Value of classic computers (was Re: Whats wrong with chip collecting?)

From: Hans B Pufal <hansp_at_aconit.org>
Date: Sun Nov 17 15:31:01 2002

John Galt wrote:

> You said "Either chip collectors need to get a grip on their misperceptions
> of value, or vintage machine collectors need to greatly re-assess the values
> of their operational hardware". I would suggest the later. I think that
> given their historical significance, rare vintage computers are drastically
> under valued. While values may go up and down over the short term, I
> fully expect that over the long term, prices on rare vintage computers
> are going to nowhere but up.

I would have to agree. Here at ACONIT we are about to transport a bunch
of our old machiens for an exhibition. Obviously there is the question
of insurance for which we need to value the machines.

For a working IBM 1130 we have set an insurance value of $50,000 (fifty
thousand) on the grounds that any damage which makes the machine
inoperable will probaly be irrepariable and the machine will become just
another inert museum exhibit.

A Micral-N, offered by another collection is valued by them at $15,000
even though it is not in working order and I suspect the components are
not unobtanium.

I have caluclated that our working PDP-9 is worth about $20,000 just
from the man-hours we have already put into it to get it operating. Is
it worth that much or more? It is one of only 5 or 6 known to exist and
I think it is is only one in operation.

Of course insurance value and actual market price are two different
things, and we had many a lively discussion about how to value the old
irreplaceable machines.

Exhibition details : Musee de Grenoble, Grenoble, France : Nov 22 to Dec
2 inclusive.

    -- hbp
Received on Sun Nov 17 2002 - 15:31:01 GMT