[Milsurplus] Milsurplus digest, Vol 1 #124 - 8 msgs

[Todd Bigelow - PS]

I'd have to echo what Robert says. I recently picked up a nice one from a guy
who didn't move it on ebay, he even included a control box dial and another
control box of some sort in the deal, for a fair amount less than he was
asking. The rig was complete and in nice shape, particularly the paint. To me,
that is the only real issue with your sets since repainting and having it
either match or look good is very difficult with the black models. I saw a list
member buy one last year on epay for $200 and resell it for over $400 a few
weeks later, but none have gone that high since. My understanding is that the
ARA models are not as good as the later ARC-5 equivalents(which were better
stabilized to minimize drift), but they are indeed older and more scarce.
Someone with the patience and painting skills could likely make presentable
examples of these.

If you get over $50 each for them, you'll have done well IMO. If the paint was
clean you'd get double that.

de Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ

"Robert W. Downs" wrote:

> Message text written by INTERNET:milsurplus@mailman.qth.net
> >Subject: [Milsurplus] BC Band ARC-5 receivers...
>
> On Ebay: items # 1347781887, 1347782611, and 1347783502.
> What are these worth?
> <
>
> Ken,
>
> I don't collect Command Sets any more, having sold off my 200+ piece
> collection in the mid 80's.  But I would have said $40-$60 in the condition
> as shown.  Others may disagree, but the ARA (which these are) are much
> scarcer than the AN/ARC-5 (which these aren't).  I note that one is already
> slightly above this range, and not the best looking one of the three,
> either.
>
> I don't agree with the sellers comments on the capacitors, however.  About
> ten or twelve years ago, I tested some 300 NOS replacement capacitors for
> these sets, and only rejected about 3.5%.  The only capacitors that I have
> ever encountered that deserve to be replaced without mercy are Sprague
> Black Beauties.
>
> 73
> Robert Downs
> <RWDowns_WA5CAB@compuserve.com>
> Houston