Marking your collection for inventory/catalog

[kahnjar1]

I keep photographic records of my items cross referenced with a number, and the amount paid for each item at the time of original purchase. The reason for the amount paid, is so that in the future whoever deals with my estate has at least some idea of what a particular item is worth. Items of course do vary in value over the years but at least this way no loss should be incurred.
As we all know by now, there are those out there who will be keen to clear an estate lot for a very small amount, just to (according to them) help the grieving wife "get rid of the rubbish".
As far as marking each item is concerned, I have not done this yet, but intend to use one of those pens which can only be read under UV light. At least these are not immediately obvious to a potential thief.
Stu

[Ian]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

... As we all know by now, there are those out there who will be keen to clear an estate lot for a very small amount, just to (according to them) help the grieving wife "get rid of the rubbish". ...

Stu, you are so right. When my father died 20 years ago, he had a nice collection of old cigar boxes, cigarette lighters, and other smoking-related memorabilia. Since he died from lung cancer due to his smoking, my mother just wanted done with all the tobacco-related things. A dealer offered to take them off her hands for $200. A little research revealed their true value, and she eventually sold them for more than $4500! This type of thing happens all too often.

[Lee]

Here is one procedure for insuring removable ink or paint markings from the National Park Service.