I really need your opinions / comments / help, RE: Ku Klux Klan tokens

[James_OldeTowne]

This question regards on ongoing consignment of coins, tokens and medals that I was commissioned to sell on eBay.

 

A couple of the items were manufactured on behalf of the Ku Klux Klan, and can be interpreted to endorse the values of that organization. I cannot claim to be impartial to these items. On the contrary, I find the KKK and all that they stand for to be revolting, despicable and insulting to true American ideals, and I am not afraid to say so. However, as someone who even more strongly believes in Democracy, I also recognize the right of the organization to legally exist, and to be entitled to express their opinions.

 

I also realize that many Americans (if not most) might find anything having to do with the KKK to be offensive. Therefore, my question is this:

 

Should I refuse to list these items on eBay on behalf of my consignor? And if I do list them, what sort of disclaimer should appear in the eBay listing?

 

Many of you may remember I had a similar situation regarding a coin collection of Nazi coins. I did end up listing those on eBay, and was not reprimanded by any bidders or winners of the items.

 

THANKS IN ADVANCE for your help.

 

James

[HaydenTubbs]

I can understand how hard it would be to make a descion on this James,since these could be considered objects of evil or valid collectables.I think it all really comes down to how your own conscious would feel if you were to auction these.What is you heart telling you? I don't and would not have any problems selling Nazi coins or WWII uniforms,weapons,etc. as I would be selling them as memorabilla,not because of what these objects stood for. I guess the same could be said for these KKK tokens,they are probably worth something to token collectors. Another thing I should mention is you should take into consideration what is actually on the tokens.If they promote acts of violence,etc. I would not auction them whereas if they were just promoting membership in the KKK I would consider it all right to auction them. I think a disclaimer would be a good idea in your auction or you could have alot people get angry and offended at you.Make sure you state that the tokens were a consignment by client and that you have nothing to do with the KKK nor with anything they stand for.

 

I think the bottom line,James,is whether you feel right auctioning them off.Think about it....

 

 

Hayden

[IGWT]

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." George Santayana, Reason in Common Sense (1905). These tokens serve to remember -- not to support -- the evil that they represent. Unfortunately, not everyone understands the distinction. If you place the items on eBay, James, you should expect to receive messages from people who wrongly associate you with the ideas of the KKK. Knuckleheads don't read disclaimers or care about explanations.

[truthteller]

The KKK is part of history, albeit a dark side. Historic items should be displayed and sold, it's part of Americana. Many people buy and sell weapons, replicas, old collectible swords, all of which the purpose is to kill. Tolerance and understanding of history is the most important, rather than the actual belief behind the history.

 

 

TRUTH

[midwest]

Would depend on what's on them. A search for KKK on Ebay turned up 90 something items. Of that most weren't actually KKK items. So you may be better off finding someone who collects them just because you might get more money.

 

Those that try to hide history will go down in history by becoming victims of what they try to hide. If you want to include anything don't. The sooner we take history, learn about it, and stop trying to apologize for it the closer we are to it not happening again.

[supertooth]

James----Did you know that the KKK stuff was there before or after you accepted the consignment? If you knew they were present ahead of your acceptance of the consignment, you could or should have asked the owner how he felt and how you felt----and resolved the issue. If you did not discover them until after you accepted the consignment, then I think that you should place them at auction. You are afterall only an agent for the selling of the material. You are not condoning the KKK or their actions----years ago or now. As to a disclaimer----sure---if you feel that you would like to write one. That would be at your discretion. But I actually feel that one is not necessary as you are selling coins or medals. You are not recruiting followers to join the KKK. Personally, I would put the stuff on with no mention of anything other than that it is for sale and that you are selling a consignment. Bob [supertooth]

[cladking]

You may actually have two problems; many of the KKK items are fakes or fantasies made by LA Stamp and Coin, et al. I believe nearly all the large copper pieces are fantasies. These are collectible in their own right but most are common enough that they don't warrant high prices. Most of these were not so much intended to defraud as to fill a vacuum of collectibles. Virtually 100% of all the bawdy house tokens are fantasies. I've only seen one of these that was probably real from this country.

 

If you're confident that they are saleable a simple and short disclaimer is probably best. Simply stating that you aren't endorsing their activity and that these items are to your belief, obsolete, should be more than sufficient.

[Count_Erfit]

It's HISTORY. Plain and simple. You aren't putting on a hood and burning crosses. This "political correctness" is stupidity in the extreme.

 

I'm selling this on eBay. (Guess I should say "listing it" as there are no bids.) However, I ...DID.... sell it. To a frikkin NON PAY BIDDER with good feedback from Germany who just stalled and tried a bunch of stories and well...forget that.

 

Black toy on eBay

 

Anyhow, this toy would be RIPPED from the shelves if someone tried to market it today. But they were popular in the teens, twenties, and thirties, and many blacks collect them as "black memorabilia."

 

I see nothing wrong with KKK items even if the KKK is not worth a damn.

[cpm9ball]

James, everyone has given reasonable advice, both pro and con. Go with your heart.

 

Chris

[Boom]

Do whatever you think best.

[John Martinez]

If you knew they were there to begin with and agreed to sell them, then, being a man of my word, I believe you should keep your word. I agree with all here regarding it being a piece of history, and selling it does not necessarily condone the group.

 

I also agree that we have P.C. run amuck in this day and age. To that end, it was refreshing to see a black man selling vacuum cleaner covers that were the old time black "nanny" maid motif.

[James_OldeTowne]

((( Did you know that the KKK stuff was there before or after you accepted the consignment? )))

 

Bob, good question. I did not know that the tokens were part of the consignment. Some of the items for this consignment are still sealed in the original packaging from when the items were transferred to my possession, and only when I opened up this particular package about a week ago did I discover that these were part of the agreement.

 

It sounds like the general consensus is that I can list the items without being condemned as someone who condones this type of organization by the typical eBay user. THANKS for all the responses. That's why I find so much value in using this forum!

 

James

[DirtyGoldMan]

I am late to the party!

 

While I personally would not sell them, I would not be critical of you if you did, especially if you added the disclaimer suggested above. Let us know how it turns out, especially if you get any hate mail!

 

Robert