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Antique aircraft appraisal needed

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Silverghost

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This plane belongs to my wife's family:

1934 Fairchild open cockpit
N# N9485 Serial #1608 Model #22-C7E
Engine Warner Model # SS40-50

Supposed to be one of two in existance. The other one is supposed to be in flying condition in a museum. The one my wife's family owns is in a museum but not in flying condition.

An appraisal/evaluation is needed for estate purposes and to resolve differences in opinion. I know there are several airplane enthusiasts here so I hope someone can help.

Thanks in advance! :smile:
 
Silverghost said:
Supposed to be one of two in existance. The other one is supposed to be in flying condition in a museum. The one my wife's family owns is in a museum but not in flying condition.
Click to expand...

I say not much. If they was only two of 'em made they can't be very good. The fact only one of 'em can fly has to tell you something. Even if they both flew, ya can't fly 'em indoors. :jester:


The only aircraft my family owns is a few paper airplane made by me and dad when I was 12. At least you can fly those indoors. :thumbsup:
 
Peter - Fairchild is one of the great early aircraft manufacturers. The 22C7E was a popular touring or training plane. Here's a similar aircraft, but with an inline engine.

800px-Fairchild_22_C7D.jpg


Here's a 22 with a Warner radial:

f22_front.jpg


FAA records show N9485 is owned by someone in "Fertile, Minnesota"; last airworthiness certification was in 1958.

You need to ask the museum director to have the aircraft appraised, or at least ask for a reference to someone appropriate. If it's not in airworthy condition, it could have historic value. It's not something an "antiques appraiser" can do. You can get a general idea by taking a look at Barnstormers or Trade-a-Plane.

I could get you more info if you PM me.

That's a great old aircraft.

Tom
 
Thanks Tom. The planes in those pictures are nice! My wife's family's plane is a low wing version - I'll have pictures in a few days. We want to find an outside appraisal or evaluation source, an unbiased opinion as it were. Thanks for your feedback, I'll send you a PM.
 
You have to remember appraisals can vary considerably depending on who's giving it and what their interest is if any. Bottom line, it's only worth what someone's willing to pay for it. Aircraft are not like cars, where a slapped on coat of paint, change the spark plugs and an oil change and it might be drivable. All work on an aircraft must be preformed by a certified AC mechanic, $$$$$. All materials used to restore it must be FAA approved/certified. $$$$$. So, the valuable antique, might not be as valuable as someone might think. I owned a Stearman, amongst other things and upkeep was quite costly. Have it checked out by an aircraft mechanic and then get at least three appraisals before putting it on the market. PJ

My old Stearman;
 
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