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Picked up this old computer at a lumber yard auction. This thing is the size of a small desk. It's a 1970's Burroughs L3000 "Accounting Computer". Came with a box of 15" paper rolls for printer. I'm guessing it's been sitting in the attic for some 30 or 40 years! I wonder what it's worth? Any historical value? Save it, sell it or scrap it???
If vintage computers are your thing then save it. They're quite uncommon. If not then sell it. You should be able to get a pretty good price on ebay. If you do end up scrapping it, please take pictures of those circuit boards to post here!
The scrapper in me wants you to tear that thing apart and show us pictures of what is inside it. It seems so big it would be nearly impossible to sell on eBay, unless you had a local buyer. That is a cool find.
FWIW have had some luck selling large items on ebay, mostly arcade cabinets and such. For things that are collectible like old computers folks will both buy and organize their own transport. And if they don't, we've got a forum member here who can organize freight shipping. Another option is to part it out and ship smaller items that way. There is a demand for such items and you can find old Burroughs parts on ebay in the Sold section for good prices.
I would scrap it to see what made it tick
yep- if u decide to scrap it, pls show us pics of the boards & stuff inside it.
though i hope u get a buyer who will give u a good price for it.
I would plug it up to see if it ticks.
Update, Inside and board pics! 33) silver and gold boards dated from 1966 to 1972. Boards are 6" x 6-5/8" and weigh just under 9# total. What "grade" would these boards be? I've got similar boards out of old 1980's Wang, Memorex and Aydin computers.
According to Ebay, those boards can be worth $10 - $25 each.
If you wouldn't have destroyed the machine, according to Google, it was worth about $250 - $500 to a collector.
I would try and Ebay the boards 1st. See if you can get any nibbles on them.
If not- you should be able to send them in as FINGER/EDGE cards, because of the gold fingers on the edges!
Machine has NOT been destroyed, it has only been partially disassembled, nothing has been cut or hacked!Quote:
Originally Posted by RLS0812
Nice find!!!!!!!!
Check for tantalum capacitors, I would pull them, should be a "no harm/no fowl" to a scrap board buyer.
Old computers are a collector item now. I've seen some of the collectors on Youtube. They seem really into it. I'd think you'd get a lot more money from a collector then you'd get from scrapping it.
I have a similar challenge as described in this thread. I have a complete Burroughs L3000 along with edge punch card reader and punch. But, it's in my basement so it will need to be somewhat disassembled. I can't imagine anyone wanting the whole machine considering they'll have to re-assemble it.
Was it assembled in your basement in the first place? If not, the value for the whole machine (especially if it still has functionality!) may be sufficient to warrant bringing it upstairs intact. Can't find one listed or recently sold on ebay for reference but, if you're in no hurry, might be worthwhile to shoot some pics and list at a high price to see if you get any bites.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee17309