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Topic starter
01/09/2022 1:34 am
Hey everyone. Almost two years ago, my close friend, Jerry Webster, an extremely prolific collector, and a gem of a human being, died suddenly. He was only 59. Jerry and I spoke virtually every day, via text, and although we never met in person, he and I were as tight as two friends could be. He had a great, and sometimes dark sense of humor, and always had a feeling he'd die relatively young. Because of that, he asked me to make sure his collection was dispersed properly after his death. I always dismissed it, but of course, I promised Jerry I would help his family sort out his extensive diecast collection. Sadly, Jerry was right, and I kept my promise to work with his family on the collection. It was originally over 1000 pieces. His family entrusted me with the task of compiling information and pricing on anything I was able, and they have now contracted with an auction house in Knoxville, TN, where Jerry lived, to sell the remaining pieces of his collection.
The collection includes many rare models, mostly 1:24 Danbury and Franklin Mint, and virtually all the other precision manufacturers as well. There are one of a kind pieces, pre-production models, studies, samples, and Artist Proofs. There are some 1:18, and some 1:43 models, and even some 1:12 mock-up pieces as well. There are also numerous unboxed models, parts cars, and a number of one-off modified or custom built models, most notably by Chris Senyitko (some of these are within larger lots, and not necessarily identified, so if you see a custom non-production model, it's likely one of the ones Chris built). There is literally something for every diecast collector.
Here is the link to the auction site:
The auction is live now, and will begin closing next Tuesday, September 6th. The collection is being sold in single units, and in a number of small lots. There are over 300 total lots. I'm sharing all of this info in the hope that the members here will both spread the word with collector friends, and bid on the models themselves as well. It was important to Jerry to make sure that his wife Diane was taken care of after he was gone, and his hope was that the models would provide some financial security for her. I'd love to see all of the models bid to at least market value. While the auction is online only, the models can be picked up at the estate on certain days, detailed in the link. They will also provide shipping to anyone who is not able to pick up in person. Please note that they do have a buyer's premium for all auctions won, and if shipping is necessary, that will obviously be an added fee as well. All of the details for these things are provided on the auction site. I know nothing more than what is posted there, so that is the best resource for auction info. As for the cars themselves, I do know a lot about many of them, as Jerry loved sharing the stories of the purchases with me, but there's only so much I can retain. That being said, if there's anything that's of interest, and the auction listing seems light on details, you can always reach out to me on the forum, and I'll try to provide any answers I'm able, IF I'm able.
Thank you to Tony for granting me permission to post this. It's a huge help in spreading the word, and hopefully, seeing the collection go for what it's actually worth.
A final note: Jerry was one of the best people I knew, and his friendship meant a lot to me. I still miss him, and every time I mess with one of my models, I think of him. He was the first person I'd excitedly text when I received something new and cool in the mail (and I was his guy for that too!), and it's just not the same. Mostly, though, I miss his cheerful conversations about just about anything. Even though I believe he was a (mostly silent) member of this forum, he was definitely one of "us," and also one of a kind.
Thank you, everyone, for reading all of this, and please know that if you do buy any of his cars, it would be a thrill to Jerry for him to know his beloved models were in the hands of new appreciative collectors.
Best,
Rich
01/09/2022 2:34 am
Rich, sorry to hear of the loss of your close friend. He had quite a collection. I think it's great the way you're helping out the family.
Tony Perrone reacted
01/09/2022 5:50 am
Wonderful post Rich. The site contact page will not allow a non US question. I'll assume they have don't ship overseas?
Tony Perrone reacted
Topic starter
01/09/2022 9:28 am
@pete-rovero Thanks, Pete. I really appreciate the kind words. I often sent the links of your mods to Jerry. He was a huge Ford guy, and loved Thunderbirds, so those in particular were really thrilling for him to see. It's fair to say he was a fan of your work!
Best,
Rich
Pete Rovero reacted
Topic starter
01/09/2022 9:30 am
Wonderful post Rich. The site contact page will not allow a non US question. I'll assume they have don't ship overseas?
Thanks, Geoff. I appreciate that. I'm not certain what their rules are about international sales, but it seems strange that they won't allow an email from you to go through. If you want, I'd be happy to send an inquiry for you. Just shoot me an email directly (same email you've used in the past) with your question(s), and I'll forward them along.
Best,
Rich
01/09/2022 2:12 pm
Rich: Sorry to hear about your friend. I have a similar friend that I met on this site. Tom Weinberg. It has been over 20 years now that we have kept in touch and we have never met. He does not come over to this site since the new redo. But we stay in contact be phone and email, just like you did. Also I appreciated your help in getting my Edsel fixed.
Topic starter
01/09/2022 10:30 pm
Rich: Sorry to hear about your friend. I have a similar friend that I met on this site. Tom Weinberg. It has been over 20 years now that we have kept in touch and we have never met. He does not come over to this site since the new redo. But we stay in contact be phone and email, just like you did. Also I appreciated your help in getting my Edsel fixed.
Hi John,
Thanks for your condolences. It is appreciated. Isn't it funny how we can establish close bonds with people we've never met? One of the plus sides of online life. I suppose it isn't dissimilar to having pen-pals in previous centuries, but this is so much more immediate. You really get to know someone well when you can speak to them on an everyday basis, as Jerry and I did via text. We never once even spoke by phone, in the several years we were friends. Crazy...
I'm really happy I was able to help with your Edsel. Incidentally, Jerry was the friend I referred to back then, when I told you Chris had fixed the same problem on a friend's Edsel! It all comes back around..!
Best,
Rich
John Napoli reacted
02/09/2022 6:25 am
Rich, I too have a best friend named Jerry (also an avid collector). We both turn 59 this year..... Life is short and your loss is yet another sad reminder. It's wonderful that you're helping to oversee his collection; I've have taken a look and will do what I can. Good luck. I'm sure this will be a success.
02/09/2022 11:36 am
Rich, thank you for sharing your heartwarming story. I'm sad you lost your good friend, we've all sadly endured the loss of a special friend in our lives. I applaud you for your promise to him to assist in dispersing his collection, Jerry was blessed to have your friendship as well. I will look in on the auction. Best of luck to you and his family on liquidating the collection in (hopefully) successful manner. God bless you!
George Schire
Oakdale, Minnesota
Topic starter
05/09/2022 1:30 am
Rich, I too have a best friend named Jerry (also an avid collector). We both turn 59 this year..... Life is short and your loss is yet another sad reminder. It's wonderful that you're helping to oversee his collection; I've have taken a look and will do what I can. Good luck. I'm sure this will be a success.
Thanks, Chris. I appreciate your kind thoughts.
Best,
Rich
Topic starter
05/09/2022 1:31 am
Rich, thank you for sharing your heartwarming story. I'm sad you lost your good friend, we've all sadly endured the loss of a special friend in our lives. I applaud you for your promise to him to assist in dispersing his collection, Jerry was blessed to have your friendship as well. I will look in on the auction. Best of luck to you and his family on liquidating the collection in (hopefully) successful manner. God bless you!
Thank you for your kind words too, George. I appreciate it.
Best,
Rich
George Schire reacted
Topic starter
06/09/2022 5:43 pm
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| Just bumping this up to remind everyone that the auction is down to the last few hours now. Still lots of really good prices. I hope you'll consider bidding. Thank you.
Best, |