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
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.
