The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Such a deal: http://www.ebay.com/itm/320980636053

Only $1,500 starting bid, but with a reserve. I suspect it was a high reserve since the Buy It Now was $85,000.

Seriously? Where do people get these ideas?

I wonder how much it cost in listing fees. I'm sure eBay's costs were much higher than the photo itself is really worth.

At least it had free shipping....

Speaking of eBay fees, looking at his past sales I see he sold a Pepsi soda glass for all of 15 cents, plus $3 shipping. With listing fees and Paypal's cut he definitely took a hit on that one.

. I was tempted to hit the BIN button. However, I'm not an Edison collector..... .

I think we need to invent some new words to describe the unrealistic expectations of some ebayers. Anyone have any ideas?

I noticed that the listing was pulled.
Harvey Kravitz

bbphonoguy wrote:I think we need to invent some new words to describe the unrealistic expectations of some ebayers. Anyone have any ideas?

How about "Scam"......or "There's a sucker born every minute".......or "Stupid is as stupid bids"

Phonofreak wrote:I noticed that the listing was pulled.

Actually, no -- it ran its full course and closed at the scheduled time with no bids.

Well, there's one at the Edison Historic Park in West Orange - at least Jim Walsh showed one from there in a January 1971 article in Hobbies. And below is mine. Then there's the original from which the copy offered on eBay was made. That makes at least 3...hardly one of a kind!

Notice the hand lettering on the one shown below. That lettering is part of the photograph, as made plain in the tear to the left. The lettering and the image were duplicated together on the finished product offered to dealers. I believe this image dates from the spring/summer of 1900 rather than 1901. I researched the artists' recording dates when I obtained this, but I can't remember now for sure which artist left Edison's employ shortly after this photo was taken.

Anyway, here's what an original looks like - - looks like it spent too much time on the dealer's wall! This one's under glass, so I hope it's clear enough to see well.

George P.

You're rich, George! Who knew? Oh wait -- it's not one of a kind. Better divide the price into thirds.

If that means $28,333.00, I'll take it!

George P.