Electronics - General

Vintage electronics have become an area of interest to collectors in recent years. Some collectors enjoy finding electronic devices that they used when the devices were new. Others take an interest in the design and construction of vintage electronic devices. Of particular interest to modern collectors are electronics with manufacture dates that range from the '50s to the '80s.

Many types of vintage electronics are of interest to collectors, including vintage radios, stereos, television sets, telephones, calculators, computers, and video games, to name a few. Collectors take interest in these items because many of the devices were constructed using quality parts and designs that could be repaired if the devices malfunctioned. Because of this, many vintage electronic devices still work today or can be restored to working condition.

To be of any value, a vintage electronic device must be in good working condition. A device with all of its original parts will be worth more than one that has been repaired or restored with newer parts. To achieve the highest values, vintage electronic devices should also have retained their original appearance with no to minimal wear.

Quick Facts

• The HP-01, Hewlett Packard's first calculator watch, was introduced in 1977. Today, a complete watch in mint condition with an original box can sell for more than $3,000
• The Phillips square-tape N1500 VCR was first sold in the U.K. and Europe in 1972. It was the first VCR that was practical for home use. Today, a Phillips N1500 in excellent condition sells for about $320
• Gamma Attack, a video game originally produced in 1983 for the Atari 2600 game system, is considered to be the rarest and most valuable video game in existence. The game is currently valued at $20,000 to $50,000