<< So how do you guys feel accurate replicas impact the value of vintage computers? Is all the value in the antiquity or circulation volume? >>
Until I read this I didn't realize there were replicas of old computers. Wouldn't this be the same thing as a counterfeit handbag? Who makes them (the Chinese?), are they prevalent, and how do you ensure you're buying the real thing when you buy a vintage computer or computer part, not a replica?
Hi
Most replicas of things like the Apple I are functional replicas, not exact
replicas. Most are marked in some way to indicate that they are not forgeries.
When looking at my collection, some of the items have shown increase
in value that was not always expected.
Others mentioned the Jupiter Ace.
I have an IMSAI that I purchased for $150 about 10 of 12 years back.
The Canon Cat I bought for around $150 w/ shipping. These now sell
on ebay for $800 to $1900.
Several machines are particulary rare. My Nicolet 1080 is one of only about
4 that I know to exist in the world today. The may be a few more hiding
in government wherehouses but most wouldn't notice it as special
and just toss it to the recycle. I bought mine for $350 and about $100
shipping.
Some items I have that are rare enough that I've never seen any come
up on ebay. I have a SIM4-01 development system ( i4004 ) ( not
to be confused with the later MOD4 ). I have no idea what the value
might be. It has one of the early grey trace 4004's that are said to
be rare by its on right.
I've not see a Poly 8813 come up on ebay either. The one I have was
given to me. Poly88s seem to go for about $350-$500 somplace ( I have
2 of these ). They wrote the own BASIC to run on the Polymophics.
All of these are in running condition.
Some have worth beyond what one would have thought. The Video Brain
comes to mind.
All these are in running condition.
Worth and rareness are not always the same. Many truly rare items just
don't have value, other than being rare. It often takes a combination
of something historic, uniqueness and rareness to create value.
Dwight