What is the best all around book for reference and value of vintage and antique traps?

This should be interesting

pick65

There are 2 schools of thought on this subject. Both revolving around one individual. I will let some one else take this discussion to the next level.

I have my personal preference but then I haven't been in the trap collecting business nearly as long as some others on this site.

If you look back to a thread started on 03/05/16 there is a discussion on Trap collectors guide. There are some divided opinions, might be a good idea to purchase both and make your own conclusion....

I'm not afraid to say it. I never have cared for the Vance books.

I'm not afraid to say that I think it's pretty low for someone to get on a forum to pick on a guy that's almost at the end of his days, nearly chair/bed ridden, on oxygen, unable to defend himself and just trying to make a few bucks by selling some books. For years and years, Vance's books were the go-to books for anyone wanting to know information about collecting traps. I guess that now that everyone has bought the books, used them, and in some instances, even copied them that they're just no good anymore? What the heck is wrong with you people? You collectors should be honoring Robert Vance, not trashing him.

My problem with Vance is that he has things in his books that are blatantly not right, in fact I would call them dishonest. Also, I have a good friend that trusted Vance when he bought supposedly rare traps from him for thousands of dollars and they are fake. If Vance's books were so good people would not be talking them down. New collectors are buying misinformation. That is dishonest and I do not stand for people that take advantage of others.

That's nice. That's real nice. That's two of you, now. Where's the other four? I'm waiting for them to chime in.

Back in the 1970's we had Ron Frodeluis and Burts guides.Then Bob Vance had many different books.Now Tom Parr has a guide.I remember selling a trap a Show, a guy said how come you are asking $85.00 for it Vance's book has it at $75.00 I said who is selling the trap Bob or me.Then I said I paid $ 85.00 that's what I want.It sold.

I'm new to collectable traps and I can say to people on here have been very helpful and I don't feel like any of them will try to stear anyone in the wrong direction or take advantage of us. The most respected people on here recommended andreski and parr's book and I bought one, along with several traps,from a gentleman on here. I'm not disappointed and i appreciate all the help and advice from all of them. This site is great and the people on here make it that way. We are all entitled to our opinion and differences. That's what makes America so great. I chose to go with the advice given to me and don't regret it. When wissmiss, cohunt, and snakecollector, and others give advice, I wouldn't dismiss it.

At least the guide was close. Anyways, that's all the books are, they're guides. When it comes down to it, the traps are only worth what the buyers are willing to pay for them.

I'll second that! When I look at my guide and watch eBay, wow! Some people are just nuts....

I have Frodeluis and Burt, Vance, Parr and Gerstell books. They all provide information that is useful for me. I use Parr the most but I'm not giving up any of my Vance books either. A used Frodeluis and Burt is probably your best dollar value book but they have been out of print for quite a while now. Ebay may seem crazy at times, but cannot be ignored. I buy and sell almost all my traps on Ebay so history of Ebay sales prices are the real market price for me. The price guide books do not align with well with Ebay on many traps.

There are alot of traps that are not in any books,proto types,one of a kind traps.Just because it's not in a book don't mean that a traps not legit.How do you value a one of a kind.Having some guide books are a must.I have to get some new ones my old Vance book is from 1999.

You need to get ahold of Ed, Bruce. I'm sure that if you were to send him an sas envelope, he'd just give you one of his pocket-sized Blue Books. I really like mine.

Bruce, your book is on the way! Hopefully, your address is still
the same?

wish i had a new vances book

Does that offer apply to any one that sends Ed a SAS envelope? I would love to have one of those Blue Book pocket guides.

After taking into account the fact that you've already bought some books from Ed, he might just give you one! You'd have to give him a call, and ask him, though.

click here --> http://cache1.qwip.it/videos/5637d560f1f...22205cee6b7.mp4

i guess iam not on THE LIST

i have dealt with ED for over 15 years have most of the books and lots of his traps
i could go on and on BEST TRAPS nice good guy

Sending a private message.

My new pocket guide came today,Thanks Ed Hutzel

Pack114, I have dealt with Bob Vance and never had a bad experience. What is your point? There are two sides to every story!

In my opinion, this is a personal opinion between two people, that I believe should be addressed by personal PM's, not on an open forum that is about trap collecting and traps, just my opinion, for what it's worth.

Trapper48, I'm with you on your opinion.

Kevin you hit the nail on the head.

That was my point. There is no need to run down anyone on the open forum.

Bob Vance was making us guides when no one was for 20 years or so.Many prices really close to what they were going for,say what you want he was filling a void.IMO Bruce

Are there people who would come and grade your collections and value ea one..say for auction or inheritance or perhaps insurance?

Yes. Most likely they would want a fee for doing that. Appraisers establish values for estates and insurance claims. Not sure if they have to be licensed or certified or how that works. Remember, an appraiser is giving you their best professional opinion. You could get 3 different appraisers to look at your traps and you could get 3 different values. None of them are right or wrong.

I'm sure there are any numberbof folks on this forum that would be happy to evaluate your collection.

could it be done with photos or would need to be in person