Rick -
I have been involved with the disposal of numerous collections since starting in archery in 1958. Several of these collections have exceeded the $45,000 mark mentioned by Shane. What you say is pretty accurate for those medium size collections with mostly average or lower end items.
The highest end items are always in great demand and usually sell quite well when a professional appraiser in the field takes care of the matter for the collector.
As my Father frequently said, "hire a professional for important matters... getting free advise is generally worth exactly what you paid for it, nothing".
Brad -
We all have to let go of these worldly possessions at some point. We may not want to admit it, but we have two basic choices, either dispose of them ourselves, or leave them for our heirs to dispose of when we are gone.
None of us will be able to take these items with us, and even if we could, what would we do with them when we get there?
Enjoy life and everything you have while you are here!!! Life is short.