Those who love airplanes and collect aeronautica will snap up all manner of objects, from vintage propellers, to badges and pins, model airplanes, uniforms, insignia, posters, instruments, and even flight manuals. For a rarity that lands on the auction block – particularly an item with history – the prices can be sky-high. We can help you sell your item or collection for the most at auction.
Aircraft engine sold at auction
Contact Central Mass Auctions today, or keep reading to discover more about auctioning your aviation memorabilia.
How much is aviation memorabilia worth?
Aeronautica can run the gamut. You might have a collection of smaller pieces that bring in $25 to $100 on their own, which add up quickly.
You might be surprised by an item that seems hard to love and hard to move. A vintage propeller can go for $1,000 or more. Some of the more beautiful, durable metal models may be worth several thousand dollars. A vintage fairground airplane ride can go for over $14,000.
What determines the worth of aeronautica pieces?
There are three distinct periods of commercial airline memorabilia. The first is the pre-1920s period where airlines mostly served to carry the mail. The second period is the 1934 to 1978, which saw the birth of the passenger airline. This period brings us a great many collectibles around serving the passengers, from vintage food service collectibles, to in-flight magazines, to pillows and blankets. The post-deregulation period of 1978 forms the final period.
1950’S/60’S Pan Am Stewardess Cap With Badge – sold at auction for $350
Many collectors take a more-intense interest in some periods than others. Some collectors specialize in wartime aeronautica, often prefering WWI and WWII pieces.
As with most antiques, the rarity of the piece will matter a great deal, as will the condition the piece is in.
Appraising & auctioning aviation memorabilia
The best way to know the potential worth of any aviation piece is to have it professionally appraised. This area of antiquing is getting more popular, but as of now it remains a niche interest. Attempting to price your item by looking up similar items online could mean making an assessment that is off by several hundred, if not thousands, of dollars.
Once we get the piece or pieces appraised, an auction is the best way to reach aeronautica collectors. We market directly to people who are likely to be interested in your collection or item, to ensure that you get top dollar.
If you’re ready to see what your aviation memorabilia or wartime airplane pieces might be work, contact Central Mass Auction today.
