My wife came into my man cave yesterday and saw my Solar Compass on the desk. She asked when I was going to sell it as i am retired now. I told her I hadn't thought about it. So what do you Professionals think, should I sell it or keep it.
Young & sons Solar Compass, made in 1880 according to serial number, with the box and adjuster bar.
I'd consider donating it to a poor ol' colonial type surveyor out on Cape Cod! One who passed the CFedS course and became certified. If you could find some one like that 🙂
Or sit on it for a while yet, that's a nice instrument.
What does she want to buy?
Solar compass No slow-motion adj. screws Wm. J. Young SC 3 Inscribed J. Roach SF; 1 of 2 known $20,000
Solar compass Telescopic sight Wm. J. Young SC 1 Marked Burt's Patent $18,000
There's two prices fro Wm. Young's instruments. I can't find any on the later Young and Sons instruments.
I would suggest donating it as an auction item (with a reasonable reserve price) to benefit a scholarship fund for surveying programs. Does your state society coordinate auctions like this?
I would suggest the following considerations:
1. Sell it to the highest bidder and put the money in the bank and enjoy having more money in the bank.
2. Sell it to a surveyor who will care for it and cherish it the same as you have. You may get less money in the bank but you will know it went to the best home. You may even get to visit it once in a while.
3. Make an agreement with the surveyor in #2 that they will eventually end up with it, but you get to keep it and enjoy it until you decide they can have it or your wife can then sell it to that surveyor for the agreed price when you are gone.
4. Prepare a listing for Ebay with a family member so that it can be listed after you are gone. They should get a lot more money for it from what you know about it and you will enjoy working together on it. Take the photos and everything so it is basically ready to go. I have done this with my daughter on several survey items and we have had fun. She has it all on a DVD so she can proceed when the time is right. I get to enjoy the survey instruments while I am still able.
5. Or you could donate it to Don or to a scholarship auction like Kevin mentions.
I have to laugh at some of the families who sell the grandfather’s exotic old antique car and they are so into getting it to someone who appreciates it and will take proper care of it. Fast forward to the auction where it is sold to the highest bidder! Oh well. You have the option of making it happen as you would like it to happen. I am thinking you will enjoy which ever road you choose.
Looks like a great paperweight and conversation piece. Keep it; I would.
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