Warbird Information Exchange

Hi all,

I have a line on an original B-29 yoke cap in good condition, supposedly off a combat veteran. What would be a good price for this? I know they're pretty rare, but I have no clue what they actually trade hands for and what would be a reasonable offer. Thanks so much in advance!

-Matt

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I'm looking for that buried Corsair(s) that I can dig up, pressure wash, and fly!

Matt,

As a collector, there are two things that I consider: "Do I Like It?" and "When Have I seen Another One?"

If you have a collection, there should be a collection strategy, of a test that you apply so that you don't get too far afield and end up with a lot of disassociated stuff.

For the piece you have posted for discussion, a Boeing B-29 yoke centercap, you have several isses to solve. this is an excellent educational thread...

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=56241

https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/12/opin ... olved.html


1. Is it a B-29 center cap that looks like one in the combat area in 1945. Additionally to this, were there early center caps and then later ones? Do some research and find out if your target plane is Martin, Boeing or Bell...they have different caps!..... Find out Who is an expert on the caps, and is their description credible?
2. Is there any documentation other than hearsay that incontrovertibly links it to an aircraft? How do I KNOW this is real? you will have to PROOVE it to another buyer too...Also IF the cap came off that aircraft, did it come off at China Lake, and therefore it is completely UNKNOWN if that very cap was on the plane in combat. Caps were stolen all the time...The burden of proof on this one is very difficult.
3. Does the wear and effects of time on the collectible match the story, or does it appear to be NOS and never used.
4. Is the seller credible, and is the ownership chain of the cap something you can trace. Can signed affidavits be obtained that vouch for the history of the artifact?

Its worth what you would want to pay. If I had to price a B-29 center cap from "Joltin Josie" or perhaps the F-13 "Tokyo Rose" or something from the familyh of the aircraft commander with a letter of authenticity, I would say perhaps $5,000.00 to $10,000 AS A START or more as these were historic and special aircraft. For a piece of "Thumper" I would go all out....

B-29 center cap with no letters of provenance and a story, Boeing perhaps $250 to $500, perfect condition...I would pay a premium for the cap I did not have, and try to collect a Bell, Martin and Boeing one. I would say Boeing is worth the least as it is the most common. Note the one for sale on this link is scratched by graffiti. That generally detracts, unless its a gooooood story. For a Martin cap...the sky may be the limit. I hear they are scarce.

https://stewartsmilitaryantiques.com/us ... rchive.htm

https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-o ... 0160043000

Thank you so much for the prompt and thorough reply, Joe. By the time I got home from work today and had the chance to take a look, the ad had been taken down! I know it was a Boeing cap, not sure which font. As I recall, the seller's father or grandfather had been the navigator on board and had flown 20+ combat missions over Japan. The plane had a name and everything, but it's escaping me at the moment as I didn't expect it to be sold so abruptly and hadn't committed it to memory. Wasn't meant to be in this case. Thank you again for all the great info! I enjoyed learning about these some more.

-Matt

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I'm looking for that buried Corsair(s) that I can dig up, pressure wash, and fly!

You are very welcome.

The last tip, if you see something you know is special, buy it ASAP, these things go fast. I find I only seem to regret the things I was not able to buy (and some of the things I have sold...).

All the best.