ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk (Tony Duell) wrote: Hi I think Tony will win in the long run on this. Even the road show indicated once that silver is meant to be polish while most copper art isn't. Each type of item is different. As for value of a computer, I'm sure that the value of a computer will follow the following levels: 1. Working, all original 2. Working, minor repairs 3. non-working, all original 4. just plain trashed While some put a large effort into locating exact dated parts, I don't think using what is available moves it is about it. Even things like classic cars, one still replaces the tires and battery when shot. It adds little value to have a bad original battery in a car that won't start. Trashed seat covers will not win many shows but restored seat covers may put it in top place. The future value will be determined by how people in the future look at these things. A non-working cylinder record player is useful for parts. A working one is what is desired. I think that restoring an old computing machine to working condition is the highest achievement that any computer collector can achieve. If others don't feel that way, they should be collecting beanie babys. IMHO Dwight