[ARC5] Attitudes toward the value of old military radios

[Mike Morrow]

"J"-somebody writes:

> Sure, I understand that there is a limited supply, but the demand
> surprises me. After all, we're talking about 70 year old technology here!
> If the the parts and rigs are getting  that expensive, one could have a
> medium priced modern rig with all of the bells and whistles for the total
> cash outlay.

That is the attitude of a ham tinkerer...one little interested in history,
development, and military usage of the equipment.  That's fine, but that's
not what you will find on this list in general, nor among any who own this
equipment with intent to maintain its originality.  You would no doubt
have trouble believing that a rare T-16/ARC-5 transmitter sold for more than
$2,600 on eBay a few years ago, or that a 1918 BC-14-A crystal receiver sold
for more than $2,500, or that several 1971 TAR-224A "clandestine" portable HF
transceivers have been sold in the last 18 months, each for hundreds more than
a KX3 with ALL accessories except the PA amp, and one for twice that amount.
Anyone who had an intact USN RAV CBY-46107 liaison receiver, 9.0 to 13.5 MHz,
(just like a common ARA CBY-46106 command receiver, 6.0 to 9.1 MHz) could
likely realize several thousand dollars for it alone

If you are consistent, you must also have difficulty understanding:
1.  Spending $2,000 for a Model 1860 Spencer Carbine.  After all, $300 will
buy a used Winchester 30-30 that performs better and uses common ammo.
2.  Spending $4,700 for an unused $5 1893 Columbian Exposition stamp.  After
all, only $5 at the post office will get you a $5 stamp that you don't even
need to lick.
3.  Spending $35,000 for a Confederate States T-1 $1,000 note that has
absolutely no value as legal tender.
4.  Spending $2,500 for a 70-year-old USN marine chronometer when a $15 quartz
watch from Wal-Mart will keep better time, and $2,000 for a WWII USN sextant
when a $150 GPS from the same Wal-Mart will provide better navigation.

Am I correct???

The simple fact is that items such as I listed have intrinsic value for their
craftsmanship and the history they represent.  They will have that long after
today's KX3s, quartz watches, GPSs, and list members are decaying in landfill. :-)
 
> Don't get me wrong, the ARC-5s do have a certain "charm" about them, but
> if I had $800 burning a hole in my pocket, I'd put it toward a KX3, NOT a MD7 !!

You definitely should...right away!  Attitudes found here to this gear will only
be frustrating for being incomprehensible to you.

> I rather bide my time and find the stuff "where is, as is" instead of getting
> into a bidding war on Ebay for ancient electronics.

In other words, you won't be wasting your time and money like the fools on this list.

Have fun. :-)

Mike / KK5F
(Name and call used to sign post.)