Stromberg Carlson Oilcan ball with serial number in ring above oilcan

[rfkimba]

Hi  guys,
I was recently offered this very nice SC oilcan with ball with most of the nickel intact with no "rennovations". A serial number on the collar at the base of the shaft is present. Checking phonemandave.net site with its excellent photos , he distinguishes 4 categories of this collectable:
1)Early oil can 1898(ball) with cast brass base;
2)Early oilcan 1899(ball), spun brass base with S/N on collar above the base;
3) later(1900-1905) sleeve version;
4)later (1900-1905) minimal sleeve with larger numbered transmitter.
I have seen mainly  the later varieties 3+4 for auction but then I am new to this hobby and lack a collecting historical perspective.

I was asking for any feedback about the rarity,availability and pricing on the four varieties based on the members experience.   
Thanks,
Bob Farber

[Sargeguy]

I am not that familiar with the prices of the different SC variants, but this looks like a nice one.  You can check the Auction Contests for similar phones and what members thought they were worth.  It is hard to establish a firm price on phones that don't come up regularly.  Prices are all over the place depending upon a variety of factors.  I recently had two identical Loefflers that I sold on ebay 2 weeks apart.  One sold in the $300 range, the other did not make $100.  They both sold to the same bidder.  I would pay a premium for an intact un-restored phone that was in good condition while others would pay for a nice-looking restoration.