BACKGROUND:
Over 1100 people visit our site every day many of whom have questions about something they want to sell. There is an abundance
of information there for those willing to take the time to look for it. However, we do not provide information not found on
our website which requires research or a professional level of expertise. We do not have the time to take away from
our own work to answer questions or give advice on an individual basis free of charge.
For that type of service, we suggest you
find an appraiser, who in addition to price, will answer your questions.
TODAY’S WORLD: The new
set of world economic conditions has affected rich and poor alike, and all of us are having to make adjustments to our life
style and the manner in which we conduct business.
There are many thousands of people who are trying to convert family heirlooms and no longer used assets into cash. Those that
have something with a nautical bent frequently seek us out for advise, guidance, suggestions, valuations or anything else
they can think of which might help them sell their treasures. In other words, they want to benefit from our expertise, knowledge
of the market, and fundamental understanding of the item’s use, so they can sell their items themselves. Ask yourself,
if confronted with the same set of circumstances, how you would deal with the situation, and you may understand the spot in which we
find ourselves.
UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS: This
is accentuated by the popularity of such TV shows as the Antique Road Show where everything is an exceptional “Find”
because that is what the audience wants to see. The same is true of the News Media publishing only the record high prices at auction
while disregarding all the items that were passed because of a lack of buyer interest. The truth is that for all the truly
magnificent works of marine art, historic edged weapons, rare diving helmets, and so on that you read about, the great majority
of those found in the closet or basement are rarely of serious value.
A good example of what is “not a Find” is a vintage C. Plath sextant without some special features
or personal history. Because it has the reputation of being the “Rolls Royce” of sextants, and this is only partially
true, this does not in itself make it a valuable vintage
navigation instrument. What is true is that there are thousands of them in varying condition coming out of the woodwork, as
there are those of other makers. They are neither rare or old enough to be considered an antique, and are not appealing enough
to be considered a collectible. If you have one, and want to know what it’s worth,
check the so called antique sextant category on eBay.
WHAT IS FAIR: Unfortunately,
some people become quite insulted when we tell them that we do not provide services free of charge or express an opinion without
first seeing good pictures of the item along with a statement of condition, and when and where it came from. They also do
not understand that they have to set the price, and if they are unable to do so on their own, they should seek the help of
an appraiser, or at least know what price would make them happy. This frequently ends up with the customer saying, “I
want a fair price”. We say, OK, tell us what you think is fair, and the answer becomes, “you’re in the business,
you tell me what is fair”. This may sound funny, but this is the game that is being played, and from our point of view,
we haven’t the time to waste playing "musical chairs". Time is a precious commodity to us.
Please understand that for us to suggest the price at this point, when no business relationship exists between
us, creates a conflict of interest which we prefer to avoid. And it also ignores that too many of the sellers are interested
in obtaining a retail valuation which allows no margin of profit for a dealer. This is why the layman so ardently seeks to
learn what an item sold for. The problem here is that unless the age, condition, past history, make and model are exactly
the same, there can be vast differences in value of similar items that only a trained expert or a collector can appreciate.
Consequently, we now find it necessary to clearly state what our policies are concerning providing information
or buying anything from the general public or taking an item on consignment. They are simple, and the same rules apply to
those who have something to sell or those that would like to consign with us.
THE RULES OF THE GAME: If you
are SERIOUSLY interested in either selling or consigning an item, we will only consider submissions on the following basis:.
·
A - You must send us an email with a good description,
statement of condition and tell us where you acquired the item and any known or documented history.
·
B - You must include a minimum of 4 sharp and clear digitized
photographs of the item from at least four angles, plus its top and bottom. The images should be reduced to no more than 700
pixels wide. Check to make sure they are in focus before you send them.
·
Email photographs
to info@landandseacollection.com
·
C - We will not discuss anything on the phone without
first receiving your email and photographic attachments. No exceptions. Wait for our acknowledgment before contacting us again.
·
D - If you intend to sell to us, you must have a price
in mind when you contact us or at least know what price you would feel was a a good deal. We
do not make offers so our price can be shopped elsewhere.
Having said all that, be assured that we do look forward to serving your needs as well as our own since our fundamental
interests are the same.
Joel & Julie Jacobs
JOEL HARRY JACOBS, LLC
Land And Sea Collection
1320 Tidal Pointe Blvd.
Jupiter, FL 33477
Visit
our website: http://landandseacollection.com
