[Collins] Collins R-391

[Dr. Gerald N. Johnson]

Is there a count of how many 391 were made?

On Wed, 2009-07-08 at 09:55 -0700, Paul wrote:
> >> I am trying to establish a realistic market value for a Collins R-391
> 
> > There was one sold on ebay in 2007. They don't remember it
> 
> You may be thinking of mine, I sold one of mine in 2007.
> 
> As far as prices, it all depends on who looks, when and where you advertise. Mine was completely original and unmodified right down to the green screws which had no paint chipping, 100% functional and included a non-original 24vdc powersupply to operate the auto-channel select. To make sure the true R-390 and Collins people had a chance at it, I first advertised it on various appropriate QTH and other mailists. I first offered it at $1250, no takers. To make sure a person with true interest in it would have a chance, several months later I dropped the price to $1000. Still no takers.
> 
> I then figured there was no market amongst the Collins or R-390 people so I took it to eBay and since I had seen the ridiculous prices things had gotten there I posted it with a buy-it-now price of $2750 plus shipping. I don't think it was listed more than 10 minutes and I had a buy-it-now hit. Received a good check for about $2900 (price plus shipping) a few days later and off it went.
> 
> Of course the economy is quite different these days so no telling what you might get for yours. Again, it's where you advertise it and who might be looking. Obviously, at the time, anyone on the QTH mailists who saw my add did not consider it a fair value at $1000, but someone on eBay considered it worth almost 3 times that much. If I didn't have a second one, I never would have sold it, they are just the same from a reception standpoint as an R390, but the rarity of the auto-channel select feature makes them stand out.
> 
> 73, Ray W2EC

-- 
73, Jerry, K0CQ, Technical Advisor to the CRA
All content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer