Vintage televisions and radios available from an estate

[WISCOJIM]

Frank, there are a lot of "in demand" TV models listed there, but the condition of each is the key to what they are worth. Think of it as an old car. Is it a rusted out beater with no life left, or is it a well-maintained original that has never seen snow or rain? The same applies to old radios and TVs. Some have no value except as a possible parts donor, or they could be mint condition originals or quality restorations. I don't think anyone could give you a good estimate without detailed pictures or by seeing them in person. As init4fun mentioned, a set like the Pilot TV can range all over the place. A parts set with a bad picture tube and messed up cabinet would not be worth much at all. But clean and complete with a good picture tube could be near the high-end of his estimate. And at least one of those radios is very popular also. The Philco 116 tombstone is an excellent performer, and one of the largest radios of that style ever made. Again, condition is very important. A beat up set could be worth less than a hundred dollars, an excellent set could go for several hundred.

And very often the location of the items will effect the value. Anyone that has to travel any distance to get them would have to figure their time and expenses as additional costs of purchasing. I've seen a lot of very good radios sell in Nebraska estate auctions for $25-50 that would each bring in $200-400 if in a Chicago area radio collectors auction. So your location of "Western Illinois" may be in an area with very few collectors, and those items you listed do not ship either easily or cheaply.

I'd suggest you start by posting good pictures of the key items and put them here, on the antique radio forum (www.antiqueradios.com), and also send them to the Public Relations Director over at the Antique Radio Club of Illinois (Art Bilski: [email protected] ). Art can email the club membership to hopefully find some interested local buyers when you are ready to sell.

Good luck, and keep coming back with questions and for more information. We are glad to help do what we can to make sure these items survive!

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