Bargain in TV Parts

[AUdubon5425]

Originally Posted by Jeffhs

...I think this seller is either very new to eBay or else just wants to get as much money as he can from the sale, not unlike so many other eBay listings I've seen for radios in such bad shape they are useful only for parts. I've also seen eBay listings for radios that state the unit is "for parts only" (with a very unrealistic opening bid in some cases), when the item description clearly states that the only thing wrong with the set is a dry-rotted line cord, a bad tube, or some other easily-repaired problem.

My best guess is that many (or even most) of these listings are posted by people who know little or nothing about radio, TV or electronics, and think that just because a radio or TV is 50-odd years old and has a defective line cord, bad tubes, or other small problems, it is junk....

These types usually don't bother me, but sometimes they cross the line. I have a simple ad on CL "seeking old radio & tv equipment & parts" and some anonymous person posts this:

All those considering giving away old vacuum tubes and electronics containing them: these things are going for a FORTUNE online! Vacuum tubes can bring HUNDREDS of dollars each for certain ones. Before you give away what someone will sell for big $$, look into selling it yourself.
SOME 'might' be 'hobbyists', but there's a lucrative market out there for old tube electronics- and people pretending to be 'collectors'( who are really dealers) to get things free to resell really make me sick.

Mind you, I never asked for anything for free, but this kind of crap fuels the notion that anything old is worth a fortune...