Classic Rotary Phones Forum

Telephone Talk => Auction Talk => ebaY Quirks, Complaints and Chatter => Topic started by: McHeath on September 29, 2009, 01:35:36 AM

Title: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: McHeath on September 29, 2009, 01:35:36 AM
Check out this rare beauty:

http://tinyurl.com/y8h893z (http://tinyurl.com/y8h893z)  ( dead link 02-19-21 )

And note that it came from the estate of a retired telephone man, so you know it's good!

The darn thing is not even a year old yet!!
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Greg G. on September 29, 2009, 05:49:43 AM
I bet I have something in my fridge that's older.  That's probably what's making that funny noise in the middle of the night, kinda like Sigourney Weaver's fridge in "Ghostbusters".  What's that got to do with phones?  I have no idea, I shouldn't post after work when I'm tired and loopy...
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Dennis Markham on September 29, 2009, 08:27:00 AM
Brinybay, I almost sprayed coffee all over the keyboard on that one! :)
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: bwanna on September 29, 2009, 08:54:45 AM
remind me never to go to dinner at briny's house. ;)

ebay is ruining "live" flea markets. vendors all think they have a rare piece, cuz they saw one "just like it" on ebay sell for a million trillion dollars. and the buyers have all seen something "just like it" only better, sell for cheap. >:(
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Phonesrfun on September 29, 2009, 12:28:02 PM
When it comes to telephone auctions on e-bay, I think one of the most frequent lies and over used phrases is "from the estate of a retired telephone man"  Yeah right.  Right up there with Art Deco, whoever he was...

Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Dan/Panther on September 29, 2009, 12:54:54 PM
I guess, if it doesn't fit in your hip pocket it's old...
D/P
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Greg G. on September 29, 2009, 04:12:35 PM
Quote from: bwanna on September 29, 2009, 08:54:45 AM
remind me never to go to dinner at briny's house. ;)
Not to worry, I don't cook, we'd go to a nearby restaurant.

Quote from: bwanna on September 29, 2009, 08:54:45 AM
ebay is ruining "live" flea markets. vendors all think they have a rare piece, cuz they saw one "just like it" on ebay sell for a million trillion dollars. and the buyers have all seen something "just like it" only better, sell for cheap. >:(

Now that you mention it, that's probably why "thrift" stores are filled with overpriced garbage now.  Ebay and CL have had an impact. 
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: JorgeAmely on September 29, 2009, 05:35:22 PM
Bill:

Did you mean to say "fresh from the estate of a retired telephone man"?
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Phonesrfun on September 29, 2009, 07:27:25 PM
Quote from: JorgeAmely on September 29, 2009, 05:35:22 PM
Bill:

Did you mean to say "fresh from the estate of a retired telephone man"?

Seems like an oxymoron to have the words "fresh" and "estate of...." in the same sentence, but I know what you are saying.  That seems like the line so many e-bay sellers use.

Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Greg G. on September 29, 2009, 09:17:27 PM
Can we turn this into a general absurdity thread, ebay or otherwise?

I'm going to use the auction guess format for this, if that's ok.  Guess the price on this late 70s repro at an antique store.  I remember I had a repro candlestick back then, when they were saying you could only keep the shell.  I'm heading out of town for a couple of days, I'll let this run until I get back:

Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: bingster on September 29, 2009, 10:25:17 PM
I've seen some pretty insane prices for newer phones in antique stores.  I saw a black modular 500 from the late 1970s a while back at an antique shop that wanted $100 for it.  Since this one's clearly much fancier, I'm guessing they want $150 for it.
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: bwanna on September 30, 2009, 06:12:50 AM
$95
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Greg G. on October 01, 2009, 11:10:02 PM
I'm back.  Only two guesses?  Bingster got it.  A whopping $158.00.  This particular antique store is usually somewhat reasonable (for an antique store). High quality stuff (except for the phones).  Same place that has that Jade dishware collection.
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: bingster on October 01, 2009, 11:50:54 PM
I'm always amazed at how completely out of touch many antique dealers are.  They, of all people, should know better.  Given the modular cords and the gold coloring being worn off the handset, that's a ten dollar phone.  If that.
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: McHeath on October 02, 2009, 12:29:11 AM
158?! 

Ouch.

I'll bet there is a thick layer of dust on it, not gonna move at that price.  I suppose it will be worth that kind of money early in the 23rd century.

Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Greg G. on October 02, 2009, 01:43:43 AM
Quote from: McHeath on October 02, 2009, 12:29:11 AM
158?!  

Ouch.

I'll bet there is a thick layer of dust on it, not gonna move at that price.  I suppose it will be worth that kind of money early in the 23rd century.

If it does sell, I'm going to find out who bought it!  I could retire in ease selling them my collection!
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: foots on October 02, 2009, 08:38:02 PM
One of the antique stores near here has several of them, all around $75 - 95 bucks  ???  There is also a badly discolored beige '83 Stromberg Carlson 500 for $35. Strange thing is, I picked up a very clean green mid sixties  WE 500 for $12 from the same place. Not quite numbers matching, parts from '66 - '69 but not a nick or scratch on it.
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Greg G. on January 23, 2010, 03:31:07 AM
Yeah, get a load of this highly collectable, top-dollar item:

http://tinyurl.com/ydvwt3h (http://tinyurl.com/ydvwt3h) ( dead link 02-19-21 )
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: bwanna on January 23, 2010, 06:14:23 AM
o WOW!! i have been wanting a 1973candlestick for years ::)
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Dan on January 24, 2010, 11:37:22 PM
Quote from: Brinybay on October 01, 2009, 11:10:02 PM
I'm back.  Only two guesses?  Bingster got it.  A whopping $158.00.  This particular antique store is usually somewhat reasonable (for an antique store). High quality stuff (except for the phones).  Same place that has that Jade dishware collection.

I got the same phone for $3 at my thrift store. The don't know phones (thank God)
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Greg G. on January 29, 2010, 05:46:29 AM
Quote from: Brinybay on October 01, 2009, 11:10:02 PM
I'm back.  Only two guesses?  Bingster got it.  A whopping $158.00.  This particular antique store is usually somewhat reasonable (for an antique store). High quality stuff (except for the phones).  Same place that has that Jade dishware collection.

Update:  I was in there for the first time yesterday since I posted that.  Yep, you guessed it, it's still there and they still want $158.00!
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Dan on January 29, 2010, 10:39:17 AM
http://cgi.ebay.com/AE-34-WORKING-PHONE_W0QQitemZ260543223026QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3ca99614f2
( dead link 02-19-21 )




Wow! It is pretty though
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: LarryInMichigan on January 29, 2010, 12:02:37 PM
One would think, for $5K, the seller could polish the brass.  I wonder if the seller will combine shipping to save a few dollars ;)

Larry
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Doug Rose on January 29, 2010, 12:24:24 PM
Detroitola is a member of both the ATCA and TCI. He is an honest and fair seller on eBay. I am betting that this is an error in listing. He knows his stuff and he knows an AE34 is not worth 5K....Doug
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Wallphone on January 29, 2010, 12:33:10 PM
I agree with Doug. The seller always sells nice phones, and he buys nice phones too. I know that he bought one of Ray K's masterpieces. It must be a typo.
Dougpav
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: ntophones on January 29, 2010, 08:09:50 PM
That's a big typo, if that is what it is--wowee. I'd like one of those phones, but, that's a bit out of my league!
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: gpo706 on January 29, 2010, 08:24:31 PM
I've bought parts from this seller before, but think she's overreached herself here:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GPO-PHONE-BAKELITE-DIAL-C-I-R-C-LIP-TELEPHONE-SPARES_W0QQitemZ350293559938QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Collectables_RadioTelevision_Telephony_SM?hash=item518f1f8a82
( dead link 02-19-21 )


Be cheaper bidding on a whole dial...
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Doug Rose on January 31, 2010, 06:45:13 PM
Auction now has the corrected price of $499.99.....Doug
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: foots on February 25, 2010, 05:38:29 AM
I've been wanting a Kellogg red bar but they've always been a little bit pricey. Here's one that goes way beyond a "bit" pricey. Item no. 120533078738 
Opening bid of $1000.00  I wonder what going on in some people's minds.



Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: LarryInMichigan on February 25, 2010, 06:05:14 AM
I noticed that one.  I cannot believe that anyone would think that they could get that much money for the phone, so I thought that perhaps the seller wanted to start at $10, but their keyboard has a sticky '0'.  On the other hand, this gives you a chance to bid on the phone without  any competition ;)

A chrome metal red bar desk phone went a day or two ago for $49, which was less that I expected.

