Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion Fry 117 Mae West,,,

I don't want to get in any arguement here but everytime I go to a farm auction around here (Iowa) any good unrestored visible pump brings around $1,000 and we are talking Wayne 615 G&B T-176 ect. So what does that leave a Fry Mae West at? There was one of these at a recent farm auction also. I thought maybe I could buy it. Wrong. It sold for just under 3,000 and went to a dealer that drove 4 hours one way to get to the auction. I talked to him myself and he was going to resell it. He said he had a shop along the interstate and sets them outside so people driving by can see them. Also had another nice restored Fry 117 at a farm/collector auction. It brought $5,000 and was a very nice pump. Like I said before, no arguements here but this is what I see.

Keith

[This message has been edited by keithia (edited 01-22-2006).]

Travis, when you figure out how to make or find the cylinder out of glass you will have...

A REPRODUCTION..

Original...no longer made.

Repro...made as long as there is demand...


Some know the difference and are willing to pay for REAL stuff...

Warren, glad you got what you were asking for the Mae West. Seth hit the nail on the head, it's not just guys like us buying this stuff. Alot of people that collect this stuff don't have time to chase this stuff down, look at ebay, go to auctions etc. They're too busy making $$$$$! They'll gladly pay top dollar for good stuff (i.e. complete pumps, rare globes, signs, etc). Sucker? I hardly think so. I've been collecting this stuff for about 13-14 years & the good stuff just keeps going while common lesser condition things go up a liitle bit or even down in value.

Seth,

The gate valve came from a plumbing supply house at about 16th and Kansas Ave here in Topeka. It is a part they had on the shelve in stock. I will go back down there this week and see if they have any more and what their normal price is. This is a GATE valve that is an EXACT copy - all but the "buckeye" part. It has a spring loaded steel arm on it but you can take the spring off if you want. I found the same part on the net at http://www.mcmaster.com part number 4684K75 for the manual closer. This Internet company wants 202.49 Each for this part - but they are not the supplyer I bought from. I will find out and post it for you - I do not have time to bother being a middle man - not my biz.


Later,

Travis E. Towle
Topeka, Kansas

785-357-1004

Sweet! I've got a McMaster account....thanks for the info.

I agree I think that it was the local pickup that kept someone from bidding on it.I know a few people local that would take it,but not worth driving to get it.If that was at a local swapmeet I would own it.