Bronze gate, globe and check valves in the half-inch to three-inch range are the backbone of plumbing, instrument air, steam and domestic water systems. Iron body gate valves cover larger water and fire protection lines. Both are produced in enormous quantities and both are replaced in batches during renovations and capital work.
For a seller, the practical advice is to keep them together and count them. A box of sixty bronze valves in mixed sizes is a saleable lot; the same valves scattered across a shop are not worth the trip.
Brand disclosure. Crane is a trademark of its respective owner. Louisiana Valve Buyer is an independent purchaser of surplus equipment and is not affiliated with, authorised by, sponsored by or endorsed by Crane or its owner. We do not provide manufacturer service, repair authorisation, calibration, pressure certification or product compatibility statements.
Inspection points
What decides the price
Pattern and size
Gate, globe and check in each size. A rough count by size is enough to start.
New versus used
New old stock in original packaging is worth substantially more than used utility valves.
Threads and ends
Damaged threads or cracked bonnets reduce value sharply on bronze valves.
What to send
Making the review quick
A wide photograph of the whole unit, a close photograph of the valve nameplate, and the model number if you have it. If there are several identical units, one set of photographs and a quantity is enough.
If the equipment is already separated, keep the parts together and label them as a set. A matched pair is worth more than two orphans.
Questions sellers ask
Do you buy bronze valves by weight or by piece?
By piece, on pattern and size. Scrap weight is not the reference point for usable valves.
How many make a worthwhile lot?
Around thirty to fifty pieces, depending on size and condition.