Larry
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Just4Phones on February 26, 2012, 03:19:24 PM
The seller on this has re listed it a few times.  Do you think he wonders why it goes unsold?  At least he offers free shipping  ;D

http://tinyurl.com/85ny34m
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: AE_Collector on February 26, 2012, 03:27:26 PM
Yet another dreamer! Well who knows, anything *could* happen....

Here's the scoop from ebaY so it will remain available here after the ebaY auction ends....
Come to think of it though, this one might be on ebaY for quite some time yet  :D

Terry

From the ebaY listing:
VINTAGE ANTIQUE CANDLESTICK ROTARY DIAL TELEPHONE DECO-TEL ORIGINAL PHONE 1974
Item condition: Used
Price: US $499.99 Buy It Now
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: canuckphoneguy on February 26, 2012, 04:17:23 PM
Even as a newbie to all of this phone collecting, I would know that that's incredibly overpriced.  (I really don't like phones that are made to look antique).
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Karen on February 27, 2012, 06:04:31 AM
Waiting for the day when I see one of my ebay phones getting called out here.  Hahaha....  Sad.
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Willytx on February 28, 2012, 04:59:46 PM
Is it still filled with cologne?
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: dpaynter1066 on February 28, 2012, 11:46:37 PM
He prolly thinks anything made in 1974 IS a vintage original antique.

People like that have absolutely no idea how they could make popcorn before there were microwave ovens.

Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: AE_Collector on February 29, 2012, 12:28:21 AM
If I could turn my identical DecoTel plastic candlestick into $99 let alone $499 I would let it go in an instant AND throw in free N America shipping!

Terry
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Nilsog on April 04, 2012, 05:48:52 PM
6-59 black 500 listed for $699.99... Am I missing something or is there a reason someone should pay so much for a regular plain black 500?

eBay link here (http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-1959-BELL-SYSTEM-WESTERN-ELECTRIC-500-BLACK-ROTARY-TELEPHONE-WOW-/310386571143?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item48447b3787#ht_12102wt_1026)
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Adam on April 04, 2012, 06:10:07 PM
No.  You're not missing anything.

Either the seller is clueless (i.e.., they had no idea of the item's value and did not look at eBay to see what other similar items are selling for before they posted theirs) or they are trying to take advantage of a similarly clueless buyer...
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: canuckphoneguy on April 04, 2012, 06:48:49 PM
It's stated that it's a "rare" opportunity to own this phone. I hope no one bids on that! :o
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Dennis Markham on April 04, 2012, 10:22:59 PM
Hey, it's got "Free" shipping.  What a deal. 
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Phonesrfun on April 04, 2012, 10:47:41 PM
Yes, you are missing an opportunity to part with your hard-earned money.

Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: canuckphoneguy on April 10, 2012, 05:49:05 PM
There are about 4 phones like this --> http://tinyurl.com/cq75q77 (http://tinyurl.com/cq75q77) ( dead link 02-19-21 )  - a "VINTAGE 1967 NORTHERN ELECTRIC CANADA ROTARY TAN PHONE" selling for $119 on Ebay. Another seller has a red and blue one selling for $129. http://tinyurl.com/7a853vq (http://tinyurl.com/7a853vq) ( dead link 02-19-21 )

I don't know how they think anyone would ever bid on something this outrageously priced. I see another phone that is the same asking for $9.

All the sellers are from Canada, too.  >:(
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: LarryInMichigan on April 10, 2012, 07:40:38 PM
If it's old, it must be worth a fortune :D
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: twocvbloke on April 10, 2012, 07:46:32 PM
Of course... :D
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: DavePEI on April 10, 2012, 08:20:36 PM
Quote from: twocvbloke on April 10, 2012, 07:46:32 PM
Of course... :D

Guess they missed the sales at K-Mart ten years or so ago when they were selling refurbed ones for $5.99 ea.

Dave
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: JubileeCompact on April 12, 2012, 04:36:24 AM
Good for a laugh..

