Should I Or Shouldn't I?
By pyewacket
@pyewacket (43903)
United States
June 26, 2008 11:21pm CST
Okay want to get a bit of feedback here. I have in my possession really old stock bonds that were bought by my great-grandfather and dated around the late 1800s, with his signature and everything on it. And NO...the companies of the stocks are no longer around...believe me I looked thinking gee, maybe I'm sitting on a fortune...LOL
Anyway, I was hunting around and there are a few places that sell and/or buy these bits and pieces of history. As you can imagine...to actually BUY this memorabilia most are sold at $75.00 or more each. I got in contact with one place...he asked me to scan and send photos of what I have ...I have five such stock bonds ....After seeing what I had, he said he would buy all of them from me for $40.00. Like huh? That's all?? for FIVE when he'll turn around and sell them for maybe $75.00 EACH?Thing is, naturally $40 is $40 and shouldn't be sneezed at, but I'm also reluctant to sell them as in a sense they are a part of my family history. I think of all the "heirlooms" of my family that my mother and grandmother sold to get extra money...like irreplaceable pieces of jewelry like a beautiful cameo brooch with platinum filigree around it--or that old time gold pocket watch with a chain of my great-grandfather's and it was saddening to part with them
So what would you do? Should I sell them? Maybe wait for a better offer? Did you ever have any piece of family memorabilia that you decided to sell...did you get a lot for it? Did you regret parting with it?
11 people like this
29 responses
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
28 Jun 08
I think anyone who has watched Antiques Road Show on public broadcasting dreams of finding something that might be valuable and finding out it is worth a fortune. I'm afraid the only thing of any value from my family that I'm aware of is a gold watch that was my grandmothers when she taught school about a hundred years ago. And I'd not part with it because it was hers.
But bonds? I don't know. I might frame one and sell the others individually at the best possible price. Maybe you should put one of them on eBay with a reserve price of at least $50 and see if it sells. Then you can put the other two on one at a time sometime later if you don't find a collector who is willing to pay your price for them. 
Good luck!
Good luck!2 people like this
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
29 Jun 08
There are lots of sites about antique dolls on the Internet. I put "antique dolls" in my search window and came up with a whole page full of them. One is http://www.dollymaker.com/antique.htm
Hope you find someone who can give you an idea of their worth.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Jun 08
I also have a pair of very old antique porcelain dolls that judging from their appearance must be from the mid- to late 1800s, I haven't had any luck trying to find their worth...
1 person likes this
@Annie2 (594)
• United States
28 Jun 08
Here's my two-cents'-worth. If you are sure the stocks are not worth anything, and you are finding that you are getting low offers and ebay seems to reveal little monetary value for similar items, then keep them as family history.
You do not mention your age, so I don't know if you are going to be here a very long time or not, and you state you have no family to hand these down to. Well, I think you should put information with any of the pertinent history of the stocks and previous owners with them and then donate them to a Historical Society Museum where you live -- or where your great-grandfather lived at the time.
I write articles for our local newspaper about historical treasures from our historical society museum and people really appreciate being able to see these things of history of their towns or people from their towns. The additional information you provide will be kept in record books at the museum for reference.
You never know, someone a hundred years from now might be looking at those stocks and reading about your great-grandfather and be thankful to be able to see and touch a part of their town's history.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Jun 08
Uh...LOL..well I am hoping to live quite a bit longer...hehe..I'm 52. The idea about a Historical society isn't a bad one though...I have a virtual museum of old items of my ancestors...glass photos of my great-great (great??) grandmother that looks right out of the Civil War period...two twin porcelain dolls of antique age, a zillion other documents by my ancestors including the declaration to become a citizen signed by my great-great grandfather when he came here in 1851 from Ireland..the list goes on..LOL
Since my great-great grandparents and great grandparents lived for the most part in the Brooklyn area of NYC I just might get in contact with the Brooklyn Historical Society and see if they would accept things...maybe put it in my will???
1 person likes this
@Annie2 (594)
• United States
28 Jun 08
Splendid! With it being such a large city, they may receive more items than they know what to do with, but I think it would be a wonderful thing to do.
If you want to keep them to treasure now, do so! But putting them in a will is going to help see that those thing go where you want them to go.
You are only 52, so you will have time to enjoy them. What my grandparents did when they became older, and what my parents have been doing lately, they "downsized" and gave things to family members whom they wanted to have things while they still could do it. You could do the same, excepting of course, that your things will go to the museum rather than family.
Good luck with this, I hope it works out and that you will be happy knowing that many years of enjoyment will come from those things for yourself, and then for generations to come!
