small engines -junk and collectibles

[king smoothie]

My father left my mother a large number of old small engines, mowers, chainsaws and related stuff some are apparently collectibles -mounted on frames and identified. From a lifetime of a small engine repari business and collecting hobby. She does want to dispose of much of it. There are piles of parts - like gas tanks and decks which I'm thinking should just be scrapped. There are mowers that have been sitting covered with tarps or in sheds for many years. Most from the 70s and 80s. I don't want to scrap something that someone might use -and pay for. I don't really want to do an auction but maybe that is best. I don't mind slowly going through and sorting and selling. Looking for advice on best way to proceed, how to sell, etc...

 

[Jerry1]

If you’re willing to sort through everything and take time selling it, that will get you the most amount of money. However, I’d look to get the most money for the least amount of time. In that case, an auction may be your best bet. Maybe take some time and pick out (and sell) the best/easy things and then do the auction/estate sale type thing.

 

[CaptTom]

If the timing were a bit different I'd say you were my wife's brother. Her father left the exact same "collection." All I can say is that I was shocked at how much money we got from the scrap dealer. And how many tons it all added up to.

You might find a local small engine shop who is willing to pick through and grab anything useful. But short of photographing and posting each part on FB or Craigslist, I think most of it is going to be scrap.

 

[njhowie]

Although listing on FB is easy and quick, my belief is that it is more hassle than it's worth. From my experience over the past couple years, most folks listing things for sale on FB Marketplace have an unrealistic view of what their stuff is worth. Likewise, folks looking to buy want whatever it is for $5 or $10 and more often free. Additionally, FB Marketplace is rampant with scammers, both on the buy side as well as sell side.

I would advise as CaptTom suggests - find a local shop, let them give you cash for what they want, and I'd say just give them the rest for free if they'll take it.

 

[street]

I would search and contact small engines repair and sales companies and see if they are interested in buying the lot. They might have an idea for you going forward and may have some good leads on contact business that may make you an offer.

I can tell there may be a good chance there are some valved small engines in his collection.

Some years back I bought some land, and it had a few old buildings that housed junk to many. In that junk I acquired a Maytag washing machine small gas engine. I worked it over and got the thing running with little effort. That 7.5x7.5 inch small engine is worth a lot of money.

So, my point is look things ovah what Dad had and make sure you aren't giving away some valved engines and parts.

Let us know how your journey goes with you small engine portfolio.

 

[Koolau]

I suggest you start here:

Look up "Gas and Steam" shows in your area. I've been to a few of these in the Midwest and there may be 50 or even 100 exhibitors who display everything from antique steam tractors to the kinds of old gas powered small-engines from yesteryear that you now possess. I have no idea if this is a good place to sell, but it would seem a place to start making contacts.

Here is a random show this summer. I'm guessing such shows are all around the US but don't know anything but the Midwest.

Feature - Badger Steam & Gas Engine Club

Get ready for the 38th J.I. Case Heritage Foundation Exposition, August 16th – 18th

badgersteamandgas.com

 

[CaptTom]

I love going to the local antique tractor and engine show! I don't know if the sort of things the average small engine guy has lying around are in that league though. Still, it's fun to go so it wouldn't be a wasted trip.

 

[Car-Guy]

"Personally" I've never ran across anyone collecting small gas engines around here, but that doesn't mean there may be some that do. I mean there has to be billions of them just here in the US.

 

[CaptTom]

I mean there has to be billions of them just here in the US.

Good point. I like old treadle sewing machines. The cabinets are beautiful, the engineering is fascinating and that's the type of machine I learned to sew on.

But there's no market for them. Back in the early 1900's, every family had one. Nobody ever got rid of them, thinking they'd be worth something some day. So there are millions of them still around.

 

[old medic]

I would love to dig thru the piles and help... looking to restore my Grandfather's 1964 John Deere 110 tractor.

 

[Mr._Graybeard]

At least four online lawn mower forums turned up with a quick Google search. I also know of a snowblower forum. I'd hop onto a couple of those and see if there's any interest. Yeah, some people are interested in antique small engines.

 

[Hyper]

I've always liked those early wheel horse, Cub cadet, case, small garden tractors, etc. I have two big boys 49 &74 HP but no smaller tractor. Being laid up the last couple weeks I've looked at a lot online. Prices are astronomical imo. Id find a good online outlet to sell them right. Id think you'd do well if marketed correctly. Good luck!

 

[Maxburn]

Where are you? I'd love a decent rider and I don't mind some assembly or repair required.

 

[jrendt]

Good point. I like old treadle sewing machines. The cabinets are beautiful, the engineering is fascinating and that's the type of machine I learned to sew on.

But there's no market for them. Back in the early 1900's, every family had one. Nobody ever got rid of them, thinking they'd be worth something some day. So there are millions of them still around.

Unless it's a Featherweight!

 

[skyking1]

Good point. I like old treadle sewing machines. The cabinets are beautiful, the engineering is fascinating and that's the type of machine I learned to sew on.

But there's no market for them. Back in the early 1900's, every family had one. Nobody ever got rid of them, thinking they'd be worth something some day. So there are millions of them still around.

I just uncovered one today that I had saved for the iron. The sewing machine is nothing more than junk, but those cast ends can be used to make a nifty side table or something. That is what we saved it for.

 

[philly62]

Good point. I like old treadle sewing machines. The cabinets are beautiful, the engineering is fascinating and that's the type of machine I learned to sew on.

But there's no market for them. Back in the early 1900's, every family had one. Nobody ever got rid of them, thinking they'd be worth something some day. So there are millions of them still around.

Not strictly true, a bunch of ladies in our Handweavers Guild just went to a show in Lancaster Country, PA..
Treadles sewing machines do have a following among the Amish and sewers using heavy materials.

 

[Koolau]

Not strictly true, a bunch of ladies in our Handweavers Guild just went to a show in Lancaster Country, PA..
Treadles sewing machines do have a following among the Amish and sewers using heavy materials.

We have one which had been "electrified." Eventually, DW took the old machine out and we installed her "portable" sowing machine into it. The case was beautiful and still sits in our mainland bedroom.