Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

multigraincracker

(32,674 posts)
Mon Sep 6, 2021, 08:51 AM Sep 2021

Do the research, never all that easy.

Last Thursday I stopped an Estate Sale. I don't like them if they are professional sales, but if the sign looks home made I'll stop in.

Large sale under several tents. They were selling all of Grandpa's stuff. They looked up most of the stuff on eBay and put crazy prices on the common items. I talked to the daughter who was running it and explained how you should go to advance search and only look at "sold" items to see what they are really selling for. She said she was wondering why sales were slow.
Anyway, there was a rusty cast iron item on the ground with $10 on it. I wasn't sure what it was. My first guess was a farm related item, but I couldn't figure it out. I asked her she said she didn't know either and everyone thought it a piece of farm equipment. I told her I'd buy it for five bucks just to find out what it was, she said sure and I bought it. At least 30 or 40 lbs.
Years ago I had worked in a rail yard and it looked like it might have been RR related to me.
Nothing like it on eBay, but did find one close to it on "image search", so here it is. An old RR car wheel break, most likely off of a lumber or log car.

https://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photos-wheel-brake-old-train-car-image25351778

No way to find a going price yet, so I'd be happy to sell it for $30. I'd bet some RR collector would love it for that price.

5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Do the research, never all that easy. (Original Post) multigraincracker Sep 2021 OP
Here's something similar to what you found that sold on ebay. Vinca Sep 2021 #1
Thank you. multigraincracker Sep 2021 #2
Found this photo of a model train with hand brakes on both ends. multigraincracker Sep 2021 #3
It sounds like a really neat item. Maybe you could put it in a local auction and Vinca Sep 2021 #4
I have a couple of booth multigraincracker Sep 2021 #5

multigraincracker

(32,674 posts)
2. Thank you.
Mon Sep 6, 2021, 04:24 PM
Sep 2021

Mine is also attached to a large cast iron bracket. That has 2 90 degree bends in it. Also the shaft that extends about 2 feet down with a gear on the end. The shipping fee has to be pretty high because of the weight, I’m guessing 30 pounds and the size.
Might give eBay a try and hope for free local pick up.
Thanks again.

Vinca

(50,269 posts)
4. It sounds like a really neat item. Maybe you could put it in a local auction and
Mon Sep 6, 2021, 05:02 PM
Sep 2021

see what happens. Or take it to a consignment antique shop if you get an idea of the value. I think it would appeal to people who are looking for funky items just for decoration in their homes or gardens . . . as well as railroad collectors.

multigraincracker

(32,674 posts)
5. I have a couple of booth
Mon Sep 6, 2021, 05:11 PM
Sep 2021

at a big mall. I’ll put it in there now that I know how to label it.
The same day at another sale, I found the heaviest iron chain I’ve ever seen. It’s 6 feet long and weighs 40 pounds. Also used for logging here in Michigan. I have a few other logging items I can add to the group.
I love my job.
Thanks again for the info you gave me. Gave me more ideas for my search.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»EBay, Collectors, Flea Market & Antiques »Do the research, never al...