Pays to be a Nerd? Slide rules have become collectibles

[Bill Pflanz]

Out of curiosity I did an Internet search to find the value of my slide rule that I purchased pre-calculators for engineering school. It is a Frederick Post Co. model 1460 with a leather case and the instruction manual purchased in 1970 for around $30. Apparently slide rules have become collectibles and the set appears to be worth around $300. This model is highly sought after due to the quality and the fact that it was one of the last years slide rules were being made.

Bill Pflanz

 

[howste]

Re: Pays to be a Nerd?

Sounds like quite an ROI. I don't remember if I even had my own slide rule or if I just borrowed my older brother's.

What do you suppose the collectors do with them? Put them in glass cases and invite their nerd friends to come over to look at them and reminisce?

 

[AndyN]

I know where my Thornton slide rule is. I wonder if the same is true for Sinclair Scientific calculators? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinclair_Scientific

 

[bobdoering]

The lost art of logarithms.

 

[Bill Pflanz]

Re: Pays to be a Nerd?

What do you suppose the collectors do with them? Put them in glass cases and invite their nerd friends to come over to look at them and reminisce?

You mean you don't do that?

Bill Pflanz

 

[Randy]

I can remember when there were slide rule contests in school. (And of course the geeks that won them)

 

[howste]

Re: Pays to be a Nerd?

You mean you don't do that?

Bill Pflanz

Of course I do! I just wondered what the others do with them...

 

[philbert134]

Re: Pays to be a Nerd?

Actually, it's less than 6% compounded annually. The real ROI came from knowing how to use the thing, no?

 

[howste]

It's worthless. Ten dollars from a vendor in the street. But I take it, I bury it in the sand for a thousand years, it becomes priceless! ... Men will kill for it; men like you and me.

- Rene Belloq in Raiders of the Lost Ark

 

[Bill Pflanz]

I know where my Thornton slide rule is. I wonder if the same is true for Sinclair Scientific calculators? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinclair_Scientific

Apparently early calculators are becoming collectables too. You may want to check out the Internet for pricing.

As far as why does someone collect something as nerdy as a slide rule. Simple - they were only sold to nerds and there are not many around. Limited quantity = large $ for rare things no matter what they are.

Bill Pflanz