Ms80 gas pump

[bad67bug]

I have been looking for a vintage gas pump for a while now and this one recently popped up on Craig's list. The ad says it is a '50s Martin & Schwartz. Through some research it appears to be a ms80 ad glass top. I am trying to schedule a time to go look at it and have a few questions before I go.

1. This is my first time buying a pump, is there anything in particular I need to look for when inspecting this pump?
2. I know there are reproduction pumps out there. Is there a way to identify a genuine pump vs a reproduction?
3. What is a pump like this worth?

Here are the pics from the ad

 

[bad67bug]

Ok, I will check it out!

 

[NHBandit]

Pretty simple to tell the repro pumps. They are plastic. Looks like a nice pump. I've never seen that type reproduced so it's a pretty sure bet it's an original. What's the asking price ?

 

[bad67bug]

Asking price is $1150. From what I have seen it seems to be a great deal.

 

[NHBandit]

That is a smokin deal even if the glass panels are repros (most likely are). I doubt you could buy a rough pump of that type and restore it for $1150. Act quick or it will be gone.

 

[Zeke]

The people on the show "Rick's Restorations" make vinyl decals and paint clear coat over them for the graphics. I've never seen one of those jobs in person so I don't know how it really looks.

I have a couple of old Coke machines that are restored and the lettering is hand painted OVER the paint. Like it was when they were new. So, I'd look at the Pegasus plate and the pump face plate carefully.

 

[justanengineer]

Pretty simple to tell the repro pumps. They are plastic.

No offense, but thats like saying a sign is old or original bc its porcelain. Repop pumps are extremely difficult to tell in many cases, and yes, there are a metric **** ton of steel ones in existence. Im definitely not an expert, but I do know theyve been repopping them for 20+ years, just like those signs that folks keep finding "NOS" of.

 

[bad67bug]

Picked up the gas pump on Monday. It is in pretty good shape but does have a few dents. Here are some pics of it in my soon to be born sons vintage service station/ garage theme nursery.

Sorry for the blurry cell phone pics.

 

[akdiesel]

bad67bug
Looks great. Maybe you could pipe it in so the new born can be charged by the gallon.
Does it have the pump and the meter?

 

[Kevin54]

That's a badass looking room for a newborn. You're starting him out on the right track