Have any of you ever bought just a box(es) that used to contain something?
Tenshodo Brass 0-8-0 switcher boxes
Just curious…
Tom
Tom–
Just tried the link: E-Bay couldn’t ‘open’ it. I’d be fascinated to find out what was in that Tenshodo box. Can you give us a description, since E-Bay obviously doesn’t want to?
Tom
Tom,
You responded before I could finish fixing the link. It should work now. [:)]
Tom
twhite,
I think all the auction was for was just the box it came in? 15 bucks for a locomotive BOX? That’s crazy!
Tom,
I think the reason some of these sell is that that the piece may be worth more if it comes in the box. I’m not sure of the reason - I guess its the collector thing. And yeah, I realize that whomever buys this won’t have the original box that his engine came in, but a reasonable facsimile.
Among brass collectors the presence of a box adds value. It is also helpful in establishing provenence/legality since, in the instance of an engine being snatched in a burglary, it’s unlikely the perp would bother hunting down the appropriate box if it weren’t close by.
Tom–
Now, I’m either dense, or TOTALLY confused. Was there supposed to be an NYC 0-8-0 in the box, or just the info on it?
Dang, what’s going on?
Tom
Tom,
I’m going to let Sgt. Joe Friday tell you in his own words:
“Just the box, ma’am…just the box.”
Tom
it’s like having a micky mantle rookie card,
got the card, great,
in mint condition, better,
have the correct wax wrapper for the card series, super,
the gum is there too! wow!,
the more complete, the higher the value.
you if you want to talk boxes, check out prewar loinel boxes, they can go for as much as the item that used to be in them, why?, nobody saved the boxes. If you have a shipping carton for a prewar set, forgeddaboudit, big BIG money
Yes, the box does add to the value. But also, most brass boxes are somewhat custom fit (the foam inside anyway) to the particular model. If original is not the concern, but rather secure packaging, the Reboxx company (yes, same as makes the wheelsets) makes replacement boxes for just about anything.
–Randy
Whoah! That means I’ve got an absolute FORTUNE on the shelves in my garage! Thanks, guys, wait until my old Akane boxes start showing up, LOL! Hey, there’s a buyer for ANYTHING!
Tom [:P]
They’ll only sell it if someone buys it. It doesn’t strike me as a problem. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure, and all that, right?
I got from a late friend’s estate a pair of HO scale Overland brass tank cars, which I sold on eBay. Some time later helping to clear out his basement I came across the original Overland boxes. I put them on ebay, sold them for $40.00 for the pair.
Keep in mind these are very heavy boxes complete with foam lining, and I assume they are of use to brass collectors. I don’t see anything strange about it, they might complete someones’ collection.
Lionel collectors regularly pay high prices for original lightweight cardboard boxes.
Old OLD Tenshodo loco boxes had corrugated paper wraps (before fitted foam). I have a GN 2-8-2 in such packaging; separate boxes for loco and tender. Hope it still runs, I haven’t had it out for 25 years. Gary
And frequently for more than the item that used to be in the box…
Prewar Lionel boxes command very high prices, especially when in like-new condition, some going for at least $100.
It’s that collector mentality at work again. Beer steins are like that. I’ve got some old German ones that a collector said are worth $3-$5/each. He said if I had the original boxes they’d be worth $30-$50 each. I’ve seen people trying to sell empty Athearn BB’s for $5.
How about $1400.00 for a box for a 1937 Lionel Hudson, or $562.00 for a set box from a 1950s set…Check out the Lionel Allis Chalmers separate sale box items #6816-100 and 6817-100…,the boxes for these little toy dozers and scrapers from 1959-60 are valued at over two thousand bucks in Greenberg’s price guide…
And I call myself a train nut…BDT
It’s called the “Lionel” syndrome.
Friend of a friend used to be heavily into Lionel and went to most of the NE shows. First time someone approached him about buying an empty box for a car he was flabbergasted. Sold the requested box for $15 and that was several years ago. He speculated that in a few years he might be able to sell the “space” once occupied by a given Lionel collectable.
And so it goes…
Jon [8D]
This is what I’ve heard from some of the collectors. Never had real proof until now though.
Gilbert/ American Flier boxes are supposed to be at a premium also. The Lionel sleeves were usually destroyed the instant the child saw it under the tree Chistmas morning.