What's it worth? RCA Victrola 610v1 circa 1948

[jwcb]

Hi - I'm thinking of down-sizing and might need to sell off an antique stereo that I've had for 25 years. Can anyone advise what it might be worth? Also, what's the best way to sell / auction it? Is eBay the right outlet? Post here or somewhere else? See pics. It's in pretty good shape physically. Appears to be mahogany. Does not operate. Never restored it thought the tubes are visibly intact. - RCA - Model 610v1 - circa 1948

[radiotvnut]

It looks like the cabinet is decent; which, is a big plus. My radio price guide book list this as a $65-$75 radio; however, we all know that something is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Radio/phonograph consoles from the '40's and later are often passed up by many collectors, mainly because of their size. Generally, when these do sell, they go anywhere between $5-$50. Price will depend on location and how bad someone wants it.

Ebay will probably not be the best place to sell this, unless you can find a local buyer. Shipping something like this would be very expensive and would likely exceed the value of the radio. If there is an antique radio club in your area, you might try contacting them. Also, CL and other local classified outlets may give good results. Again, your success will depend on if there is a local buyer or a buyer who is willing to travel to pick this up in person.

[leadlike]

I would try your local Craigslist first. While you would get national exposure with this thing on Ebay, it would probably only sell locally anyway, given that shipping costs would be through the roof. As far as value, I would say it has very little, although you may be able to find a taker at the $50 price level. These side by side consoles have very little value in today's market.

If it were mine, and I needed cash, I would just let it sit on Craigslist for a few months with a $50 obo. Reposting the ad from week to week should hopefully get someone interested.

[superdog]

These occasionally pop up on cl around here and sometimes ask ridiculous prices.While these were fine units and probably expensive in there day they just have very little market value today.I made the mistake of pointing this out to one seller that was asking over $500 for one and that person turned into a verbal monster in their reply.

[Reece]

By the way just for accuracy's sake, it's not a stereo, but a monaural player/radio. Stereophonic records/phonographs for the general public first appeared in 1958.

[jbivy]

Typically collectors dont like to take up a lot of room with these big sets. We stick to smaller and unusual table top models. You need to find someone who wont mind the space this will take up. The fact its non functional really does hurt the value.

Id definately craigs-list it. The 50-60 level is more than likely what you will get out of it. Sorry. Theres just not that much value in a non working set of this size. Your best hope is someone who just wants it as a decorator piece. Even if you had it professionally mechanically restored (putting several hunded into it), it would still only bring around 125-175.