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General => The Common Room => The Lighter Side => Topic started by: ede61 on Monday 12 February 07 10:04 GMT (UK)

Title: Sale of local history items
Post by: ede61 on Monday 12 February 07 10:04 GMT (UK)
Hello all,

Recently, I've seen quite a few "lots" of local history items relating to Reepham in Norfolk. Am I alone in feeling these should be in the hands of the relevant Record Office? They may well have been offered and rejected of course.

If I could afford to buy them all, I would and send them to Norfolk Record Office myself.

I'd be interested to hear what others think about this.

Margaret
Title: Re: Sale of local history items
Post by: pjbuk007 on Monday 12 February 07 10:10 GMT (UK)
Where have you seen them?  On Ebay?

I ask because I have occasionally looked there, but not recently.
Title: Re: Sale of local history items
Post by: ede61 on Monday 12 February 07 10:39 GMT (UK)
I only found them because Reepham is on my list of ebay searches along with the names of other towns my ancestors lived in.

I was really looking for photos, postcards or books about the areas concerned.

Margaret
Title: Re: Sale of local history items
Post by: patrish on Monday 12 February 07 17:37 GMT (UK)
I think its dreadful, of course they should go to the local records office, just another way to make a quick buck. >:(  I nearly bought a bungalow in Reepham many years ago, lovely place.  ;)
Title: Re: Sale of local history items
Post by: ede61 on Monday 12 February 07 23:23 GMT (UK)
I'm watching all the items this seller has listed just out of curiousity to see if they sell. Some of them have bids from a private buyer. Another dealer?

Margaret
Title: Re: Sale of local history items
Post by: suttontrust on Wednesday 14 February 07 11:34 GMT (UK)
We can't really blame the owner for wanting to sell them rather than donate them to the RO.  Like everything else, it's a commercial decision - we might not approve, but he/she has a right to do it.
Title: Re: Sale of local history items
Post by: patrish on Wednesday 14 February 07 12:32 GMT (UK)
It would be insteresting to know how the seller came about them though.
Title: Re: Sale of local history items
Post by: w105uk aka Margi :-) on Wednesday 14 February 07 21:16 GMT (UK)
probably at a 'local boot sale'  :P :P

or may have been doing a clear out...............

he/she may not be interested in local history, or understand just how many people are.
Title: Re: Sale of local history items
Post by: pjbuk007 on Wednesday 14 February 07 21:34 GMT (UK)
Occasionally before now people have posted when a family history item is on ebay.  Perhaps we should set up an "ebay watch" with a rota and post on here?

Title: Re: Sale of local history items
Post by: ede61 on Thursday 15 February 07 10:15 GMT (UK)
The items concerned have been going for quite high prices and all the bidders are private listings. It's impossible to tell how many buyers are involved but it looks that a bidding war is going on.

If any one wants to keep an eye out for items like this, they are listed under

Collectables > Paper & Ephemera > Local Interest/ Topographical

I only receive emails about towns I'm interested in but I usually place messages about them on the relevant rootsweb mailing list.

Margaret
Title: Re: Sale of local history items
Post by: trish251 on Thursday 15 February 07 10:30 GMT (UK)
Be wary about bidding on ebay if you cannot see who you are bidding against. I personally would never do this.

Ever since I discovered some folks sell LDS disks for 5 times what you pay direct to  the LDS, I am most wary.


Trish
Title: Re: Sale of local history items
Post by: patrish on Thursday 15 February 07 10:55 GMT (UK)
You and me both Trish, my sentiments exactly.
Title: Re: Sale of local history items
Post by: newburychap on Sunday 18 February 07 18:40 GMT (UK)
I often buy items on ebay - and have yet to have a bad experience.

If someone buys something for more than they can buy it new then that is their stupidity - I would always check for current prices before bidding.

I also limit my bids and avoid getting caught in a bidding war - its bargains I am after and often get.