start going around to every antique store within one hour's drive and get a feel for how much they offer you. they'll double that price (at least) when they sell it.
send the pics to the famous auction houses on both coasts. don't be shy. ask what you have. ask if they're interested in auctioning it. if they think you have something they'll tell you. they want the commission. they may or may not tell you what price to expect. that changes in every market. decide what you want to hold out for. keep in mind what the antique stores told you, your own wear and tear, shipping charges, aggravation, etc. you also have to give them a commission. if you ask nicely, they'll help you if they can. they'll at least walk you through the process. if you live close enough to the coast, either one, it would be better to drive in and show it in person. always, always make appointments in advance. sometimes they will hold it in storage waiting for enough of the right items to hold a sale. for example, they may have ten other minis, but they're waiting for thirty because they have a private list of collectors. for 'special' items, they know who the collectors are and when they have the right sale they contact those people. those collectors will pay the highest prices to add to their collections. on the other hand, the good auction houses may not even want it. then you might want to sell to the antique store that gave you the best price, or keep it for it's oddity value. you won't know unless you start with a photo. if they show interest, offer to bring it over, if it's within a reasonable distance. see what happens. don't, don't, don't tell them what you paid. if they ask, you inherited it. you kind of did, anyway.
have you checked out any books at the library? there are many. be honest with yourself about the condition.