1 person likes this
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
27 Jun 08
Did you check on ebay to see if similar "bonds" are for sale and how much the auctions are going for? I agree that if he was willing to buy them all then they will sell and like you said he will sell them for a lot more.
2 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
27 Jun 08
I aree with you. Ebay was my first thought.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
27 Jun 08
I did check ebay...similar certificates aren't selling or being auctioned for much...maybe $5.00
1 person likes this
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
28 Jun 08
i would have those stocks checked just on the off chance before you sell them.there's been cases of them still being viable,even if the issuer has been bought up.unless there's a signed quitclaim on the back,they could be.
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
28 Jun 08
quitclaim is signed by both parties or the representing person for either side when shares are sold-you "quit" claim of ownership.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Jun 08
From what I gather these stock companies are definitely out of business, but I could make a further check..uh,what is a quitclaim???
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Jun 08
I never heard of the Antique Road show...I looked it up and only saw something in the UK and that it was a TV show...is that what you're talking about?
1 person likes this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
27 Jun 08
I try to look at it this way, do you have anybody to hand it down to? Is it worth giving up something so valueable to your heart? Do you need the money badly now? Then you should know your answer in whether or not you should sell them. As for me, it would be really hard to do even though I don't have anybody other than my neice and nephews to hand it down to but that's just me. You have to decide this one for no one knows what's really in your heart.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Jun 08
I sure wish I did have someone to pass it down to but I'm the Last of the Mohicans here..LOL. Still I think if I were to sell them would want a heck of a lot more than a mere $40 for all five..the guy sells this certificates for about $75 each...
2 people like this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
28 Jun 08
He wouldn't get them then, not at that price. You may be dumb but you're not stupid... is that how the saying goes?
@susieq223 (3742)
• United States
28 Jun 08
First of all, if you want to sell them, do it on ebay or something. A dealer will not pay you much because s/he is out to make money on them. Keep one, frame it, and sell the rest.
I have this detachment about "things"--even family things. I have saved a few heirlooms, but very few. I don't collect much of anything. Too much to clean, dust and move. (I have this dream of living in a small RV anyway.) Keeping something of family history is great--but my girls don't seem to be terribly interested in much of it, so I don't keep it around.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Jun 08
I can have a detachment of things too, but maybe since I saw so many lovely things my mother and grandmother sold..really nice pieces of irreplaceable jewelry I hate to just pitter away something that maybe could have a better worth to them
@irishmist (3814)
• United States
28 Jun 08
If the price was right I would sell them, as you said you have nobody to pass them down to, and what would happen to them when, well you know pass on. But I would not sell them dirt cheap, hang onto them untill the right buyer comes along, or maye even try and sell them on ebay.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Jun 08
Stock certificates don't seem to go for much even at ebay..believe me that was the first place I looked, and they aren't big sellers...I do plan to hunt around more to see if I can get a better offer though
@Sillychick (3275)
• United States
27 Jun 08
Is $40 really going to make or break you? Does it mean the difference between feeding your family or letting them starve? If not, keep them. The $40 may last you a few minutes, the heirloom will last you as long as you want to keep it. You will regret selling them after the money is gone. Especially since you already know what it is like to see pieces sold. Or if you really, really need the money, you could sell 4 and hang on to one, just so you don't feel like all is lost.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Jun 08
No I'm not exactly starving here....LOL. I sure wish the offer was for a lot more than just $40 then I might reconsider
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (181955)
• United States
28 Jun 08
I cant say that I have. I have some things now that I could sell,but I dont know if I will. I am watching antiques roadshow right now. If any stock documents come on I will write you back and let you know what they say.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Jun 08
Okay great...maybe they will say something about old stock certificates.
1 person likes this
@littleowl (7157)
•
27 Jun 08
Hi Pye-if it was me I wouldn't sell them-I tthink youwould regret it afterwards-many years ago an aquaintance had a baby and I gave the baby my teddy bear whom I called fluff-he was bought for me as a baby-to this day I regret that silly decision giving fluff away-bb littleowl
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Jun 08
awww..what a shame about your teddy bear. Believe it or not I still have my first stuffed toy...a Kangaroo with a baby in her pouch
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
27 Jun 08
pyewacket I had some really pretty black hills gold jewelry
that I sold for a tenth of what it was worth and now its
even worth more and I am so sad that I ever sold it. Now
I would get a large amount for it, I should have kept it
as they were gifts from mymom.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Jun 08
I'm always saddened by all the nice jewelry my grandmother and mother sold just to make some extra money..most were antiques.
1 person likes this
@taface412 (3175)
• United States
27 Jun 08
Personally I would not sell them...but maybe you should take them on the Antique Roadshow...you never know...they might be worth much more and those guys are in contact with antique collectors. I love watching that show.
