"Helping" the uninitiated, revisited

[JohnM]

A while back we discussed the pros and cons of contacting unknowledgeable sellers and helping them when they are struggling with their listings on eBay and Craigslist. Since I have been lumped by some into the arrogant know-it-all category by certain folk and lambasted for this on this board, I thought I'd share some correspondence from today to further strengthen the case that I am an arrogant know-it-all.

I saw a William & Mary console on Craigslist listed for $6000. I wrote the following to the seller:

"Hello!

I am a collector and researcher of antique phonographs, and after reading your listing, I'm not sure if you fully understand what you have for sale.

More accurately, you have a WC-19, the 'William & Mary Console' model. The 'Official Laboratory Model' designation was used on a number of Edison Diamond Disc Phonograph models and it indicates that model series had the largest sized horn (No. 250 size) and a double-spring motor or larger. I have met numerous persons over the years that think that this designation meant that the machine was personally owned by TAE himself, or, that it was used in his laboratory. It simply means that this model is equivalent both mechanically and sonically to the type used in the laboratories. In other words, it was a bit of an advertising gimmick.

The 'William & Mary' upright models, and console model sold in large numbers when new and many have survived today. Although certainly a beautiful machine, the console model (as is the case of nearly all console models by any manufacturer), are less popular with collectors than upright models for at least two reasons -- they are designed to look less like a phonograph and more like a piece of furniture to blend in with the room decor; and, they take up more space -- a valuable commodity to a phonograph collector. I'm not trying to be a spoiler here, only to give you a realistic view of what you have, but your Phonograph is only worth about $300 and at that, demand is low for this model. I'm afraid you will not see the $6000 you ask for this example, but at least now you will know why. Best of luck with it at any rate. It deserves to be treated with respect no matter what the value.

Kind regards,

John Maeder
Madison, Indiana"


This is the response I got this afternoon:

"hello, I just want to thank you, I posted it on ebay for 500 after being lectured by alot of people. But you are the first to explain it in detail! And i Greatly Appreciate that. Im just a college student trying to raise up some money for a car. But now I will lower the price so someone intrested can purchase it. But i greatly appreciate your help! God Bless and have a great week!!!"


I really relish being an arrogant, know-it-all sometimes!

I think I shall continue to be one.

[phonophan79]

Would you have done the same thing if he had listed it for $30? ...or gone over and bought it.

[JohnM]

It would have depended on where it was located. His goal is to sell it.

[ishkabibble]

Being new to this forum and to this hobby and not knowing you, I don't find your message to the seller arrogant at all and agree with the seller that it was thoughtful of you to take the time to explain the 'why'.

If you want arrogant, I'd suggest something along the lines of "You dope, that pile of junk isn't worth more than 50 bucks!"