The reply, and my response. I thought it was amusing, but I feel bad for people who get ripped off by appraisers who justify their fees by inflating the value of the items they are looking at. Who wants to pay someone $50 to tell them they have a $2.99 album, especially if they already paid $5.00 for it?
What I've learned on this list as a lurker is worth thousands of "appraiser" dollars!!! However, I may have embellished a little on the below... Mike < [email protected] wrote: > "Thank you for your input. I had two antique appraisers tell me that this item is worth twice as much as my auction price. I am new to this and don't have much of a clue but I thank you for noticing." _____ From: Mgraziano1 [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, August 18, 2006 2:38 PM To: '[email protected]' Subject: RE: Question for item #180019231614 - Perry Como- RCA Victor Phonograph- early 1900s? Trust me. '78s aren't worth nearly what people imagine. Millions upon millions of them were made, and many have been saved because of perceived value. Just look at some of the completed auctions on eBay. The last album on eBay, which was exactly the same as yours (item number 190017566783) didn't sell at $0.99. On eBay, look for completed auctions to determine a good starting value for your auctions. It will save you wasting your insertion fee, which at a $149.99 starting auction price was more then the value of the album (probably about $2.50 if I remember correctly). Completed auction will be worth more to you than anything you might have paid an appraiser (I hope you didn't pay them). Perry Como was born on May 18, 1912 in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania so the album, at a minimum is from the mid to late 30s. And RCA didn't acquire Victor until 1929. I believe the "copyright" is for the "Victor Record Label", not the music. As an aside, someone on the Phono-l Collectors group, which has some of the most experienced collectors in the states, posted your auction link with the following: "mmmm.........I know he's passed away but............................. I can see why they have no feedback at these prices!" If you have a good deal of phonograph related items from this estate sale, I recommend you join the group and get a better idea of value first. Especially if you have machines. Best, Michael
