[AMRadio] Question #2 with the question

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

Values have always been subjective, of course. But to be sure, average
prices realized are down considerably over what they were a decade ago
or less.

Beyond the obvious issue of what it's worth to an interested buyer,
the "collector" side has a lot of variables. In particular for the
S-Line gear, are they early or late models? You can get a good idea by
the emblems on front - are they the 'winged' emblem with the striped
bars on the side of the round Collins logo, or just the round
'meatball' logo? Later models incorporated updates and improvements
like teflon wire, enclosed plug-in relays, and so on. As a result,
they tend to bring a bit more money, or used to. Other variables
include model: the 75S-3C and 32S-3A round emblem are much less common
and therefor most desirable for collectors. The plain jane models are
quite common, as was mounting a speaker in the PS cabinet which adds
utility but drops "collector value".

For the 75A-4 reconditioned by Howard (not Harold) Mills, the value
will be in that fact itself and little more. Collectors of A-Line gear
prized the later (5000+) serial numbered units over the earlier units.
So a low S/N is a handicap in this case. The fact that the receiver
has been gone through by Howard will (in my opinion) give it the most
value since it should be ready to use and enjoy without issue for
years to come. I never saw the attraction of having a bunch of
pristine radios sitting in bags on a shelf. A nice piece of gear that
works properly and can be enjoyed for what it is will be more
appealing in the future.

Best way to get an idea of values for the S-Line gear is the check the
COMPLETED SALES on ebay, *not* the prices in active listings. Having
an idea of what Howard gets for a rebuild of a 75A-4 I'd almost guess
your friend may take a hit over what he paid Howard selling it now.
The market is flooded with Collins and other gear and will become more
so as more users pass on. Better quality pieces like his 75A-4 will
continue to bring the higher prices, but 'higher' isn't what it was
even a few years ago.

Unless your friend attends a lot of hamfests and doesn't mind toting
the gear around until it sells, I'd recommend he either list it for
sale with a fixed price or best offer after doing some research, or
bite the bullet and stuff it onto ebay and let the bidders decide what
it's worth. Ebay has the largest audience and will likely bring the
highest price, but he'll pay a premium through fees and shipping
hassles.

There was a time when either of these stations (S-Line or A-4)
would've brought well over $1K on their own. If he can get anything
approaching $1K today, he'll be lucky. The 75A-4 has the best chance
of selling high.

Usual disclaimer: this is my opinion, and worth exactly what you paid for it.

~ Todd,  KA1KAQ/4  (o:

On Tue, Mar 6, 2018 at 4:31 PM, CL in NC via AMRadio
<amradio at mailman.qth.net> wrote:
> I thought I might get some good input from the Collins Collectors Assoc., but have not gotten one reply.  I will be helping a fellow ham sell his Collins 75S-3, 32S-3, 516F-2 mounted in the Collins speaker.  He would like to get an idea of real world prices that are not ebay idiocy, or sucker give away.  He would also like to sell it as a station, but will divide out the receiver, but not the TX/PS.  The only issue is a rub mark near the receiver RF gain control.   He also has a Harold Mills restored very low SN (2XX) 75A4, all filters and in excellent shape.  Could use insight on that too.  Thoughts on acceptable prices for both buyer and seller would be appreciated.  Thanks
>
> Charlie W4MEC in NC
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