WTT: Autographed Tuskegee Airmen P-51D display model

[pdc]

WWII aviation buffs, here's your chance to own a unique piece of American history! I'm looking to trade a painted mahogany model of the Tuskegee "Red Tail" P-51Ds flown during WWII. I had this model autographed by four Tuskegee pilots back in 2004. They have all since passed away. I have 35mm prints of the autograph session that go with the model. I'm desirous of trading as I don't want to sell it. I have no way of estimating it's value. Its irreplaceable. So, I'd like to trade for another piece of American history; a nice condition, Field Grade WWII Springfield M1. I'm not looking for a collector grade rifle. I just want a good CMP Springfield in the 2-3M serial number range that has no rust or pitting on at least the receiver. The barrel can be on it's way out but I'd like to get some rounds out if it before it needs replacing. If it's not a CMP or DCM rifle, I'm not really interested.
I think this would be a fair trade. This model is great for display and as a conversation piece. There are probably only a few with this many autographs in the country. I'm PCS'ing again in a couple of months and I'd like to make this trade before the movers have a chance to damage something else in the next move.
I can provide more photos if necessary but here is a photobucket link to see what it looks like (the en-bloc clip is shown for scale)
http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pdcrig/library/Tuskegee%20P51?sort=3&page=1

Here's a link to the manufacturer of the actual model:
http://www.toysandmodels.com/toy-airplanes/AP51TADT.htm

And finally here are the names and some info about the gentlemen who signed this model:

Lt. Col Herbert E Carter – 1919-2012
From Amory, MS. One of the original 33 Tuskegee Airmen and flew 77 missions during WWII.
Lt. Col Alva N Temple – 1917-2004
From Columbus, MS. Reportedly flew 120 missions during WWII and served in Italy, Southern France, and the Balkans
Lt. Col Luke J Weathers – 1920-2012
From Memphis, TN. Noted for shooting down two ME-109s while escorting a damaged B-24 over Italy in ’44 and avoided dropping bombs on a wedding ceremony during one mission. “Always had a smile on his face”
Maj. Oliver M. Dillon – 1924-2006
From McComb, MS. Served in Europe, Africa, the Dominica Republic, Vietnam, Libya, Turkey, and the Azores. Served 27 years.

Please PM me with questions or you can email me at paulandbrandy@yahoo.com.

[pdc]

No takers yet. Anyone know a more appropriate venue for getting this more attention? Thanks guys.

[M1Riflenut]

That is a cool piece, I'm tempted but don't have any field grade condition M1's at this time but I do have a bunch of parts I'll be selling soon..........
I think listing it here is appropriate, folks probably just don't know what the value should be. Something like this will sell/trade to a person who doesn't place a monetary value on it but wants it for what it is, not what it's worth. Try listing it on the CMP "other" forum, AR15.com and Milsurps forum. There are dozens of venues this could list on. Are you sure you want to get rid of it? You'll never be able to replace it. If your ever in Vegas, take it to the Pawn Stars place and tell them you want $2k for it! Unless of course you want to trade it for parts............ :)

[pdc]

Thanks M1 nut. All sage advice. I didn't consider the CMP forum. I think I signed up for that but haven't used it in years. I'll have to check into that. I don't mind getting rid of this one for the right deal. I have a second one but it's only autographed by one of the Tuskegee men. It's staying in the family. Agreed, this will have to find the right person who sees that value in what it actually represents.
I would trade for the right parts. Got receivers, barrels, trigger groups? I'd consider that.

All this being said, I would be willing to travel a couple of hours to make the trade to avoid any damages that might occur to this beauty during shipping.

[pdc]

I'm having this appraised to see what king of value it has. I'll post the results and see what happens.

[pdc]

Well, I got it appraised by one of the online auction houses. They didn't get to physically handle it but looked at some of the same pictures that you guys have seen but fewer and less detailed due to the constrictions of their site. They told me that they thought it could go for up to $300 at auction. That seems a little low to me but what do I know. The same company advertises the same model with one autograph, not four, and it goes for $300. So, I guess it's not as monetarily valuable as it though. All that being said, I'd be willing to part with it for $450 shipped or trade for a good SA receiver and bolt/trigger group. Let me know. Thanks for the help guys.

[M1Riflenut]

I have a WW2 era trigger group, bolt, oprod and barrel, a post war HRA barrel, several post war SA stocks but no extra receiver. PM or email me if interested. I could certainly put enough parts together to reach a $450 value.

[pdc]

Thank you sir. I'd like to start with a receiver but I'll keep you in mind.

[pdc]

Model has sold! Thanks for all the advice and inputs guys. Now I need to start shopping for an M1 receiver......