In 1915 if something cost $5.25 then how much is that in 2007 dollars?

[WA1HZK]

http://www.criticalradio.com/Ham%20Stuff/1915_AudioTron%20Vacuum%20Tube%20Flyer.pdf

Keith
WA1HZK

[Mike/W8BAC]

If what I found here http://www.austintxgensoc.org/calculatecpi.php is accurate that $5.25 cost in 1915 would have a value of $105.62 in today's dollars.

Interesting advertisement.

Mike

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

What you're looking for is an Inflation Calculator. There are a bunch around, like the one Mike posted. They are most amusing, and handy for disproving the 'great financial value' of the old gear you bought new, or whether it's as overpriced as some claim. Looking back at original prices adds clarity, and comparing to today's similar items/cost certainly helps put things in perspective.

And it's a great way to pass some time.

[k4kyv]

Just Google search "inflation calculator", and you will get oodles and gobs of results. 

In perspective of the real price on some of the old stuff when it was new, modern plastic radios are not as overpriced as you might think, and the asking price in to-day's dollarettes for NOS items is not as outrageous as it seems (assuming N.O.S. really means brand new condition).

We got spoilt during the slopbucket era when old tubes and old gear were considered "old junk" and "boatanchors" that no respectable ham would want.  Some people would almost pay you to take the stuff off their hands.  I'm glad I loaded up during the 60's and 70's when it was dirt cheap.

I still don't like the term "boatanchor" because it was used in such a derisive manner back then.

Another word I find about equally offensive is "elmer" referring to a ham radio mentor.  It just sounds plain dumb, sort of the slopbucket/plastic radio/CB/appliance operator paradigm.  "Mentor" is a much more intelligent sounding term.