I have in my possesion a number of full length reels of original promotional movies of Caterpillar equipment in action. The film reels haven't been touched in 60 years. I need to sell these to help settle an estate and am wondering what you guys would speculate they are worth.

I have talked to an archivist at CAT and am told that they have no existing original 35mm film in their possesion. CAT wants to know how much I would sell them for. Who knows?

I'm thinking I may put one on Ebay and see what the market bares to establish a fair price, as I need to optimize the sale price for the estate, but would also like to see these films properly transferred to a safe and stable format for historical preservation.

Thanks in advance for your advice and comment considering I am a stranger on this board. Also feel free to email me if you want.

Dean,

Look at the left side of you screen and click on "Search for an Appraiser." Then click on "Expertise" and you will see that one of the areas covered is "20th Century Photography." There you will find five appraisers listed who specialize in this area. Contact one or more of these folks for help. (A full address and phone number can be obtained by typing a name into the search form.)

There is a fee for this service which can be charged against the administration of the estate. I'm sure their experience and knowledge will save you a great deal of time and worry in establishing the value of the film and the most advantageous method of disposing of it.

J. Read