scratch tickets

- never lost money on real estate

- never lost in the stock market

There should be a zillion millionaires among us with these unwavering gains. It's weird there are not.

 

I have two swords; both top flight examples of their school or maker. Both top flight high end polish. Both with NBTHK papers. Both with top flight shirasaya and both with gold habaki. And I expect to lose 20% at a minimum and probably 30% or more if/when I should ever have to part with them. Sucks, but if you are going to be in this hobby, it's reality.

[PNSSHOGUN]

I'm fortunate enough to have either made my money back or made a little on the pieces I have sold. I wouldn't say I'm ahead, the money has all gone into other swords....

[Vermithrax16]

I'm fortunate enough to have either made my money back or made a little on the pieces I have sold. I wouldn't say I'm ahead, the money has all gone into other swords....

Well done John.

[ChuckJ]

Stephen,

 

I am so sorry for your situation with family and needing to part with things which you've spent a lot of money for because you knew the value.  I too, have wrestled with having to try and sell things which not only were worth more than I purchased them for but meant something to me when I bought them. 

 

At this point in my life, I've realized I have to let them go (I have regrets) for whatever reason or keep them.  There is no "how big a loss should I take" answer, it depends on the emergency at hand AND if the money offered for the item actually helps you. 

 

When in a better position material things can always be replaced and with something better.  Nothing, is really an investment you should expect a return on and in most cases just breaking even is a blessing.

 

I truly wish the best for you and your family Sir.

 

Chuck

[drbvac]

Not exactly the same situation but I have talked in the past what happens to these treasures when we pass on !!!!!  The estate or your family will certainly have no idea of the value and likely very little appreciation for the times themselves.

 

I always look at the money lost on a sale as the rent you had to pay to keep the blades for the period that you do and now having several blades that cost over 20G I don't know if I will feel worse selling them now or waiting until I can't even maintain them any more. Some I have held for over 35 years and am not even sure I will get my money back in them and it is amazing considering the market for collectibles of all types that THEY ARE ALL more costly to buy than sell = that being said at some point SOMEONE must make something on the sale or the whole thing would fall apart !

 

Collectors are weird - think with their hearts more than their brains

[DaveFarr]

Collectors are weird - think with their hearts more than their brains

 

So true.

[IJASWORDS]

Stephen, if its any help, most of us go through stormy times with little hope in sight. Got so bad, used to wait until visitors left so I could put my hand in the cracks of the sofa for coins that may have fallen out of pockets. 

In a moment of desperation I walked into a church (no, I didn't rob it) and the minister was putting flyers in the entrance. 

He asked if he could help with anything, and I uploaded on him. 

After listening he gave me advice that has stuck with me, basically about our own obligation to help get out of the mess, whilst having faith that it will happen. His words were..... 

"Pray to God in a storm, but you gotta keep rowing". 

[Stephen]

Love the quote Neil

Well the pendulum has reached its apex and now it's going in the other direction. Funny it coincides with winter solstice maybe its related.

Maybe it has to do with my brothers who helped me out in time of need and now things have changed I do feel blessed. I expect to pay it forward when Ken gets his funding page going.

Get them pictures done Brian!!!

I'll let Ken tell the rest of the story.

[Ken-Hawaii]

When the time is ripe, bro.

[Michaelr]

Stephen Great to hear that things are looking up. I hope all keeps getting better for you. Take each day as a new one and even the little things will help you through the day. First by the minute, then by the hour, then by the day and so on. Hope 2020 is a turnaround year.  
     MikeR

[mas4t0]

I feel that on the buying side it's a Catch-22 where either:

(a) the seller is selling because they no longer appreciate the piece.

(b) the seller is in desperate need of funds.

 

(a) casts some doubt as to why the owner has opted to pass the item along.

(b) feels predatory (especially if the item is underpriced) and casts a shadow over the item.

 

I realise that it's no different when pieces are being sold through a dealer, but there is a difference in feel on account of the proxy.

 

I think that a large part of the value added by dealer write ups is in fostering an appreciation of the piece and educating the buyer on what makes it desirable. For a successful sale, you either need to educate the buyer on the specifics of the item (don't expect them to do their own research other than verification) or you need to catch the attention of someone who is already in the market for that item and has buying intent.