I love antique things...and have a hard time parting with them. I have my grandfather's birth certificate which is awesome in itself the paper it is printed on and I also have his chaffeur's license....the picture is barely hanging on, but I plan on scrapbooking everything to keep it safe.
The way I look at it is Is that part of your family history really work $40? Now if it was $140...lol
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Jun 08
How does one get in contact with the Antique Roadshow...I've never watched it...I have a certificate of my great-great grandfather...it was the paper he signed to declare himself an American after he left Ireland in 1851!
1 person likes this
@latriciajones (846)
• United States
28 Jun 08
i woudnt sell them especially if you know that you can get way more for them, some people that buy things are always trying to get over and take advantage of people. plus those are part of your family history, i know you can agree with me when i say that your family history is worth way more than 40 bucks.dont sell them, like someone said before wait until they are up for demand and then try and sell them.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Jun 08
Yep, pieces of my family history does deserve more than just getting a mere $40 for them
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
27 Jun 08
I would give it a try on Ebay before I would let them go for such a small amount. If they are important to you and you fell reluctant to do it them why bother especially if they are not going to earn you much money.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
27 Jun 08
I already did a search on ebay and the going auction price is only $5.00 and the one stock I was looking at didn't even have one bid on it..not exactly big sellers there I guess
1 person likes this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
27 Jun 08
No, I do not think you should sell them. $40 is $40, but $40 can go fast. Just think of the $40 as pizza (or other take out food) from your favorite restaurant. A medium pizza can easily cost $20 and if you were to get two, well there goes the $40. Where is it now? In your stomach (and maybe your friends or families stomachs as well). But soon enough it won't be there and then what will you be left with? Nothing. But if you hold on to them they willbe there. And if you have a family member to pass them on to that is even better. After all, these things have been in your family for a long time. Do you really want to throw them away for a lousy $40? 
Of course, in the end it is your decision. Good luck!
Of course, in the end it is your decision. Good luck!2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
27 Jun 08
Your right...these stock certificates have been in the family for so long and it is a bit of memorabilia of my ancestors...now if I had been offered $400 that might be a different story.
1 person likes this
@scarywhitegirl (2766)
• United States
27 Jun 08
Honestly, I suspect that the $75 price is a way to get people interested, but that they probably only pay that much for documents that somehow contain a signature of someone famous. I used to have to deal with a lot of autograph dealer catalogs for my job, and it's really only the BIG name folks that they can make a lot of money from. I really can't even say that I've seen offerings of bonds like the ones you have, but I also wasn't looking for that sort of thing.
Personally, I'd hang on to them. I think they have much more sentimental value than $8 a piece!
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Jun 08
Yes I do think the sentimental value is a lot more....now...if I could have gotten a few hundred dollars for them each that would be something different..LOL
1 person likes this
@ellie333 (21016)
•
27 Jun 08
Hi Pyewacket unless you really need some money I would keep them as part of the family history because in that respect that are irreplacable but if not I would look for a much fairer price for them. I haven't ever got rid of anything of sentimental value but I do know someone who pawned their grand fathers medals which they always regretted but I managed to find replacements on Ebay last year for them so the family won't find out what he done as he was really struggling at the time he sold them. They were not named medals so this could be done. I have a 22ct Gold dinner service of my nans and that will never be sold, it will go to one on my daughters, in fact the eldest as I know she loves this type of thing and will look after it. Ellie :D
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Jun 08
I think a lot of people get kind of screwed with collectibles....the real winner of course is the person you sell them to, and turns around and makes a whopping profit from it all--mmmm...wonder if that guy that bought that vanity license plate for $14 million will turn around and sell it for double..LOL
1 person likes this
@lieanat (1137)
• Malaysia
27 Jun 08
hi, if i were you, I'll just wait for better offer. Or another way, I'll find some expert to quote the price. who know it's worth much more than $40.00! Besides, I think you shouldn't sell it all. Leave one or two for memory purpose! It's something that you should pass on to your next generations!
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
28 Jun 08
Unfortunately I don't have anyone to pass it down to...no other family except me...
1 person likes this
@Tianna2 (1273)
• United States
27 Jun 08
I think if you seriously need money you should check with others that deal in such things and see what they offer. I dont think I would sell them for forty dollars no matter what.
You can put them on ebay with a very high minumum payment just to see how high the bidding would go. That way unless someone actually went over your minumum you would be under no obligation to sell.
Forty dollars just doesnt seem enough to let go of a family treasure, especialy if you dont have very many left.
Cheers, Tianna
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
27 Jun 08
I've done a search at ebay and stock certificates aren't selling/auctioning for much...maybe $5.00 for sets of 30 or so...yeesh
1 person likes this
