Dear Fish Kids,
This webpage deals with Byretta’s and my collections from our 51+ years together. At first glance, the photoed/numbered list below this message may appear to be an overwhelming look at the art and stuff in our home. But I thought it best to give y’all the chance (and plenty of time) to consider what you might want for your own homes some day. (Of course this page is only for the family and spouses.)
I believe this approach will be better than waiting until Byretta and I are gone and having you all show up to pick and choose in a matter of days (or hours) without any prior discussion between all 5 of you. I realize that some of you may want the same pieces so this way you'll have time to negotiate, trade, swap, or whatever it takes in order to find a satisfying conclusion for all.
Y’all can set your own time line(s) for deciding. I think January 2025 might be a good initial final deadline to start (with a few simi-deadlines in between perhaps). Mainly, it is my desire that y'all will have finalized your decisions in the next year or so.
Since all of you will be coming to the house during or after the holidays, you’ll have a chance to see everything again in person. I am available to answer questions about origins and possible values anytime. If you have questions, just give me a call or text.
I’ve photoed and labeled each piece or collection with a number; the watches are listed by name. For pieces that might have $ value I added a “(V)” mark. Pieces that don't have a (V) doesn’t mean they don’t have value, it just means they are probably from local artists and I did not pay a lot for them or in some cases were a gift from the artist.
There are miscellaneous inexpensive framed prints I did not include. Also, there are four personal posters signed by music friends in Siena that I haven’t made a decision on yet.
No doubt there will be plenty of unclaimed pieces; those could be given away.
We hope you’ll all enter into this with enjoyment and generosity. All of these items here were purchased with love and we hope they can be claimed and distributed among you children with the same.
NOTES
The Watches
The IWC (designed for the Mercedes-AMG racing team, two straps), the Santos De Cartier Large (currently one of their most popular, two straps), the White-Face Rolex Milgauss (discontinued…could be added value on down the line, two straps include an oyster SS bracelet--and probably my favorite watch ever), and the Jeager-LeCoultre Reverso. These watches are all in the $7K to $9+K each range (with he exception of the Jeager-LeCoultre which is much less due to engraving). The Mondaine Automatic is worth about $400. Divide them up and wear them or sell and split the total.
Item #62
The Montblanc Mozart (small) ballpoint pens/pencils "average" about $200-$250, the fountain pens for more and the diamond rollerball and the red rollerball (my two favorites) sell for about $500 each (used on eBay). I bought one MB Mozart pen/pencil at the duty-free shop each year on my way to Italy. The Montblanc lacquer box retails for about $1,200; I purchased it online new with a huge discount because the key was missing (the key in the photo does not work). The Montblanc collection might be one y’all want to sell and split whatever the profits it might bring…or just split up the pens and enjoy them as I have.
Item #63
The Bamboo Barware set would probably "average" about $200 per piece. Tiffany discontinued it in 1961, the pieces are hard to find so that might add to the value especially as time passes. I started slowly collecting them about 20 years ago...all from eBay. (A couple of pieces pictured are Tiffany barware but non-bamboo.) Again, this might be something to sell and split the total.
Original Posters
The Original Posters marked with a (V) would be valued at the $300 to $600 range if sold online.
Item #2
The Max Slevogt Mozart’s Magic Flute portfolio is hard to value. I would guess somewhere between $600 and $1,400 but could be more. Individual pieces of the portfolio sell for about $250. (I wouldn't break up the set.)
Original Art (V)
I would not value for resale any of the Original Art (V) more than $1,000.
Sentimental Value
Of course, the sentimental value attached most of these pieces is priceless.
We always knew that one day many of them would be in your homes and perhaps one day your children's homes. We hope you will enjoy them in future years and that you will occasionally think of us when you do.
DAD
Watches
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