The question about "market value" of vintage parts, bikes always pushes alarm buttons in my head.
Market? What market? eBay? There are provisions to search for those answers within eBay.
Or do we mean the "market" at events like swap meets, the Cirque, or yard sales? That of course is a huge range with buyers caging for giveaway prices and sellers hoping for a killing. No one's opinion about those markets is worth much. It is sheer speculation or wishful thinking.
Maybe the vastly experienced members might think they see a trend in price ranges for particular, often sold items, but all that depends on condition and availability. For example (recent CR topic) , there used to be a lot of French freewheels in the pipeline. That has dramatically changed so metric threaded FWs are no longer predictable in price. In the end, it's all wild guessing.
In my opinion, the fair price or whatever is simply "what you want to pay" Iff you have a project that needs a particular part, you just need to be honest with yourself as to the personal value you place on finishing that project, and then ante up. If, a year later, you see that item go on eBay for a lower (or higher) price, so be it. Quit agonizing and get on with your personal agenda and forget about feeling inadequate or superior. It's about bicycles, nor one upmanship in buying & selling.
Well, enough of that...
BUT, please take a minute to read through the modestly REVISED Classic Rendezvous rules. (Literate folk are requested to proof read and offer 'most likely needed' improvements!)
http://www.classicrendezvous.com/
Thanks Dale
Dale Brown
Greensboro, North Carolina? USA
http://www.classicrendezvous.com