1927-28 Victrola 9-55 doing well on Ebay!

[marcapra]

It's good to see a radio-phonograph combination doing well on Ebay for a change. The 9-55 came out in 1927 as Victor's most advanced model and has Victor's first record changer. It has only been on Ebay for two days and it has already well exceeded its 1928 new price of $1550. The cost of shipping is usually the main deterrent to buying large phonos on Ebay, but when a truly collectible item is for sale, shipping is doable. I own a Victrola VE 9-54 which, despite the numbering, came out after and replaced the 9-55, and has the second Victor changer.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RCA-VICTROLA-R ... 67772071

[nipper]

Aaaaaaaa A True Masterpiece ,
A VE955 in my opinion is the most beautiful machine ever created by Victor , A true example of Craftsmanship ,
Pics don't do true justice , Must be seeing in person to appreciate .
I never get tired of admiring this True Beauty.
Nipper

[gramophone78]

Very nice indeed. The bidding seems somewhat suspect given there are seven days plus.... .

[marcapra]

Wow! Have you checked the price lately! Wow!!!

[dm47]

Does anybody make reproduction parts for the changer? I bought 2 sets from Charlie about 13 years ago, but used those years ago. I'd buy this machine if the parts are available.

[De Soto Frank]

Location is Pittsburgh...

Wonder if this belonged to some steel baron ?

Impressive machine.

[Fonotone]

Hmmmmmmm. Not sure what's going on here, but the three top bids have been retracted. High bid is now back at around $600, with less than 12 hours to go in the auction. The seller must be distraught.

[Garret]

The bidding on this 9-55 is nothing short of weird.

[Retrograde]

From the questions to the seller:

Q: Just curious, why are bids cancelled? Is there major condition issue with it now? Thank You, Pete Jun-29-13

A: No, there is NO major condition issue, nor have I changed the listing in any way. This 9 55 is still as stated in the listing. I have answered each and every question honestly. Both bidders are from California and collectors...perhaps they got in touch with one another and decided not to compete. Both have asked questions, and have been answered as well. Live autioneers call that collusion. I am not sure why they retracted. It is unfortunate. There were only 2000 of these machines made in 1927. Many ended up gutted and just the cabinets used. This one still have everything it came with the day it was delivered. Thanks for your interest. SIncerely,

[phonogal]

8 hours to go and back up to $3200.00 with bidding by 2 bidders. I've never seen bidding this strange.