Seamus

http://tinyurl.com/c6hylyw ( dead link 02-19-21 )  Buy it Now $75.00

You are bidding on a vintage red Western Electric 554BMP wall telephone made 1982. Good condition for age however case is dirty and shows some discoloration from storage. It is untested and sold as-is..
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: baldopeacock on April 12, 2012, 08:01:24 AM
Looks like it's been in a fire.
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: twocvbloke on April 12, 2012, 01:47:17 PM
I'd give them 75¢ for it...  :D
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: bingster on April 12, 2012, 02:08:21 PM
Given the amount of cleanup involved, and the fact that it's modular, I don't think I'd fool with it even if THEY gave ME 75¢ to take it away.
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: twocvbloke on April 12, 2012, 02:45:13 PM
Nah, just a quick wipe with some Huggies baby wipes and a new handset cable and she'd be fine... :D

That is, if it were not the price they're asking... ;D
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: canuckphoneguy on April 12, 2012, 08:31:26 PM
I think it looks like it was in a spray-can explosion.

Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Snake on April 12, 2012, 09:04:10 PM
Just buff lightly with a 3-step Novus and it's museum ready.

Quote from: twocvbloke on April 12, 2012, 01:47:17 PM
I'd give them 75¢ for it...  :D

Notice there is a "Make Offer" Option  ;)
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: twocvbloke on April 12, 2012, 11:44:54 PM
Quote from: Reptile_Master on April 12, 2012, 09:04:10 PMNotice there is a "Make Offer" Option  ;)

Yeah, but they'd probably make the shipping $74.25...  :D
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Snake on April 13, 2012, 01:34:32 AM
Quote from: twocvbloke on April 12, 2012, 11:44:54 PM
Yeah, but they'd probably make the shipping $74.25...  :D

:D

Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: DavePEI on April 14, 2012, 04:49:48 AM
Hi All:

I thought people would get a kick out of this. This morning, someone posted a photo of a, should we say, different phone he found on Craig's list! I don't know where on Craig's he found it, but it is definitely different. What were they thinking? A chewy 500 set. I am posting  a copy of that photo in the interests of  good taste :)

Found the original listing!
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/hsh/2907354835.html ( dead link 02-19-21 )

Dave
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: twocvbloke on April 14, 2012, 04:58:24 AM
I'm sure I saw that gumball phone somewhere recently... ???

EDIT:
Yep, I did!! :D

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=1351.165
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: DavePEI on April 14, 2012, 05:01:44 AM
Quote from: twocvbloke on April 14, 2012, 04:58:24 AM
I'm sure I saw that gumball phone somewhere recently... ???
And I thought that my Goulie phone I posted on Halloween was the most unusual phone I had ever seen! Problem was, it definitely had a shelf life - now far exceeded!

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=5657.0
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: paul-f on April 15, 2012, 12:25:16 AM
The gumball phone was a standard product of Paul Nelson Industries for many years.  I posted a few photos of their phones here:

  http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/156-paul-nelson-industries-decorator-phones?in=user (http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/156-paul-nelson-industries-decorator-phones?in=user)
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: dsk on May 03, 2012, 06:37:51 AM
 ;D Do you really know what high values you just have stored on your properties?
E.g. This:  http://tinyurl.com/d8v486x
Only 499.99 for this treasure.
And yes I may very well put my name on a paper telling this to be a trustable telephone make and modell.
:D
dsk
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: dsk on June 20, 2012, 04:20:25 AM
Do you have an AE 90 ...  You may be rich!

Just $1000  ;)  Buy buy buy!!   ;D  http://tinyurl.com/cg9ggw9

Again its something I don't understand  :)

dsk
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: DavePEI on June 20, 2012, 04:39:02 AM
Quote from: d_s_k on June 20, 2012, 04:20:25 AM
Just $1000  ;)  Buy buy buy!!   ;D  http://tinyurl.com/cg9ggw9

Again its something I don't understand  :)

dsk
You missed the line about this phone is made of platinum, and lovingly painted black :).

Dave
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: liteamorn on June 20, 2012, 07:35:20 AM
At that price you would think they would throw in free shipping :)
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: LarryInMichigan on June 20, 2012, 09:18:52 AM
I wish that I had bought an AE90 before the value skyrocketed :)

Larry
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: AE_Collector on June 20, 2012, 10:55:11 AM
Quote from: LarryInMichigan on June 20, 2012, 09:18:52 AM
I wish that I had bought an AE90 before the value skyrocketed :)

Larry

How does FIVE for $1000 sound to you Larry? At that price they won't last long so get your orders in quick folks. Colors available for modest upcharge as well.

