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This is a nice example of a Plaza Music Co. box camera phonograph, but the seller's story is pure fantasy.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Phonogr ... 3cc4ae4b62

A RARE FIND !! UNTOUCHED FROM ALMOST 100 YEARS AGO AND STILL FULLY FUNCTIONAL ---- NO "REPRODUCTION PARTS ! . This antique phonograph is totally original right down to the factory crank that came with it. I am a collector, And just like every collector I have my eye on something new. This Phonograph was the VERY FIRST of its kind and the very first model manufactured by Plaza Music co. in New York beginning at the end of World War 1. EVER ONE of these units I have seen out there has reproduction parts that it was re-assembled with. Easy to spot -- crank is a remake, reproducer is off of something else or a reproduction, Reproduction amplifiers are chrome -- the originals were black -- This Phonograph even has the original mica in the reproducer !!! This amazing piece is definetly for someone who has the eye and heart for something unique and real. As a final note. at the end of World War 1, this model was given to all the officers of high rank serving in the U.S. military as a " VICTORY GIFT " --- What a piece ! My hope is for this phonograph to find a new home for a person who will appreciate and enjoy it as much as I have -- and also someone who will tell its historic story as much as I have !!!!! If you have any questions -- please contact me !

I hope as the seller's feedback number increases, his storytelling improves!

George P.

Come on, you have to be amazed that a WWI Victory gift would have the original mica!

For being shot at and gassed, we are awarding you with this portable phonograph that has not been invented yet! Congratulations!

And you know, having been a eBayer for awhile, I have noticed that flowery "purple prose" does indeed raise the bidding level as often as not. Some people will, I suppose, take it at face value and start bidding.

And have you noticed that on eBay even the most common items are always "rare"?

Clay

And have you noticed that on eBay even the most common items are always "rare"?

Rare, as in "not very well done." Or rare as in, "I didn't bother to do any research, but this looks really cool and so must be worth a ton of money."

Now, on to "ultra-rare"...

There's also the idiotic phrase "Very Unique"

Other things that irk me- describing something in fine condition as "Minty", and people who write "It Needs repaired".

As of right now, there are 1,670,230 items listed on eBay with "rare" in the title. There sure is a lot of rarity around.....

estott wrote:Other things that irk me- describing something in fine condition as "Minty", and people who write "It Needs repaired".

This is one of my peeves too! I once contacted a seller and told him that describing his product as "minty" meant that it had a zesty and refreshing flavor. He never got back to me.

TinfoilPhono wrote:As of right now, there are 1,670,230 items listed on eBay with "rare" in the title. There sure is a lot of rarity around.....

Rare, as in, you can't buy it at Walmart. (Or can you?)