Simpson 260 Multimeter Value Guide

The Simpson 260 Multimeter is a cornerstone of American electrical history, first introduced in 1939 and remaining an industry standard for over half a century. Its reputation as the 'VOM of choice' stems from its exceptional durability and the precision of its analog movement across various industrial and automotive applications.

What Is Simpson 260 Multimeter Worth?

The typical price range for Simpson 260 Multimeter is $100 - $150 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The specific series number, with early Series 1 and 2 models often commanding higher prices from specialized collectors.
• Physical condition of the Bakelite or plastic casing, specifically looking for the absence of cracks, chips, or battery acid corrosion.
• Operational accuracy and the presence of original accessories like the leather carrying case and test leads.
• The era of production, as units manufactured in the United States during the mid-20th century are highly sought after for their build quality.

How to Identify Simpson 260 Multimeter?

• Look for the iconic black Bakelite housing found on earlier models, which transitioned to high-impact plastic in later series.
• Check the faceplate for the 'Simpson' logo and the specific series number, ranging from the original 1939 model to Series 9.
• Verify the presence of the large, easy-to-read mirrored scale designed to eliminate parallax errors during measurement.
• Inspect the input jacks; early versions used pin-type jacks while later iterations moved to standard banana plugs.

History of Simpson 260 Multimeter

The Simpson 260 Multimeter, first introduced in 1939, became an industry standard for its durability and accuracy. It was widely used in electronics, automotive, and industrial fields, earning a reputation as the 'VOM of choice' for many technicians. Over several series, it maintained its classic analog design while incorporating incremental improvements, making it one of the longest-produced test instruments in history.