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Yes, I agree, Graham. I do feel the problem is also somewhat exacerbated by auctioneers' lack of attention to detail with their listings. For example, how often do we see an auctioneer state that a gramophone or a clock is in working condition? Rarely, I'd say. These instruments are mechanical; their working state is fairly critical for most prospective buyers who cannot attend a viewing or sale in person. In the case of the 511, no picture showing the sides of the cabinet, the existence of a winding handle, the condition of the (often badly scratched and / or clumsily refinished) lid, all feeds into the decision to "pass it and move on". They are not doing anyone any favours. Asking questions is no guarantee of receiving a reply either!emgcr wrote: Mon Jan 12, 2026 6:51 pm Tragic, but wonderful for the buyer I suppose. I was at a sale a month ago and saw a beautiful oak 1770 grandfather clock sell for £20. The identical timepiece is in my hallway for which I paid £3,500 a few years ago.............how times have changed.
I think a general description of a lot might be helpful, if possible, ie. "music hall" or "jazz and swing" records, but with that said, records are far too commonplace (and usually not very valuable) for auctioneers to catalogue every title, especially when most lots are seemingly random assortments anyway. My biggest bugbear here is sellers who list individual records on Ebay, clogging up the "Gramophones and Phonographs" section, where they don't belong. And pesky needle tins too!poodling around wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 8:00 am ... which reminds me of 78 records - usually no information . as if they are all the same.