Terry
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: dsk on June 20, 2012, 11:06:57 AM
Hard to say no to that, even when shipping makes it expensive  :'(
but if I put in a phone like that, I have to expand the alarm system, get higher insurance etc ;D ;D

dsk
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: LarryInMichigan on June 20, 2012, 01:22:44 PM
QuoteTake all 3 for $1800, free shipping!

Who could pass on an offer like that?  Would you be willing to swap the phones for a bridge in Brooklyn?

Larry
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: AE_Collector on June 20, 2012, 03:46:33 PM
Got
Quote from: d_s_k on June 20, 2012, 11:06:57 AM
Hard to say no to that, even when shipping makes it expensive  :'(
but if I put in a phone like that, I have to expand the alarm system, get higher insurance etc ;D ;D
dsk

I have you covered on this too d_s_k.  I guess I am a full service supplier. My sideline is security systems so let you know what alarm parts you want me to send along with the 5 AE 90's and I'll toss it in for another $100 or so.

Terry
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Phonesrfun on June 20, 2012, 07:12:09 PM
This may be the same Karen that was posting in here about an AE 90 that had a frequency ringer, and changed it over. 

I'm betting, based on other items in her store that the $1,000 must be a mistake.  Her other phones, while higher in price than we are used to paying are still reasonable retail prices.  This one must be an error.

Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Karen on June 20, 2012, 09:56:04 PM
HAHAHA!!! Oh how I love you guys.

Yes its me, yes my phones are spendy.  But the only reason thats marked at 1000 is because Ive had "Reserved" phones purchased by other people who dont give a crap if its "reserved" for someone else. So I listed the price super high so no one would touch it.  Waiting for a money order that is much........ much less than $1000.

I knew I'd end up in one of these "haha, that idiot" posts someday :)
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: JubileeCompact on December 24, 2012, 04:55:04 PM
Words fail me ...
Seamus

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Black-Pyramid-Bakelite-Telephone-232-Vintage-Dial-Phone-Antique-Art-Deco-/271126700916?pt=UK_Collectables_RadioTelevision_Telephony_SM&hash=item3f20692374
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Phonesrfun on December 24, 2012, 05:00:08 PM
Wow.  Rustic.  What model is that, and what is the lever for?
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: old_stuff_hound on December 24, 2012, 10:22:25 PM
I almost hit the "Buy it now" button but then I saw the shipping was £10.... Oh well. ;-)
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: LarryInMichigan on December 24, 2012, 10:48:42 PM
The term "flood damage" comes to mind.  There was one of these in nice condition on ebay in the USA recently.  I do not recall what the bid amounts were.

Larry
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: twocvbloke on December 24, 2012, 10:57:59 PM
I stuck in a generous offer of £4.03, I did think of just 3p, but ebay wouldn't let me offer anything under 99p... :D
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: kleenax on December 24, 2012, 11:17:30 PM
Quote from: JubileeCompact on December 24, 2012, 04:55:04 PM
Words fail me ...
Seamus

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Black-Pyramid-Bakelite-Telephone-232-Vintage-Dial-Phone-Antique-Art-Deco-/271126700916?pt=UK_Collectables_RadioTelevision_Telephony_SM&hash=item3f20692374

And look! His feedback score is exactly what his body temperature should be; 98.6 degrees F.
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: gpo706 on December 25, 2012, 12:08:19 AM
£403.77? Somebody must be stocking up on bakelite polish methinks
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: twocvbloke on December 25, 2012, 05:16:05 AM
Aww, my offer was rejected... :D
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: DavePEI on December 25, 2012, 05:49:41 AM
I can't help wondering if the title of this thread should be, "Another Seller Who's off his Meds!"  ???
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Doug Rose on December 25, 2012, 08:38:57 AM
I have one of these, I think it is one of the coolest phones. I bought mine in the infancy of eBay. One of my first casualties in shipping. Big chunk of bakelite broken of the front. No packing at all. It repaired to look okay as it was a clean break. See lower right corner. Without a flash on it, you can hardly see it.

If the price was right, I would love to tackle it. I have had them in worse condition....Doug
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: TelePlay on December 25, 2012, 08:46:29 AM
Quote from: Doug Rose on December 25, 2012, 08:38:57 AM
I have one of these, . . .

