What's it worth? Appraisal for antique farm equipment

Michelle asks:

My husband’s family were farmers and have the attached potato planter. The planter is all original and in good working condition. It was made by A. B. Farquhar Company in York, PA. It is an Iron Age model; plants one row of potatoes and was pulled by two horses. Can you tell us how much it is worth? If we decide to sell it, where should we advertise or should we put it in an auction? Do you think a museum would be interested in it?

 
Don’t hesitate to call me or send me an email if you have any questions or need more pictures.

Thank you,
Michelle

AW says: That’s a great old farm tool and looks like it spent much of it’s time under cover when not in use. It’s got a nice coat of mustard yellow paint which is popular with collectors.

There’s a coat of rust on the plough part of the tool and if any of this rust goes through the metal, the value will fall from this appraisal.

As for your question about whether a museum would want it, well probably yes. However, unless an item is super rare a museum hardly ever makes a purchase, but rather rely  on donations of items. 

In the same respect, museums almost never do appraisals but do suggest that you get a professional appraisal before donating, for tax write-off and other reasons.

I would search www.Auctionzip.com for local auctions in your area which sell antique farm equipment.

Circa 19th century.

Retail value $1,500-$1,750 (These can be a difficult item to get a retail price on, because the collector niche is somewhat specific)

Wholesale value: $400-$600

Quick sale: $300