1233 copies over 74 volumes (1944-2000)

I have 1233 back copies of Model Engineer that I am looking to find a home for.

There are 74 volumes over 1944 - 2000 (excluding 1961-1975)

• 37 of these are complete volumes
• A further 15 volumes have 1 issue missing
• An additional 22 volumes with 2 or more missing issues.

All are in generally good condition. Some have covers missing, but all have their substantive contents and are perfectly readable.

I am looking to sell these either by volume or as a whole collection - please can someone point me in the direction of a reputable second hand dealer?

You probably won't get much from a dealer. Probably best to sell privately. Thinking aloud, Tee publishing used to hold large stocks of old magazines including ME. Maybe if they still trade in old magazines, they might offer a decent price?

Andrew.

sadly I often get rung up by relatives of deceased model engineers, some of whom have seen inflated prices for single issues on eBay and think they have discovered a treasure trove, others just want them to find a good home at a modest price.

Sadly, there isn't as much demand for issues beyond about 20-25 years ago as you may think - many people seeking back issues want to complete a relatively modern project, although there are exceptions.

Don't assume volumes will sell for many times the price of the individual issues, or that 74 volumes will sell for 74 times as much as one volume.

Some periods are less popular than others with buyers, so prices vary greatly.

Selling individual issues will drive you bonkers, and be realistic about postage costs - paper is heavy in bulk.

Most people want a run of issues that cover a particular build, typically one or two volumes, maybe more.

You can advertise these on our classified ads on here for free, but it may take years to sell them all.

A few people may be willing to buy the lot, but expect far less per volume if sold this way and potentially a long wait to find a buyer.

If dealer is willing to take the lot, this might give you the best return if you are unwilling to wait the time it would require to sell all individual volumes, and possibly quicker than waiting to find a buyer for the lot at not much more. A dealer will have the space to store the volumes waiting for a buyer and may be able to complete incomplete sets or replace damaged issues.

Since the Toolbox in Devon closed down, I'm only aware of Bookland on the Fosse (related to Tee publishing) specialising in old volumes of ME/MEW. It would be useful to know of any others, as I doubt Bookland wish to buy all the sets I point in their direction.

Neil

A location might help.

Engineers Emporium usually have quite a lot of old mags but don't expect to get much for them. At the Guildford show another book seller was doing them for £2 a volume so you may be lucky to get half that from a dealer.

The stock from the Toolroom was passed to The Miniature Railway Supply Company, based in Hemel Hempstead

Thanks folks.

Well, I have probably got even more MEs than Gary has (plus some spares) - it's a pretty complete collection from about 1940 to now (although I will keep my issues from about 2012 onwards). However, I'd be happy to give them to any good home - be that a private individual or ME Society. So no cost - just come and collect them from Wokingham (Berkshire).

Any interest - please PM me - but no 'partial' or 'series' requests please - be prepared to take them all.

Regards,

IanT

PS You'll need a SUV or Van (or two trips in a smaller car) - as all together, they will need the space and are heavy.

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Yes Bill - others have been interested in my offer too - but unlike yourself - didn't immediately notice that I live in Wokingham (between Reading & Bracknell) in Berkshire - and they also live too far away.

So thus far, no one has taken up the offer.

Regards,

IanT

Hi all,

Thank you for your replies and apologies for my delay in responding due to a family bereavement.

I live in South East Wales near Newport, Monmouthshire and 3 miles from the new Second Severn Crossing.

As suggested I will contact the named dealers above first, and following that I may post a classified ad on this site for the full set of volumes that I have.

I'm not interested in selling them individually. I want them to go to a good home where they will be appreciated. I'm not expecting / wanting a great amount of money for these but I'm aware they have a notional value in which case I will pass along any money from the sale to my grandchildren.

Thanks again

Gary