Star Reloader Value

[allenlucas]

I am going through the estate of a family member.  I found a box from Star Manufacturing that contained a Star Reloader, unused as far as I can tell.  I removed from the box and it seems to be operable as far as I can tell.  A .38 shell seems to fit in the plate so assume it is configured for .38.  Is there a way to confirm?

also seems to have a couple tubes for reloading primers?

Original packing had the reload tubes wrapped in newspaper from 1987, so feel this may be an indicator of the date purchased.

We are looking to try to determine the value before the estate tries to find a buyer, either on this forum or through private connections.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Hope to attach a few pics from my phone

[NYKenn]

The 2.7gr "00"  powder bar is the one of the standard loads of 38 cal, for the148 gr HBWC using Bullseye (BE) powder. The .38 is the most produced caliber for the Star reloader, and by far the most common, followed by the .45acp.
Looks complete and is a Universal in good shape. The dies may have the caliber inscribed on the shoulder.

Prices on Ebay and Gunbroker are all over the place. Try to look for sales prices, not just listing. The Stars have value, but need to find the right buyer.
You can search this site and find info on some past sales, as well as info on the prices in effect when it was acquired to give you some info.

Good luck.

[fc60]

Greetings,

What does the yellow label on the Tool Head say?

Might be a Pioneer, CA machine.

Cheers,

Dave

[NYKenn]

Looks like Star Machine Works to me.
Cant read the minor details.

[rbwillnj]

So back to the original question.    Looks like a brand new Universal in 38 Special machine made in 1987.  The packing newspaper is usually a reliable way to  date a new in the box Star reloader.   The machine also has a few design features that would date it after 1982.   These include the wider cut outs for the shell locator straps and the Rocker Arm Screw locking Screw.   

I have seen the yellow label on a number of both reloaders and Lubricator Sizers.   It contains the San Diego zip code.   I don't know when Star started using the yellow label, but it was long after 1963 when Zip codes started.   One of these days I will post pictures of the various labels Star used over the years.

Anyway, a new Star Universal in 38 Special without a case feeder and without a taper crimp die should sell for about $700.   Not sure if you will get that as there is limited interest in 38 Special machines.

Bruce Williams