So, Doug, what is the purpose of the lever on the front?
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Doug Rose on December 25, 2012, 09:09:17 AM
this is the face... intercom outside calls etc ...Doug
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: teka-bb on December 25, 2012, 11:51:57 AM

Looks like it's fitted with a Bellset 39:
http://www.britishtelephones.com/bellst39.htm
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: teka-bb on December 25, 2012, 11:53:16 AM
But maybe it's a Bellset 44:

http://www.britishtelephones.com/bellst44.htm
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: JubileeCompact on December 26, 2012, 03:31:41 AM
I see they have made an attempt to clean it now lol- although the dial is still faulty and get the huge crack in the handset!!!!
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Nick in Manitou on December 26, 2012, 12:55:21 PM
I like the fact that they say, "do know if its working"...but they don't say what they know!
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: TelePlay on December 26, 2012, 12:59:31 PM
For posterity, here are the two seller updated pictures after cleaning the phone, and showing the crack.

Still asking £403.77, about $600 US with 3 offers, all declined. I wonder why, £4.03?  ::)
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: twocvbloke on December 26, 2012, 11:41:17 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on December 26, 2012, 12:59:31 PM
I wonder why, £4.03?  ::)

Got to offer what it's worth than to pay what it isn't.... :D
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: TelePlay on December 26, 2012, 11:57:10 PM
Quote from: twocvbloke on December 26, 2012, 11:41:17 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on December 26, 2012, 12:59:31 PM
I wonder why, £4.03?  ::)

Got to offer what it's worth than to pay what it isn't.... :D

Your offer was a bit on the high side, but the seller still didn't bite . . . . . . . ! ;)
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: AE_Collector on October 05, 2013, 12:14:21 PM
Have seen this red AE 83A Spacesaver hanging around ebaY for awhile now. They want $60 BIN. Not outlandish for an original Garnet Red AE 83 but too bad it has the wrong handset.

Then I noticed the odd strain relief on the handset...it isn't a strain rilief, it is a handset with a "Phone Plug" as in Headphone Like Plug or Switchboard Plug. Now I DO know AE 83A's, there is NO Jack in there. They are nice thick pot metal AND there is a screw down clamp in there to hold the handset cord and another to hold the station wire. So a Switchboard type plug "almost" fits perfectly.

Not to worry though, here is what the seller says:
Phone appears to be in great shape --- I wish I had a red receiver to go with it, but when you find one, it will be an easy fix, because the receiver just plugs into the bottom of the phone.

Yes plugging it into the phone WILL be easy. Finding a Garnet Red Handset with the correct plug and then making it work when the phone isn't even equipped with a Jack will likely be the HARD part.

Terry

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/290972328344 ( dead link 02-19-21 )
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: HarrySmith on October 05, 2013, 03:28:47 PM
Those 2 holes are for the cords to exit, correct? Isn't it possible somone put a jack in there?
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: TelePlay on October 05, 2013, 03:42:19 PM
This seems like a stupid question but haven't I seen handsets with phone plugs on them for sale on eBay, handsets that were to be used on, maybe, switchboards by managers or on military units? I've never needed anything like that so haven't researched them but if memory serves me right here, could it be that the handset is a real part. I don't know, just asking if the handset is legit.
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: HarrySmith on October 05, 2013, 03:44:40 PM
The switchboard handsets have a double plug on them. At least the ones I have seen and the ones for my 555 board.
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: AE_Collector on October 05, 2013, 03:48:50 PM
Quote from: HarrySmith on October 05, 2013, 03:28:47 PM
Those 2 holes are for the cords to exit, correct? Isn't it possible somone put a jack in there?

I assume it is possible that a jack was mounted there but I highly doubt it because there really isn't room in an AE 43A/83A for ANYTHING and most likely it would be the Stereo Headphone type jack that has the little nut that goes around the barrel and that would be visible on the outside of the case. Something major is missing inside the phone if they mounted a Telephone Switchboard type jack inside of the case!

Terry
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: TelePlay on October 05, 2013, 03:51:01 PM
And being only two conductors, what would you get or have there to use? Seems 3 or 4 conductors are usually found in a handset cord.
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: AE_Collector on October 05, 2013, 03:51:39 PM
I think that the handset could be legitimate for something though as Harry says, by far the most common would have the double jack type of plug. This plug is only 2 conductors so I am not sure how it would be wired inside. Transmitter and Receiver must be in series.

