Looking up the value of a Zenith 10-S-153 made me wonder why different sources value the same radio at such different prices. The "Pre-War Consoles" by Stein lists that model at $750, while "Antique Radios" fourth edition by Bunis has it at $225 - 250. How does someone new at collecting know what a reasonable price is?

Mike

Hi Mike,
And here is a third opinion: "Collectors Guide to Antique Radios, 5th Edition" by Slusser lists your Zenith at $325-$375.
There is no real answer to your question. Published price guides are subjective at best, and of course they begin to grow obsolete from the very day they are printed. The best way to guess at a radio's value is to observe prices of similar sets being sold in your area. When that is impossible, about the best you can do is examine as many published price guides as you can and try to come up with an average. Consoles are particularly hard to price, as the issue of transportation and shipping comes into play. For example, console prices on eBay are always low, but table radio prices on eBay are generally higher than average. At radio auctions/swap meets, the situation is entirely reversed.
Poston

:Looking up the value of a Zenith 10-S-153 made me wonder why different sources value the same radio at such different prices. The "Pre-War Consoles" by Stein lists that model at $750, while "Antique Radios" fourth edition by Bunis has it at $225 - 250. How does someone new at collecting know what a reasonable price is?
:
:Mike

Hi Mike

Radio prices are not fixed as you noticed. At flea markets & garage sales they go for low prices. Antique stores may ask a lot. Books sometimes have a price a radio sold for at auction. The price may also be a "wish".

The actual value is what a person is willing to pay. This varies by condition and location.

Use a book only as a guide. Usually higher prices indicate something special or rare radios. Buy what you like at your price. Don't consider radios an investment.

Norm

:Looking up the value of a Zenith 10-S-153 made me wonder why different sources value the same radio at such different prices. The "Pre-War Consoles" by Stein lists that model at $750, while "Antique Radios" fourth edition by Bunis has it at $225 - 250. How does someone new at collecting know what a reasonable price is?
:
:Mike