O/T: What to do with old Auction Catalogs?

[fkw]

best reference material, even better than some guides.

especially if you write the final bids next to the item..... to use later as a price guide.

I have over 100 going back 25 years.

[Jewish-collector]

The only thing better in life than receiving an auction catalog is receiving a free auction catalog.

[Orioles1954]

I recycle all of mine after completion of the auction.

[ethicsprof]

that last legendary catalog with those beautiful photos of Conlon, Thompson, et al will be a keeper forever.
when i win, i keep the catalog---when i don't, it's easier to toss.

best,
barry

[Rob D.]

I'll often try to trade 2-3 old catalogs for free parking at a downtown or hotel lot.

[Fred]

To me, some of the auction catalogs are almost like collectibles. For example, the Halper collection had a really nice set of catalogs. You can still find them on ebay. If you like that stuff and you're looking for the Halper catalogs then make sure you get all three volumes in the box set.

I started to shred them and use as packing. Makes for a very neat puzzle if you are board

[bmarlowe1]

Originally Posted by Fred

To me, some of the auction catalogs are almost like collectibles. For example, the Halper collection had a really nice set of catalogs. You can still find them on ebay. If you like that stuff and you're looking for the Halper catalogs then make sure you get all three volumes in the box set.

I did just that a while back. This one especially is a nice reference for a few major mis-identified photos. I did create a very abreviated index for it and a few others for images I think are important and useful.


In the future, if more catalogues are distributed as pdf's, finding specific items should be easier.

[timzcardz]

Originally Posted by Rob D.

I'll often try to trade 2-3 old catalogs for free parking at a downtown or hotel lot.

And how well has that been working out for you?



If they have a price grid I print that out and stick it in the catalogue for future reference.

Sometimes I just like to sit down and thumb through a catalog. There is always something of interest that I hadn't previously read, or just forgot about.

[Kotton King]

If I had more space I'd keep them. Unfortunately my wife hates the clutter of numerous catalogs and I have to recycle them.

[tbob]

Originally Posted by Orioles1954

I recycle all of mine after completion of the auction.

Ditto

[M's_Fan]

I enjoy the end of auctions, I usually go through and write in the catalog what the item went for (just the pre-war cards, can't do this with the entire REA bible-thick catalog!).

Not only is this a useful guide for future bidding, but I figure in 20-30 years it will be interesting to go back and see what things were being auctioned off for. I'm sure it will be interesting.... Still not sure if I'll be saying "what were we thinking?" or "why didn't I buy more at those prices?!"