Lionel dealer displays anyone here have any knowledge on these?

[Anonymous]

Hello, I'm new here to the site. I have been selling some Lionel trains that were my fathers collection...I recently came across this Lionel dealer display This is a D-404 track merchandiser is in the original box from Lionel and is in beautiful shape.... A very cool item....also with this display is a bunch of brand new track and some super O switchs and x-tracks mint in their box..and other odds and ends in original Lionel boxes and envelopes...Displays super O,027,and HO...I have a guy that made me an offer on this...and sounds pretty darn good....My ??? is does anyone know a appox. value of this piece.....I pretty much know its from 1962 and was givin to a Lionel dealer when they aggreed to buy all the different track and so that this display has showing. I do have some pics of this that I could share....If anyone could help me out I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks Dave

[Algonquin]

Hi Dave,

These don't come around very often and may be difficult to get a good feeling on price. Greenberg publishes a book titled "Guide to Lionel Paper and Collectables" which covers Lionel displays. I don't know if they try to establish values or not. I don't have a copy of this one. Something like your display, if sold will tend to go through an auction house. Hopefully someone with more auction experience will be able to help.

Regards,

Tim Pignatari

[Anonymous]

Thanks Tim,

The greenbergs guide lists but no real "value" Another guy told me to contact Ed Dougherty the senior pro golfer?? Said he is a big collector??? But how would I ever do that?? The guy who is interested in this is offering a high 4 digits for it...Which sounds great...I just really don't know much about this stuff and don't want to "give" it away....Not trying to be greety just would like to know more of whats it's worth.....I know the old saying "its only worth what someones willing to pay" but still nice to know a appox. value??
Thanks again Dave

[Algonquin]

Hi Dave,

You may try contacting some of the toy train auction houses. They may be able to give you a value and you may be able to sell it though one of them. Some displys have gone for increadible prices through the auction houses. I would imagine you should have a pretty good chance of getting a fair price that way. CTT has several that advertise regularly.

Regards,

Tim Pignatari

[Anonymous]

Well I got a offer of $10,000 for it....
Looks and sounds good to me got a week to make up my mind.....
Thanks Dave

[Algonquin]

Hi Dave,

The like below indicates a record price of $17,600 for a Lionel Dealer Display by does not specify which one.

http://www.maineantiquedigest.com/articles/feb03/trai0203.htm


Regards,

Tim

[Anonymous]

Hey thanks Tim,

I came across this link myself...It was supposly for some type of Lionel "wooden" step platform from the 30's or something like that????
I think I did pretty good at the 10G mark.
But thanks for your reply and info.

Dave

[Anonymous]

A real record buster price for a Lionel Display was realized earlier this year when a Lionel Dealer Display sold for the princely sum of $34,950 on eBay.

A great book on the subject of Lionel Displays is From the Publishers of Classic Toy Trains and the owners of this forum, "Classic Lionel Display Layouts You Can Build" retails for only $16.95.
BillFromWayne
www.modeltrainjournal.com