Toy cars, toy cars and more toy cars
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (362916)
Rockingham, Australia
July 20, 2024 8:14pm CST
A prominent Perth architect, Ralph Drexel, died in February this year. He left his toy car collection to his two granddaughters with the instruction that, if they were to sell the cars, the money should go to their children. The girls had no idea that their grandfather had 10,000 cars in his collection, which was once the largest in the southern hemisphere.
The girls have put their jobs on hold while they sort, photograph and sell the models. Although knowing little about toy cars, they’ve been fascinated by some of the stories of the buyers. Many keep their passion to themselves while others share stories of their collections.
Collections are all very well but when a person dies someone has to deal with the items. I’m starting to worry about my collection of Beswick and Royal Doulton horses. I don’t have very many but some are quite valuable. It would be a pity to see them go to a charity shop.
The photo is of my Beswicks.
18 people like this
20 responses
@snowy22315 (196032)
• United States
21 Jul 24
I guess you will have to bequeath them to someone who will appreciate them.
4 people like this
@kareng (79540)
• United States
21 Jul 24
I feel the same way about some of my old things. My husband would just as soon as throw them all out: Madame Alexander dolls, old china, my cherished books, antiques, etc.
I need to start delegating which daughter is in charge or gets which collection 
.
.2 people like this
@marguicha (228522)
• Chile
21 Jul 24
Take care of them. I once has a lovely collection of Piggy Banks that I had bought on my holidays. The stupid burglars took them with them, maybe to smash them and take the small coins I had put inside them.
3 people like this
@Beestring (15781)
• Hong Kong
21 Jul 24
Maybe you should identify potential buyers who are interested in your collections.
2 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (95997)
• Arvada, Colorado
23 Jul 24
@JudyEv I understand how that is..I have photos that will be dust in the wind.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (78708)
• United States
21 Jul 24
I know what you mean. I got rid of most of my albums a few years ago…gave them to Scar’s Hoomin because I knew he would make sure they found a good home instead of the thrift store.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (362916)
• Rockingham, Australia
21 Jul 24
I really don't think they will care. But I might do that before I make a decision about them.
@wolfgirl569 (122334)
• Marion, Ohio
21 Jul 24
I have stopped collecting things. Many times our kids are not interested in the same things
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (122334)
• Marion, Ohio
21 Jul 24
@JudyEv That they do. I do have some decorative plates that I still need to get rid of.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (362916)
• Rockingham, Australia
22 Jul 24
@wolfgirl569 I could sell them online but postage costs are horrendous now and they're difficult to pack safely.
1 person likes this
@Fleura (32566)
• United Kingdom
21 Jul 24
By the way I have to put my word in in favour of charity shops. Someone may see them there and buy them and love them just as you do, while raising money for a good cause. I have many lovely things I have bought in charity shops!
If you don't have any friends or family who want them then it could be worth contacting your preferred charity directly to ask if they would like to sell the whole collection.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (200670)
• United States
21 Jul 24
10,000 cars? Wow! I worry about our dozen albums full of photos. I can see them just getting tossed. No one would want them. You have a lovely collection of horses. Have a good day.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (200670)
• United States
22 Jul 24
@JudyEv Unfortunately you are correct!
1 person likes this
@angelitovillegas (1356)
• Angeles City, Philippines
21 Jul 24
Those were valuable collections, aside from the memories you have with them! Hoping it would be sold to someone who will really keep them and treasure theme as you value them.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (88898)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
21 Jul 24
Now at least they have a way to bring on extra money and make collectors happy, Best of luck deciding what to do with your collection,
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (362916)
• Rockingham, Australia
23 Jul 24
It's one thing if you have someone to pass things on to but another if there is no-one who can take them. Do you know how many games you have?
@BearArtistLady (6036)
• United States
22 Jul 24
I don't have all my collectable teddy bears any more, as many were destroyed in the fire that destroyed my home. I have recovered many collectable teddy bears and plan to sell them and donate the proceeds to charity myself. Sometimes the children or grandchildren don't realize how valuable a collection truly is and sell it for a huge fraction of its value just to have the money in hand to squander. While it would be wonderful for my child and her family to have the remembrances of me, it would mean more to help others out too.
Just like having heard of Ralph Drexel, it would be wonderful to have his legacy of toy cars keep his name alive, I hope that there is a way that it can be done.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (362916)
• Rockingham, Australia
23 Jul 24
I would like to see some sort of return on my collection so I'm working on ideas.
