Good news for buyers outside the UK. With a current weak pound against the dollar and Euro, this is a timely reminder to buyers outside the UK to buy models at an advantageous time. Forget Brexit, real bargains can be achieved at present. Diecast Gems is here to help.

Buying at Auction

Buying stock of the right quality continues to be an exciting challenge for me at Diecast Gems. As a past collector and now a full time trader I seek to supply customers’ needs rather than my own which requires a completely different mindset when at auction. However, going to a high-quality auction with wide content is exciting as I can spend time studying condition and quality and not being concerned if I already have the model in stock as I know what will sell in time if it’s good enough. Two such auctions occurred in September and October with 100% Dinky content. Sorry Corgi collectors but your turn will come! These two auctions were a thrill. The first was the Somerset Shop Stock auction where I selected around 100 models. This auction is featured in this issue. The second  auction was a personal collection. Similar to myself he liked variations and rarities. I was able to purchase around 250 models from this collection. After 40years of collecting & discovering as many as half a dozen significant model variations I had never seen before was truly an eye opener for me. This collection will be advertised in Sales Book 10 which I plan to release in the new year. This will include some superb Pre-War models and rare variations.

Shop Stock

Shop stock means models have never been in circulation. They have come straight from the selling supplier. There are no touch-ups unless by the factory and no repairs to model or box. It does not mean every model and box are perfect. Models, particular Dinky Toys left the factory with many imperfections. Eg Chipping, (red and yellow paint is well known) and box rubs and crushes through storage.

Sales Book releases

This year I have created an online digital version of our my sales book, you can view this by clicking the link below.

send out several hundred of these booklets each issue but I plan to streamline my circulation before the next one planned early in the new year. All regular customers will continue to receive these free catalogues as released. However, where I have not conducted business in the last 3 years I will assume no further circulation is required. I am doing this to reduce wasted cost and time as I seek to enjoy a little more retirement time. As age is creeping up on us all I am sure you understand.

Website

Models may still be found on the website www.diecastgems.com. Due to less time available I have not entered so many models here the last quarter. I will seek to address this in the coming days. All models continue to be light tested whether from the collection or the Sales stock and this brings peace of mind to many collectors. I cannot guarantee a model without fault but I will certainly reduce the chance of a dud as best I can.

Advertising

As many of you know I have advertised monthly in ‘Diecast Collector’ magazine. This has been very expensive and as a result of this any advertising in the new year will be occasional not regular.

Contact

I am still fully available and am committed to my regular customers. I continue to plan to serve you for a while yet.

Collection-Bought and sold

I continue to sell models on behalf of customers. Due to the volume of my own stock I have to be selective in quality and model. My fees are now 25% net after any dealing charges such as PayPal/credit card fees. This is a very competitive rate. I am in the position to purchase collections outright if of the highest quality.

Auction houses occasionally obtain a fine quality collection but you have to be very careful with the lesser-known auction houses that sell in a general way as their grading, or lack of, can deliver an unpleasant surprise, particularly buying online without viewing. Be shrewd.

Buying

In all cases it is first come first served. If you would like more detail of a particular model, I would be pleased to provide a full condition report and any additional pictures. I do need to emphasize, respond quickly as approximately 20% of the advertised stock is sold within the first 3 weeks of distribution.

Model additional information

On my internal sales stock spreadsheets, I have an additional column which provides further information when necessary. Ex; Missing suitcase-missing box flap-blue interior-1st type box. Unfortunately, due to space, I cannot include this in the booklet so always ask if there are any additional notes.

How to secure model/s

UK Buyers

I would first recommend you ring me; my landline is 01297 678250 or mobile 07973563476. Alternatively, you can send a text message, or email [email protected]. The model/s will be reserved for you up to 10 days whilst I await your payment. I do not have a card machine and many clients send me a cheque or arrange a bank transfer. An invoice can be sent if you have a PayPal account. A model may also be purchased from the website using Stripe/credit card or PayPal. If a credit card is your only option do let me know as I will load the item onto the website so you can purchase it this way if it has not been already loaded. Please write a cheque to’ P Silvester’ and include a £10 postage fee. If two or more models are purchased, I will waive any postage charge and pay this cost myself. All parcels will be sent by Royal Mail 1st class, fully insured up to a value of £2500 and require a signature of receipt.

Outside of the UK

If you are outside of the UK you may pay either by bank transfer (you will need further bank details for this) or make a payment via PayPal to my account [email protected]. Stripe is also available for models through the website. If the model is in the booklet but not on the website just ask and I will arrange this for you.

Free postage is not available outside of the UK.

All models in the photographs are available at the time of print but may not be when this letter is posted.

Happy Collecting

Best wishes