[ARC5] 7-9.1 MCs ARC-5 XMTR:

[David Stinson]

Trish & Carla wrote:
> 
> I have what appears to be a clean/mint condition
> ARC-5 transmitter for the 7-9.1 MCs range .. 

First- No matter what else about the radio,
this is not a $200+ unit.
I don't know if you were thinking that,
but if you were, don't.
Unless there's something about it that
makes it ultra-rare, we're talking under $100.

Value is dependent on three things:

#1  What make and model?  The nomenclature plate on the
     top or side has a lot of information.
     An Aircraft Radio Corp. make tag on top
     with an order no. of 1470-NY-41 is far more valuable
     than a generic Western Electric with the tag on the side.

#2. Condition.  What percentage of the paint is intact?
     Is everything there?  Any holes drilled or plugs removed?
     How about corrosion or rust or dirt?
     Any wiring changes?

#3. Marketing.  If you attempt to sell it directly
     to an individual or to a Usenet or remailer list,
     you will get a pittance, if you sell it at all;
     these are very small markets
     filled with dedicated collectors who likely already have
     multiples of your unit.  If you put it on Ebay,
     you take a chance with the winds of the day-
     I've seen rare units go for $20 and dirt-common
     units go for $150;  there's no way to tell
     which way the wind will blow on any given day.
     If yours is a more common black painted BC-459
     in excellent condition with unmarred markings and plate,
     on Ebay you can expect between $25-$65 average,
     but that is no guarantee.  The wind could blow
     either for or against you.

My suggestion:  Give us the details on the make, model and
condition.  Give us all the writing on the nomenclature plate
and the yellow writing on the back.   Any other markings
may also be important.  Provide a photo if you can.
If it's a "goodie," I and others will squabble
and make you a reasonable offer.  If it's a more common
rig, put it on Ebay and takes ya chances.

73 ES GL OM DE Dave AB5S