PET 2000 and Sinclair QL. Value?

[Salirob]

Hi please delete this post if not allowed.

I am looking for some advice from people who know about these computers.
While clearning out our parents loft we came across a Commodore PET 2001 personal computer, this switches on but does not work correctly, the screen is and a Sinclair QL and a ZX spectrum. Unsure if these work.

Was thinking of putting them on ebay but have no idea if they are worth anything.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks .

[Richardgr]

eBay is an efficient market, and you should be able to do a search of historical auctions to confirm a ball park price. There are also some valuation services linked to online auctions from auction houses, if you choose to take them to a local auction house with an online presence.

[SiriusHardware]

Yes, they are all worth 'something', even the non-working PET which should fetch a three figure sum, and will find buyers - as suggested the best way to get an idea of value is to look at --sold-- listings on auction sites to see what similar items have recently sold for.

Definitely don't just throw them out.

If you do put the PET on ebay I would suggest that it is best made available 'collect only' because it contains a CRT screen which will be easily smashed in transit unless utmost care is taken to protect it.

You could offer them here in the 'offered' section but forum rules state you have to state a fixed price which wouldn't get you the best value for the items - on the other hand they would probably end up in good homes, with people who are genuinely interested in them.

[Roninfourseven]

Originally Posted by Richardgr

eBay is an efficient market, and you should be able to do a search of historical auctions to confirm a ball park price. There are also some valuation services linked to online auctions from auction houses, if you choose to take them to a local auction house with an online presence.

This is exactly what I was going to suggest.

[Salirob]

Thank you all for responding.

I will have a look on ebay but will also consider putting them on here. I will speak with my siblings and see what they think.

Thank you all again.

[Syrinx1]

A few years ago I did sell on a working QL although the keyboard membrane was a bit iffy (replacements are still available) I think I got ~ £209 for it.

[SiriusHardware]

Any prospective price will depend on factors such as whether they are known to work and whether the original packaging and / or accessories such as power supplies, manuals etc are still present - unlikely in the case of the PET, but maybe some or all of those items can be found for the Sinclair machines.

[ortek_service]

I've recently seen places (in China?) that are reproducing the polystyrene packaging for ZX80's etc. Although that then wouldn't exactly be the 'original packaging' and whilst may be nice to keep it all protected for those collectors who like to have boxed ones (rather than ones to use)it could be rather-deceptive to sell it with that, without making it clear that the packaging wasn't original.
Not sure if there's many original 'boxes-only' being sold, like what apparently happens with Corgi & Matchbox etc toys.

[electronicskip]

Sinclair QLs are most definitely collectable and worth good money especially if in working order .
I sold an un working model a while ago and was quite amazed how much and how many people were interested.
They were not that common even back in the day so any Sinclair/Retro collector would have an interest in it.

[ortek_service]

Yes, I bought a (non-working) QL for a few £'s >30 years ago, that I need to fix one day. And I haven't really seen any others for sale at Rallies etc. since.
The only time I recall using one, was in the shops when they were originally launched back in the 80's (But didn't sell too-well - not helped by many bugs and early ones needing a larger replacement ROM 'Dongle' on the back! - hence their rarity).

[gw0udmgw]

I would definitely be interested if you did put them on here or eBay so please do post here when you have decided (and I'm fairly close to you). I used to have a Pet 2001 many years ago and got rid of it in a much regretted post teenage clearout.

[Cobaltblue]

To comply with forum rules the OP cannot post he has listed it on eBay as that breaks rule C2.

Cheers

Mike T

[SiriusHardware]

If Salirob could respond - if they so wish - to gw0udmgw's expression of interest directly via a PM rather than in a forum post, that would presumably avoid any risk of contravening the forum's ebay rules.

[gw0udmgw]

Sorry all, in my enthusiasm the rules slipped my mind. Certainly no intention to lead anyone into breaking them!