I am trying to research and value a completely restored Graybar no 50 Sunshine Lamp. Every piece on the machine works as it should. Two appraisers had no idea of it,s worth. It has the original model, serial number and maker on a plate in back “patent applied for. Any help would be appreciated. It is in old magazines from
the late 1930,s and later to the 1940,s. It sold then for $135 back then.
Thank you
If I may make a suggestion,, Go to www.antique-shop.com !! This site is about as dead as it gets !! I come here and help because no one else does !! No one from this site has ever been here !!
The other site is active and we have some of the best researchers of any site !! And experts in several fields !! I think you will like it much better !! Otherwise,, you just get me !! LOL
And I am certainly no newbie at this !! I am pushing that 40 year mark myself,, and I don`t mean my age !!
Thank you. The collectors I am selling for have been at it for over 40 years. Art work of all kinds, porcelain, bronze works, original photographs, Silver and glass from Europe. Most of it never on the market and it is a job cataloging it all. Then the research, some I did find here on the site, the research is exhausting. When I do find a maker, it is satisfying, especially the art work. Thanks again for the support. I will post many more for help on here.
Certain items,, you are correct !! In the case of the Fire Ex. They have been a hot trend with decorators especially in the metro areas !! They are using them for home decor and lamps !!
Thats why I try to follow what is hot on ebay and other sites !!
But no matter what I would do,, its your sale and your option !! I hope it does well !! Truthfully the $150. is about what I thought it would sell for in todays market !! Will check back later !!
Good Luck !!
Well I have listed other items, for example an early fire extinguisher for automobiles, aircraft, etc. It is solid brass and I left it in its original condition. I saw the exact same item, polished to a mirror finish sell for over $100 and mine was at $60, even a lower serial number than the other one.
The difference was only the appearance between theirs and mine. I lowered the price on it, and still no buyers or offers. Same with an old Ronson Table lighter. One was polished to a bright finish, the other left with the original. Guess which one sold, yep the polished one. Of course ratings affects the sales.
I think the dynamics of restoration apply to certain items, and not to others. If I was going to display an item solely for ascetics, then I would prefer something that would stand out from another that is very dull and unassuming. I never restored anything I sold years ago on eBay. Now it seems that Buyers are attracted to certain items that are polished. We shall see.
