How much should I pay for this?

[Miko]

Saw this ad in my neighbourhood for a phone. It's says Northern Electric on the handset. Not sure how much this is worth but I think she is asking way too much. But I am no expert...yet...Any idea what year this is from and what price range I should be looking into?

[DavePEI]

Saw this ad in my neighbourhood for a phone. It's says Northern Electric on the handset. Not sure how much this is worth but I think she is asking way too much. But I am no expert...yet...Any idea what year this is from and what price range I should be looking into?

Hi Mike:

That is an N717 (likely CG), and was made during the 50s by NE. A lot of them were used around here, as most systems other than in Charlottetown and Summerside were still magneto exchanges...

I would set an upper limit on it of about $80, though you often see people asking more. To me, it doesn't make much sense paying more, as there are so many around.

http://www.islandregister.com/phones/telephone1.html

Dave

[wds]

I've seen these go for much less than that.  I recently bought 2 Northern Electric N515H Subsets from ebay for $20 each, and they were in almost perfect condition.  You didn't say how much they were asking for the phone, but if it's too much just wait for a better price.

[DavePEI]

I've seen these go for much less than that.  I recently bought 2 Northern Electric N515H Subsets from ebay for $20 each, and they were in almost perfect condition.  You didn't say how much they were asking for the phone, but if it's too much just wait for a better price.

Yes, but that is quite a different thing. A subset vs. a complete phone. And for two N515H's, you made a very unusual buy. Realistically,  these are reasonably priced but a little high at $80 (that is why I said an upper limit). Shipping one of these from the US to Canada costs a minimum of $45+.  I have also seen them go for over $200 plus shipping, but that is way too much to pay.

Some times because of shipping cost it is more economical to pay a bit more locally.

Dave

[Miko]

The one I saw was $250 on Kijiji. Yea right...

[DavePEI]

Miko is getting one for me for much less that his Craigslist find. I paid $60 for it and am selling it to him for $50 as he is a new collector. It has been completely cleaned up and checked out, and the face has been refinished.

Beautiful phone, but it is a spare. I also have a bit of a surprise for him when I send it. Should help him get his collection going.

Dave

[DavePEI]

Hi Mike:

I got into the museum today, thanks to my wife's shoveling. We actually had to chop the snow - it is like ice!

Let me know your address in a PM - I will try to get it packed up tomorrow, I am also including a 211 which needs some work (paint, wall bracket), but for the same price we discussed. It may put the postage up a bit, but not significantly...

Dave