[Heathkit] HW-16

[Raymond Perkins]

Hi.
 
I need some advice. How do you "collectors" decide when to keep or when to sell a really good looking and operational Heathkit piece of gear?
 
Here's the story. I've never considered myself a collector -- interest, space available, repair equipment on hand, etc. A really non-nonsense kind of ham. "If you aren't going to use something, don't clutter up your life with it" has been my motivation.
 
However about a year ago I bought about a dozen items from the collection of an SK and it included two wonderfully assembled HW-16's, an HG-10b, and a VF-1, along with a bunch of other items I was really after. After tinkering with these four pieces I discovered the tubes are great, the power output is maximum on-the-money, and all pieces work together quite well. I've had some good reports on several QSO's using all four items (although not all at the same time - HI). Finish on all four is absolutely beautiful. To me they look pristine.
 
I've thought about sellilng. Took all to a local hamfest about six months later, but had to reload and leave early because of illness in an extended family member. Thus, no sales. 
 
I've watched prices on various reflectors (even the "Dreaded eBay Monster") and seen prices up and down. I'm not going to "give them away," I haven't decided a just price, I've even taken pictures and put in my computer for advertising for sale. But never put in a listng anywehre. I've grown attached to them because they are so pristine. Yet I don't "use them" but keep in a closet. Have no space. I just get on my modern solid state rig and chat on SSB or CW on 75, 40, and 30. 
 
Yet the idea of not having these boatanchors around is a bit sad to me. Perhaps thinking about the guy who so painstakingly put them together. He had an gob of Heathkit stuff, even a Heathkit Beam Antenna for which I had no use. Or I recall 60 years ago when I rewired a BC-348, built my first transmitter from a 6V6GT and FT-243, and talked way across town. Later I put together an 807 and got really wild about on 40 meter CW. 
 
What do I do with these items? How will I know that it is time to dispose of them? What value is a radio that is 30-35 years old that you never use? 
 
Am I the last sane man in an insane world? Have I been infected with the Collector's Virus? Or do I need to lay down on the couch and spend a few years with a psychoanalyst to find out the root of my attachment to these radios I don't use? I'm up in years now, and don't want to leave a bunch of stuff for my wife and/or children to have to sell, but I'm really stuck. I  would appreciate any help in sorting this stuff out. No, this is not a joke. 
 
Thanks
 
Raymond