Allison wrote:Would much appreciate suggestions as to whether to sell them all as one lot, or keep them as separate 'blocks' of the same figures.

I'd break them up into lots of similar figures unless you have some larger (like dragon or giant) figures which I would sell individually.  I'd put them into lots of six to ten figures with a theme like fighters or magic-users.

But do be careful as you sort them out. You want to look for lead rot and not get lead poisoning. Most all these older minis had lead, some more than others.

All you really have to do is make sure you are careful when handling these minis. They are unsafe to handle by children, but it's fine for adults as long as you make sure you wash your hands after handling them and don't touch eyes, nose or mouth until your hands are washed.

Lead rot is a little harder to spot sometimes. It's usually a white or grey powdery substance which comes off easily in your hands. Basically it's lead rust. It's where the lead has oxidized. It's not that big a deal except that it makes it all that much easier for lead to come off on your hands(and go to other places). Of course, the other problem is that it ruins the details on minis.  You'll want to disclose it if you see it.

Good luck!