Moral Quandary

[perezfan]

I would say that more specifics are necessary to answer the question effectively. If the item is something that makes more sense to be in their possession than yours (for example a one-of-a-kind item with deep emotional ties to the family), I would consider forfeiting it.

That is, assuming they compensate you fairly- at market value or better. If you are willing/able to part with it, I would tell them the price you need to get for it, and give them the option. I guess there's no traditional market value on Ty Cobb's Dentures (remember that one?) but you know what you originally paid (and what the item is worth). Of course, if the item carries a low monitary value (or you acquired it cheap), it might be nice just to give it to them as a gift.

It would really help to know more specifics, and what the item in question actually is. This is just my personal opinion, and there's probably no "right or wrong" here. It depends on your values and judgement of the specific situation.

[rhettyeakley]

Dan, through my website I have been contacted by many people who are direct decendants of players found on cards (usually Zeenuts) or other items. Generally the stuff in my personal collection is not for sale (I am pretty upfront about this right off the bat), however, I always make an attempt to find another example for them (when possible) and will also offer to take high quality scans which they are free to take to a photographer or printing place and make something that would be displayable for them.

In several instances I have kept an eye open for another example that I have sold them (at cost), it's one of the more rewarding things I have encountered through my website.
-Rhett

[slidekellyslide]

The item in question is a Louisville Slugger gamer of a minor leaguer who played for Lincoln pre WW2...I doubt another bat for this player is extant, and it is also the only prewar bat I know of that can be tied to a Lincoln player. I obtained it from a direct sale and not an auction.

[oriolesbb6]

This happens regularly during estate auction. In this case, I would be honest one way or the other-If your item is not for sale kindly state that fact and move one being comfortable in your decision. If you can part with state a fair price and again do not regret your sale.

[HRBAKER]

Absolutely, their only claim to the item is emotional. You are the owner and a good steward. If you don't think it can be replaced and don't want to get rid of it I see no moral quandry at all.

[barrysloate]

Dan- you have absolutely no obligation whatsoever to sell it. The family didn't stumble onto a "for sale" website, but instead your personal collection. I'm sure you've already explained to them the bat is not replaceable.

The only suggestion I have is maybe the next time an item comes up in an auction worth equal to or slightly more than your piece, you can contact the family and tell them if they can win that item for you, you would be willing to swap the bat for it. But that is entirely optional. Again, I see no moral quandary at all. The family may be disappointed, but such is life.

[batsballsbases]

Dan,
Its a very hard question to answer. I myself have had this happen twice. The first item is still in my collection and would be very hard to part with. The second was in my collection and I had decided to auction it off. I ended up buying it back and after having it for about 3 months I was contacted by someone on this board asking me what had happened to the item. I told him that I re acquired it and was just planning to hold on to it. He then told me a very touching story of why he wanted the item ,it touched me so deeply that I ended up selling it to him. I guess the best way to handle it is to go with what you are comfortable with. Bottom line its your item to do what you wish with .

[vintagesportscollector]

Dan - I agree with all who have said you have absolutely no moral obligation. You should feel comfortable with whatever you decide.

In the Spring of 2006 I was contacted by the granddaughter of Elden Aucker (Detroit submarine pitcher). I had a scrap book that I got off ebay for very little that chronicled in detail the 1934 and 1935 seasons, including both back-to-back World Series those years in which Aucker pitched. The scrapbook was full of content covering Aucker. His granddaughter explained she saw some images of the scrapbook on my site and was incquiring about it. After hearing what the book contained she went on to explain that her grandfather was very ill and would very much appreciate having that history to relive. Since I paid very little and had no attachment to the scrapbook (didn’t have any special interest to Detroit or Aucker) I gave it to her to give to her grandfather. It turned out Aucker died 3 months later. I wonder if he ever saw it…or if that was even his granddaughter.

Now Dan, don’t feel like that story should persuade anything, because if the item had significant value that couldn’t be compensated for, and/or I felt a strong attachment to it and felt it couldn’t be replaced – I wouldn’t part with it for anyone, I don’t care who their grandfather was and if he was dying or not.