Last night's topic was "The Box". (Postwar)
Given: Original Box and Original Item - Condition Understood - is ideal.
Is an original box, in any condition, better than a reproduction or generic box? Some suggested that a collector would save the original, even if it was in poor condition, and use a repro for the practical aspect of storage. Others suggested that the box is not as important as the item's condition and it is merely a vehicle to transport the item. Another suggested that the original postwar box, in today's economy, should be just sold. What do you think? As always, many thanks.
Yes. The origional box is better, if in good condition, but as with the trains, some are more valuable than others.
Right now, trains are selling at high prices. Christmas, go figure. I don't think today's (December) buyers are looking for boxes, just something to run under the tree.
If you simply want to store the trains, I think there are other ways better suited to protect your investment than the origional/repro boxes.
Kurt
I have a "modest" collection of American Flyer trains cars and accesories, and I use the items. Personally I could not care less about original boxes, but that being said, if a piece comes with the original box, I keep the box. I do not pay extra for a piece just because it has the box regardless of the box condition, but others will pay as much as 10% over the value of an item for the original nice box.
A lot depends on what you want to do with the piece.
Jim
Kurt: Jim: Thanks for your posts.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.
Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month