Instrument Values

[Maxim08]

This may be a touchy subject, but I have been requested by my insurer to put a value on the instruments for my D VII project.
The insurance company wants a 3rd party appraiser but there aren't any I'm aware of in the neighbourhood except, perhaps, myself.
If there are generally accepted numbers out there I would like to hear what they are.

The instruments:
Bosch magneto switch, 4 position
Bosch starting magneto
8,000 meter, black face altimeter
Morell 250 kph anemometer
Morell Phylax tachometer
Plath Armee Kompass and mount

Asfar as the airframe goes, they will only allow my cost of materials to date and no labour.

Regards,
John

[Machinbird]

John,
I have a few of these items and have watched others sell at auction for well out of my price range.
The magneto switch is hard to find but when you do, they seem to go for $550 and up. It's amazing that something so simple can be so expensive. Even the keys can go for a lot of $$.
The Anlass Magnet is somewhat dependent on condition and version, but $350 to $650 is not out of line for a functional one.
The altimeters are not plentiful, and I got a steal on one for ~ $350 several years ago. Probably twice that now.
The high speed Morell anemometers are pricey. I've seen a number of them go in the $1250 to $1500 range and up for complete but not necessarily operational ones.
The Plath Armee Kompass is probably worth ~$1000 + in complete and operational condition, but many of the Plath units used cast Zinc bezels which have been damaged or exfoliated (corroded) over time. I don't hold that version of the Plath Armee Kompass in my collection so this price is a bit subjective.
I think I've only seen one tachometer on the market and I don't remember what it went for, sorry.
The collection of instruments you listed in good condition will probably require $5000 to $10000 (US) to replace depending on how much time you are willing to wait to find a deal.
I hope this helps. Let's hear from some others. I'm curious too.
Sid

[Maxim08]

Thanks for the input Sid.
I am hoping that Joe Gertler will chime in. Some of mine came from him about 6 to 8 years ago. I thought that they were expensive then!
Regards,
John

[Jim]

Values are very slippery things. For example, insurance appraisals are typically twice the price that a dealer who is in business to make a profit and cover their overhead would charge, and dealer prices are typically between one and a half to two times what things sell for at ordinary auctions or in the private market (dealers have to cover their overhead costs and make a profit since they are trying making a living - in part or in whole - from their business).

Insurance companies typically require either appraisals from certified appraisers (there are several certifying groups for appraisers), or your receipts showing the actual amounts you paid for your things. Sometimes they will accept documentation of actual recent selling prices from dealers or public auctions but you can wind up having problems with making a claim if you rely on that rather than a professional appraisal that you have submitted to your insurance company in advance or an original receipt showing the amount you actually paid.

[joegertler]

Hi John; email me and I'll fix you up.