Prewar Lionel passenger train set
We are submitting a freight train set as well. We would love input on the best way to divide the sets (which pieces go with each set). Use our description quantities from the list if the photos show a different quantity. 390 Lionel Engine Coal car/tender – gray 2 passenger cars – green Box car – green 10 curved tracks 16” each 14 straight tracks 15” each 2 straight tracks 7” each 4 switches 210 illuminated 16 “pins” 4”
My passed last year at 83. They were his sets from when he was a kid, and we used to play with both sets when I was kid. There was an elaborate, multi-track system set up with it :).
Inherited
Yes
Based on the photographs and information provided, the subject of this appraisal is a pre-war period (1901 to 1942) Standard-Gauge Lionel Train set. The overall condition based on photographs is good used condition, with cars appearing to have been restored with fresh paint apparent on some pieces. The pieces included in the set and their corresponding Fair Market Values are estimated as follows:
Cars:
Black Locomotive, Model 390 and tender, good original condition, $500
3 Green Passenger Cars (309 Pullman Car, a 312 Observation Car, and a 310 Railway Mail Car) in restored condition, $50 to $100
Accessories:
10 pieces 16" Curve Track, $10 to $20
14 pieces 15" Straight Track, $10 to $20
2 pieces 7" Straight Track, $5 to 10
4 switches (2 pair), 210, $75 to $100
Combined Fair Market Value (a pre-auction estimate) of this portion of the collection falls in a range of $650 to $750.
Combined FMV of the entire collection across two separate appraisals is approximately $2,250 to $3,150.
Ok, I just reread what you wrote in the appraisals -- sorry -- a bit of a learning curve happening! I see where you distinguished between restored/not. Is your general assumption that if it looks really bright that it's been restored, even if it has the original numbering on it?
Generally, yes. The highest-end and rarest pieces like the crane did not appear restored with the exception of the tanker car. I would have expected a logo on that one.
Thank you, Trey. There is a logo on the 515 Tanker, so not sure I follow all of what you said?
Sorry for not being more specific on the tank - I would have expected a red Shell decal on that car in its original orange variety.
Oh! Interesting. Thank you :).
Your comments on the other appraisal made us look more closely at the cars for this set. It's a 309 Pullman Car, a 312 Observation Car, and a 310 Railway Mail Car (under that red paint in raised letters). Is it possible for you to update the appraisal to note that? And on the pieces where the original letters and numbers are visible, is it reasonable to assume those haven't been painted? Did your original numbers/value range account for some of them not having been touched up?