Hi Michael,
It seems to me that the value of these items would be what it would cost
you to replace them (or with something similar) should they be destroyed
or stolen.  This same logic is used to evaluate natural history
collections.  What would it cost to send out a collector into the field to
replicate what was lost?  If you can purchase a similar item at a military
scrap seller, then the value would be what the scrap price is plus any
time spent shopping and costs for crating and shipping.  If they can be
found at military surplus stores- the same would apply- your price, plus
your time and travel and shipping.
It never ceases to amaze me that the military can spend millions on
something and sell it later for 10 cents a pound.  When I was a teenager
our science teacher took us to a military scrap seller and we purchased a
radar jamming bomb for about $5.  It was pretty cheap thrills taking it
apart.
Sincerely,
David Ryan
Registrar
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
www.cspm.org

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