The value of what I'm looking for is on mark from my experience. I'm looking for a good shooter grade pod missing the brass ring that is scratched and has rust but the still locks well.
A near perfect US mount with data plate and leather is $1200-1500 . My value deduction.
A rearsenaled Greek mount without data plate and ripped leather and legs don't teeth well when tightened and overall rougher shape, up to better condition; My value is between 900- 1200.
The cradle is the most expensive portion. My value on a good cradle is right around 700, 1000 for all the brass goodies and clean sharp markings and perfect matching condition and smooth operating.
The pod is the least expensive portion and many times unused from a vehicle mount set up. There are more unused pods than cradles. You probably know someone that doesn't use one of their pods.
The pod in perfect condition with data plate and nice leather buckle is worth 500. Without brass azimuth ring 300 or less. Without only a data plate 375 and without leather strap and data plate 325.
Now call it a rough pod missing a few or all of those and still locks up fairly good and usable to shoot off. $300 is not under valued and on mark for what I'm looking for. But these are my value deductions.
This season 1917a1 pods were scare at knob creek. in April there there was only about a hand full of complete 1917a1 mounts and two tripod/legs set (this is what you are mentioning) 450 with brass ring the other I saw was 425.
Last year both season there were an abundance of complete and scratch and dent tripods of which many cradles where serviceable. My buddy picked one up for $700. without a brass ring. Two years ago at the creek there were only a handful of 1917a1 pods to be had and the year before that there was a cube truck full of them. I'm just looking for a fair deal on a pod set.
But I would be curious to hear your value break down on the 1917a1 ground mounts if they differ from mine. But I agree you just have to put it out there and with a little luck something might come out of it, or not this time. And thanks for the grace of luck.
Hate to say it, but that's a tall order. Even the last such lowers that OOW was selling went for more than you are hoping to pay. Hope you get lucky on this. Legs can be had, but the socket is money and I don't know where you find what you are looking for at that price. That would be a giveaway. But I do wish you success.