What is the value of a scale model of a Youngstown Dishwasher?

[BillRush]

In cleaning out the attic, I came on a working scale model of a Youngstown dishwasher that a friend of my wife's parents gave her some time in the mid 1950s. He owned an appliance store and told my wife that this model was used to explain the operation of dishwashers to potential customers.

We plan to sell it on Ebay. The text of the Ebay description I plan to post. The text describes the model and its condition. I tried to explain each defect in the condition and I will post a close-up view of each problem in the Ebay ad because I feel it is important for a purchaser to understand in advance the exact condition of an item. I posted a few of the photos to give you an idea of what this is.

I have two questions:

1) Can anyone give me an idea of what something like this might be worth so I know where to start. (If it is not worth at least $10, I don't feel it is worth the hassle of posting it!)

2) Does anyone have any potential questions or suggestions for how to improve the description of the model? Thanks for any help you can give. The text of the proposed description follows.

Thanks very much for any help you can provide!

Bill Rush

- - - - - Text of Ebay ad - - - - - - - -

This is a working scale model of a Youngstown Kitchens "Jet Tower" dishwasher. Distributors used the model to demonstrate how this new product could clean dishes. To operate it, you attache the included supply hose to a kitchen sink faucet and place the included drain hose in the sink. When the faucet is opened, water flows into the dishwasher, spins the rack of dishes, and drains into the sink. The dishes and rack are removable and the model still works. Potential dishwasher customers could see the model dishes being cleaned through the transparent top lid.

The model includes the dishwasher, supply and drain hoses, 1 removable dish/pot/pan rack, 1 removable cup/glass/silverware rack, 4 plastic glasses, 4 plastic cups, 4 plastic plates, and 3 pots/pans.

The model is in good condition with the following defects, all of which are shown in the photos: there is some fraying of labels; there is a crack in the lid; one lid hinge has come unglued; there are scrapes and marks on the exterior surfaces, and some pieces of silverware is missing.

We will pay the shipping within the lower 48 states.

 

[kenmore58]

Sad to say, they don't get a lot of money.  A few years ago, I think I paid around $20 for mine which was complete, including the box that the dishes came in.  I don't see the utensils (knives, forks, and spoons), so that could be a problem also. 

 

I would start the auction at $19.99 without shipping and see where it goes.

 

Ron

 

 

[rp2813]

I get excited every time I see "Tinley Park."  My mom was born (1914) and raised there, right in town on South St.  I think what was the old barn is now a funeral home.  I haven't been back since 1967 when it was still largely agricultural (159th & Oak Park was beyond the outskirts) and I know it's very suburban now, but seeing the town's name always brings back memories.

 

Best of luck with the scale model.  It's a cute little set.

 

Ralph

 

[chachp]

You won't get rich off of it....

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Here are a couple you can use as a reference:</span>

 

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">http://www.ebay.com/itm/1950s-Kitch...-Youngstown-/231653876325?hash=item35efa5a265 </span>

 

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">http://www.ebay.com/itm/1950s-Young...533?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2353fb4145</span>

 

<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">I have one in about the same condition as yours and decided it was worth more to me to keep because I wouldn't get that much for it.   It's fun every now and then to fire up and see what it does.</span>

 

 

[alr2903]

Best of luck with your auction, the linked ad gives dimension of 10" tall, 7"x 7". I always like to see a dollar bill or soft drink can, something for scale with an item that is a replica. -A

 

[miele_ge]

Words to grow old and prosper by...

"I always like to see a dollar bill or soft drink can, something for scale with an item that is a replica."

 

[gansky1]

They are fun little toys, actually work just like mom's!

I found one of these the same day as Robert found his. Both in antique stores in the same town. I think I paid $20 or so, his was still in the original box for way more money, like $25.

 

[BillRush]

Thanks to everyone for the comments and suggestions!

Thanks to each of you who took the time to reply. Someone told us it was worth hundreds of dollars, so we will follow the suggestion of starting at $19.99 or a bit less, but not hold out for the million dollar mark. I will also add a dollar bill for scale.

Again, thanks for helping a real amateur.

Bill Rush