What I Buy — J.W. Holcomb, Roanoke VA
I’m J.W. Holcomb—a Roanoke, VA–based reseller and estate-liquidation expert with 25+ years in antiques, collectibles, and valuables. As an author featured in multiple publications, I bring real market knowledge and online-auction expertise to every purchase. Because I understand demand, condition, comps, and channels, I routinely pay more than pawn shops or casual resellers—and I can handle everything from single items to full estates.
Full-Service Help (Beyond Buying)
Alongside direct buys, I offer professional estate liquidation: on-site walkthroughs, staging, pricing, photography, marketing, and efficient sale days—with itemized summaries after. If you’re clearing a house or settling an estate, I make it organized and straightforward.
What I’m Actively Buying
Coins & Currency
- Gold & silver coins, bullion, key dates, tokens, currency, collections
Jewelry & Watches
- Gold, silver, platinum, vintage & costume jewelry, pocket/strap watches
Collectibles & Toys
- Vintage toys (’70s–’90s), action figures, sports cards, comics, records/audio
Video Games
- Atari, NES, SNES, Sega, PlayStation, Nintendo, vintage consoles & games
Military & Political
- WWI/WWII & older: uniforms, medals, badges, gear; political buttons & pins
Paper & Ephemera
- Postcards (incl. RPPC/photo cards), photos, maps, yearbooks, ads, brochures
Railroad
- Lanterns, locks, whistles, tokens, paperwork, signs, parts
Advertising & Signs
- Porcelain, tin, neon, store displays, local business pieces
Bottles & Dairy
- Milk bottles, soda bottles, crates, dairy ephemera
Tools & Industrial
- Quality hand tools, machinist lots, storage bins/drawers, shop cabinets
Automotive & Motorcycle
- Vintage parts, manuals, accessories, dealer signs
Skate & Blade
- Vintage skateboards, skate apparel & gear
Knives & Swords
- Pocket knives, hunting knives, swords (legal/safe items)
Local History
- Roanoke & SWVA pieces, railroad history, regional memorabilia
How I Evaluate (and Why That Means Better Offers)
- Transparent testing & scales for precious metals; karat/weight separated
- Real comps (auction results + current demand) for fair, market-based pricing
- Staging & marketing expertise if we convert to an estate sale—so nothing’s left to chance
Selling Options
- Single high-value pieces, curated collections, or entire estates
- On-site walkthroughs, quick photo reviews, or scheduled valuations—whatever fits your timeline
Vintage Items I Buy (quick list)
Coins • bullion • tokens • currency • jewelry • watches • toys • sports cards • comics • records • vintage audio • game consoles & games • military memorabilia • postcards • photos • ephemera • railroad items • advertising & signs • bottles • dairy items • tools • industrial storage • auto & motorcycle parts • vintage skateboards • knives & swords • Roanoke/SWVA local history