I found a pretty Rare Airbrush and I would like to know its value. Anybody?

J

jeffmetzjr

Guest
air2.jpg I have recently came across on old L. Walkup Paint Distributor. It was patented in 1882. This is the oldest gun they have in the airbrush museum. I figure its got to be worth a good bit. All original condition. With nice patina, and original wood/screws/parts.
Does anybody have any knowledge on this machine? Thanks
 
This is an airbrush forum, I think you should be looking for an antique store or even museum, have seen this before but it was on a website dedicated to airbrushing history, perhaps if you Google "airbrush history" you'll find someone who can appraise it for you which is obviously what you seek, perhaps you can begin here http://www.getpainted.com/airbrushactionarticle.html

From what I saw at this website, this one seems to have a part missing.
 
Ha ha, some bookmarks then.

LOL, an interesting article, I'm sure some collector would pay a tidy sum for this example, but personally something I wasn't actually using or needed is just a dust collector, I don't know if there is an "airbrushing museum" in existence but it would be a nice addition to their exhibits if there were.
 
Its worth what someone will pay ultimately, it is a museum piece for sure and no doubt someone out there may throw a few bucks at it, it could be worth a heck of a lot and could be worth very little. A private collector may indeed have interest but airbrush's are not an overly collected thing for their beauty but their function and I think finding needles for that one may be troublesome LOL..I'd personally approach an art museum m8, one that specializes in mechanical or similar art tools and such and that in itself may be hard to find or approach such company's as Paasche (they are one of the oldest) and see if they would be interested in such, drop them an email. These guys may also be able to give you a much better idea-

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Airbrush-Museum/184317731613151

They seem to be an actual Airbrush Museum and may be worth giving them a call..Good luck and nice find..
 
Here are the facts about museums , If it already has one that is in better condition then they will not be interested in what you have.
Condition is everything on a museum piece.
Condition is everything when it comes to price as well . Is it 100% complete? Does it still function as it should meaning will it still spray paint?
While this is an old piece does not make it worth a lot.
While you may find a collector that will want it the price will not be what you think.
Plus through the history form of it Liberty and Walkup never designed that airbrush they just obtained a patent on Peeler's redesigned one after they bought his first patent.
As for your research it is semi correct
1876 - F.E. Stanley of "Stanley Steamer" fame, patents the first airbrush. It is never marketed.


1879 - Abner Peeler of Webster City, Iowa creates the first oscillating needle airbrush. He calls it a "paint distributer".

1881 - Liberty & Charles Walkup of Rockford, Illinois buy Peelers "paint distributer" airbrush patent for $700. They later pay him another $150 for 2 further refinements.

1882 - Peeler's patent for the "paint distributer" is granted on April 25th with Liberty and Charles as assignees(owners).

1882 - Liberty Walkup applies for a patent on an improved version using Peeler's new "walking bar." It's granted on September 18, 1883.
 
^He did though forget to add that many country's aboriginals invented airbrushing about 40,000 years earlier, they even invented stencils to make their life easier LOLOL
 
^He did though forget to add that many country's aboriginals invented airbrushing about 40,000 years earlier, they even invented stencils to make their life easier LOLOL
We have them here too, they're called Native Americans, cave paintings go back to the Neanderthals.
 
I've seen the Flintstones, they had a mammoth with a small bone in the end of it's trunk for a needle and nozzle, and Wilma was around the back working the tail to pump the lungs up for an air source. They used to get some pulsing, but it was easy to clear any blockages. They didn't like the back flushing though.
 
They actually used their free hand to do the masking

So its not my technique then LOL Damn, thought I discovered that one, will have to give it back LOL..Any idea's where I mail my hand too?

..and Squishy is it my mind or yours as that gave me some kinda wrong images I now can't get out of my head LOL
 
So its not my technique then LOL Damn, thought I discovered that one, will have to give it back LOL..Any idea's where I mail my hand too?

..and Squishy is it my mind or yours as that gave me some kinda wrong images I now can't get out of my head LOL
It is both of you who minds live in the gutter just like the rest of ours:D
 
An 1885 model Air Brush in original case with bottle containing needles. The rod with the ball is a guide that you can hold on to. Made by Liberty Walkup's Air Brush Manufacturing Co. of Rockford, Illinois.
 
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