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Author
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Topic: Value of 1969 Precise Models Lunar Module
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Chris Stearns
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posted 07-20-2011 03:49 AM
   
I am trying to value a 1969 Lunar Module Contractors Model for a friend. It has been stored in a box(not original box) for the last forty or so years. It is complete except for one missing stabilizer cone on the rear right of the module. It is all original and has never been repaired or restored. As you can see in the photo, it hasn't suffered from the yellowing and is quite pristine.Thanks for the help.  |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 07-20-2011 05:08 AM
Chris, your LM is a very nice example. One or two such models (typically owned by an astronaut or dignitary) go for as much as $5000 at auctions such as Sotheby's but these are exceptions.Typically you can pick one of these up for between $500 and $750 on eBay depending upon condition. I would value you your friends model at the higher end of that spectrum. They crop up pretty regularly i.e. one every few months or so. |
Chris Stearns
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posted 07-20-2011 05:48 AM
Thanks Rick. Here are a few more photos showing detail. I just found one on the Bonham and Butterfields auction site that sold for over $6000. It was missing a dish but was in about the same condition.  
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Larry McGlynn
Member Posts: 1255
From: Boston, MA
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 07-20-2011 07:25 AM
Chris, the B&B auction is the exception to the rule. Rick's right, these LM models are easy to find in any condition. I have three such models including John Young's A-16 silver LM presentation model, which I picked up for less than $3,000 at Heritage. I would basically agree with Rick on the price with one exception. If it was in the same condition as yours, it might fetch upwards of $1,500. Depends on the market. There is a gentleman on this board that repairs and restores these models. If he has one in stock, then you can buy one from him for $1,500 and he has repaired any damage. |
Chris Stearns
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posted 07-20-2011 08:30 AM
Yeah, I figured that was far from what they normally go for. I'm curious as to how difficult it would be to replace the missing stabilizer in order to make it complete. Or if it would even be worth the trouble. Thanks again for the responses guys. |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 07-20-2011 08:58 AM
Larry's valuation of $1500 is the kind of figure the restorer would charge for a nice finished example, but that would include his time (several hundred dollars in all likelihood) and the cost of replacement parts or decals for a "typical" restoration.Since your model looks to be in great overall condition it would be quick, easy and pretty cheap to put right the missing thruster and re-touch the paintwork on the ladder. Drop me an e-mail and I will put you in touch with the guy who can supply the thruster and I can tell you how to re-touch the ladder. |
Larry McGlynn
Member Posts: 1255
From: Boston, MA
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 07-20-2011 09:43 AM
Yep, Rick's right. The restorer would be able to restore your model to perfection as he has done for both Rick and myself. |
NightHawk117
Member Posts: 325
From: USA
Registered: Oct 2006
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posted 07-20-2011 11:00 AM
I have a extra thruster if you still need one. |
Chris Stearns
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posted 07-20-2011 08:58 PM
Thanks Nighthawk, how much would a thruster cost? I haven't decided if I am going to repair this, or sell it as-is and let the buyer take care of it if they want. |
manilajim
Member Posts: 256
From: Bergenfield, NJ USA
Registered: May 2000
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posted 07-20-2011 09:04 PM
Someone scored big time on eBay yesterday and got a Precise LM for under $300.00. Missing only a dish antenna and a thruster or two. |
Mark B
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posted 07-21-2011 07:06 PM
Umm! Complete? Electricals would be missing...That would be an interesting addition for model owners to ponder over... would certainly test ones patience.  Autograph collecting seems so much more simple... |
Chris Stearns
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posted 07-22-2011 03:44 AM
Electricals!?Please elaborate, because I swear this thing beeped at me when I was photographing it. I just brushed off on my birds' chirping. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-22-2011 03:49 AM
Mark was being facetious; these models did not have any electrical components. (I believe he was referring to the "electricals" in the real lunar module and replicating them in a model to be "complete".) |
GACspaceguy
Member Posts: 2475
From: Guyton, GA
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 07-22-2011 05:19 AM
Here are two ends of what I would think is the price point(above $800 for me the model needs to have some special history. - First $280 (and the better of the two models)
- Second $777 (buy it now or best offer and it did not sell in the first round)
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apolloprojeckt
Member Posts: 1447
From: Arnhem, Netherlands
Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 07-22-2011 07:37 AM
It looks that number second $777 has a new paint layer. |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 07-22-2011 02:10 PM
These models can be deceptive little beggars; they invariably look a lot whiter in photos than they do in the flesh.For what it's worth, the $777 model looks like one of the older pre-1969 examples. |
Chris Stearns
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posted 07-22-2011 09:18 PM
So how can you tell, Rick? The only thing that I noticed was the ladder looks thinner, but the photos are pretty blurry. |
stsmithva
Member Posts: 1933
From: Fairfax, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 07-23-2011 06:26 AM
I believe the best indicator is the base: those made after Apollo 11 have the "small step / giant leap" quote printed down there. |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 07-23-2011 07:28 AM
The "quote base" does not necessarily date the model. When the Armstrong Museum in Ohio opened in 1972 some of the sponsors and contractors were given Precise/Topping LM models that did not include the quote.The photos of the $777 example are not great but usually pre 1969 models have a different ladder as Chris has already spotted. Yes... I know; I really must get out more!!! Furthermore they tend to yellow more readily and the decals (especially the docking target, the hatch and the "United States") take on a tanned appearance more so than "fresher" later examples. Some of the detailed finishing on later models can on accassion be sloppy too ie. inadequate masking of the black painted areas and surplus solder drips on the landing gear. Yes... I know; I really must get out more!!! |
Chris Stearns
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posted 07-28-2011 09:44 AM
I have this listed in the buy, sell section if anyone is interested.Thanks again for all the help! |
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