APPRAISAL REPORT

 

What is a Sparton 7140 Worth Today?
Documented Sales & Comparable Evidence

 

Link	USD	CDN	Year
General Electric K-64 (1933) - SOLD! - item 0961759	$695	$945	2025
General Electric K-64 (1933) - SOLD! - item 1340127	$475	$647	2017
General Electric K-64 Cathedral (1933) - SOLD! - item 0961136	$599	$815	2015
RCA 121 (1933) - SOLD! - item 0960539	$499	$679	2010
RCA 121 (1933) - SOLD! - item 0961070	$499	$679	2015
RCA 121 (1933) - SOLD! - item 0960450	$429	$583	2010
Average Sale Price	$533	$724

These are important anchors because they reflect real buyer behavior, not asking prices.

 

💰 Collector Value of the Sparton Model 7140 radio

The honest answer is: it has real value—but within a specific range and collector niche. This is not a “$5,000 showpiece” radio, but it is definitely more desirable than average due to its features, Canadian origin, and performance.

Let’s break it down clearly.

📊 Realistic Market Value (2026)

Based on comparable 1930s tabletop radios and current collector trends:

🪵 As Found (Unrestored)

$50 – $200 CAD

Typical for most unrestored 1930s wooden sets (Appraisily)

🔧 Electrically Serviced (Recapped, Working)

$200 – $400 CAD

Working condition significantly increases desirability

✨ Fully Restored (Cabinet + Chassis, professionally done)

$400 – $700 CAD

Possibly higher with exceptional cosmetic condition

🏆 Exceptional Example (Rare condition, original finish, strong eye tube)

$700+ CAD (specialized collector sale)

This would be the upper end, not typical

 

📈 Why the 7140 Has Above-Average Value

Most vintage radios fall into the $5–$300 range depending on condition and desirability (Appraisily). The Sparton 7140 tends to sit above the low end for several important reasons:

⭐ 1. 7-Tube Chassis (Performance Matters)

More tubes = better performance

Collectors value radios that actually perform well, not just look good

👉 This puts it above basic 5-tube sets

⭐ 2. Multiband (Shortwave + Police Band)

Adds usability and historical interest

Shortwave capability is a major plus for collectors

⭐ 3. Tuning Eye Tube (6E5)

Highly desirable visual feature

Adds both value and appeal

⭐ 4. Large Speaker & Strong Audio

Better listening experience

Makes it more than just a display piece

⭐ 5. Canadian Sparton Production

Slightly less common than U.S. sets

Appeals to Canadian collectors specifically

⭐ 6. Unique Drum Dial Design

Distinctive mechanical feature

Collectors value unusual tuning systems

 

⚠ What Holds the Value Back

Despite its strengths, the 7140 is not a top-tier collector radio, and here’s why:

❌ Not a “Design Icon”

Unlike Sparton mirror radios or Catalin sets (which can fetch thousands) (Appraisily)

Wooden tabletop sets are more common

❌ Not Extremely Rare

Scarcity drives value—and this model, while not common, isn’t ultra-rare

❌ Market Reality

Most collectors:

Have limited space

Prefer visually striking or historically famous models

 

📊 Value Drivers (What Makes 7140-0130 Worth More)

For this specific radio (serial 7140-0130), value increases if:

✔ Quality refinish (not refinished poorly)

✔ Complete knobs and dial

✔ Original speaker and transformer intact

✔ Low Serial Number (130th produced)

✔ Clean chassis (not heavily modified)

✔ Professionally restored electronics

👉 Originality + quality restoration = good value

 

🏁 Bottom Line

This particular Sparton 7140 is best described as:

💰   Moderately Valuable

🔧   Highly Professionally Restored

📻   Technically Desirable

🇨🇦  Appealing to Canadian collectors

 

👉 Realistic collector value:

$150 – $400 CAD for most examples
$400 – $650+ CAD if beautifully restored
$650 - $800 CAD If professionally restored + excellent eye tube + top cosmetics

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Final Assessment

Based on the review of photos and watching two videos provided by the restorer I find this to be an above average restoration.  Although the cabinet has been refinished I was impressed by the quality of the refinishing - clearly professionally done. The sound is good and is what you would expect from a detailed electrical restoration.  Its serial number indicates that it was 130th radio produced at the Sparton factory in London, Ontario which adds to its value as a collectable radio.

On the downside it is missing one of its pushbuttons which should have been added before submitting it for an appraisal.  As well the radio's escutcheon shows signs of minor damage which has been partially corrected. Also of minor concern is the magic eye which is not as bright as it could be, however this is an easy fix with a better 6E5.

The addition of the FM module adds real value to the non-purest and allows this 89 year-old radio return to its former life as a daily user. This clearly adds value to the non-purist collector which is reflected in the appraisal.

Given its current condition and in consideration of the above mentioned flaws this radio should command between $575 and $675 CDN in today's market.