The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/380661036458

I know some years ago it was mentioned that these were "two a penny" and I would agree that the number surviving and listed for sale on http://www.ebay.com does appear to show why they are of very little value. But how can you explain this auction?

Steve wrote:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/380661036458
But how can you explain this auction?

Obviously a mixture of shill-bidding and clueless buyers.

Obviously a mixture of shill-bidding and clueless buyers.

Maybe the latter, but the former? I don't think so because if you look at the last two bids, neither of these two bidders had previously bid at all and yet they are both (at least) 90 Euros above the earlier bid. In other words the final price was dictated by two new independent bidders who bid well above the price already reached during the week, and therefore were not being "run" by shill bidders.

Steve wrote:neither of these two bidders had previously bid at all

They hadn't bid on any ebay item lately. These "sleeper" bidders made me suspicious.

When 2 bidders see something they just think they have to have for some reason the price can get crazy. Happens all the time at actions (except, of course, when I am the seller). One reason you've got to have a limit in your head when you start bidding. (Recognizing that I don't always follow my own good advice.)

This particular example also looks to be in quite good condition.

Clay