Terry
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: HarrySmith on October 05, 2013, 03:54:34 PM
That's what I thought Terry but I have not been inside of one of those yet so I was not sure of the space. If it is anything like the WE 211 you can't put a piece of paper in there ;D
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: AE_Collector on October 05, 2013, 03:58:07 PM
Quote from: HarrySmith on October 05, 2013, 03:54:34 PM
That's what I thought Terry but I have not been inside of one of those yet so I was not sure of the space. If it is anything like the WE 211 you can't put a piece of paper in there ;D

Yeah they were really going some to get everything in. They have the some induction coil as the AE 40 & AE 50 plus big grey can condensor and hook spring pileup etc. Then there is the big bolt that the hook pivots on as well.

The good news is that all it really needs is a garnet red AE Type 81 handset. This is a Type 83A Spacesaver and would have a Type 81 handset as it is colored. The exact same case in black and with a type 41 handset is an AE 43A.

Terry
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: TelePlay on October 05, 2013, 03:58:57 PM
So, how about an early version of this currently on eBay? A two wire lineman's style handset with dial.

"VINTAGE ROTARY DIAL BAKELITE HANDSET PHONE TELEPHONE WIRETAPPING EAVESDROPPING"

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111174395281 ( dead link 02-19-21 )

BIN for $35.50 plus $22.50 shipping - a piece of cold war history, 3 days of the condor prop? I dunno . . . :(
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: AE_Collector on October 05, 2013, 04:05:46 PM
Looks Home Made...doesn't it? Plastic fingerwheel on dial seems out of place for a rugged piece of test equipment and the clips aren't really substantial either. Clips were usually the Bed of Nails type and sometimes had the single sharp pin for piercing Drop Wire Insulation. Maybe for an inside environment but then they frequently have specific plugs for switching equipment rather than clips.

Terry
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: TelePlay on October 05, 2013, 04:06:15 PM
This is what I refering to when I said I've seen similar handsets on eBay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300971792029

BIN $44.95 plus $12.95 shipping

What is this, if not seems made up by someone, and where would it be used? Looks like 120 VAC line cord going into the plug, doesn't it?
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: rdelius on October 05, 2013, 04:18:11 PM
Not unuasual from eastern Europe.most likely the govt telephone co used scrapped sets to build these.I have some US ones from ind telcos that are just as crude.
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: TelePlay on October 05, 2013, 04:21:04 PM
Quote from: rdelius on October 05, 2013, 04:18:11 PMNot unuasual from eastern Europe.most likely the govt telephone co used scrapped sets to build these.I have some US ones from ind telcos that are just as crude.

So it seems. The markings on the dial of this lineman's set is not American, so it seems. And the seller is in Bulgaria, duh-oh!  :-[
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: TelePlay on October 05, 2013, 04:27:27 PM
Not to beat a dead phone here, but yes, Harry, I've seen the two plug versions and then there is this one with a 4 conductor plug which would do the same thing. So back to the red phone, haven't a clue at what's going on inside the housing.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161104092107
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: TelePlay on October 05, 2013, 07:09:48 PM
Let's start a count of who can beat a topic to death the best/most . . .

http://www.ebay.com/itm/150835662821

This one has an eye hook and an AC type line cord terminated with two alligator clips. There must be some use for these (even clandestine) with the number of them out there.
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: Kenton K on October 12, 2014, 08:38:54 PM
"It is in excellent condition with no chips or cracks in the body or receiver hand set."

Yah right!

www.ebay.com/itm/321550372133


Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: TelePlay on October 12, 2014, 08:50:49 PM
That's funny!   ;D
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: andre_janew on December 28, 2014, 01:10:01 PM
If you are looking for a box and just a box for a WE 554 telephone there is one on eBay for $25 and the shipping is free.  I mention it because paying that much for a empty cardboard box just seems absurd to me.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/311214743258 ( dead link 02-19-21 )

If you can't get the link to work, just log on to eBay and search for a vintage 1957 Western Electric Collectible empty box for Model 554 wall telephone.  I don't care what the message says about it being taken down.  It is there and has two weeks to go as I am writing this.

<edit> I fixed the link. It was one of those HUGE ebaY links that is 4 rows long but part of it didnt copy over. All that is ever needed on any ebay link is the 12 digit item number after the ebay.com/itm/ to make it work. Just chop the rest out and toss it! Terry <end of edit>
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: RDPipes on August 15, 2022, 02:56:50 PM
I hope there's a phone attached to this, LOL!
Ya think he'd take $50 for it?
eBay Auction (https://www.ebay.com/itm/295158655816?hash=item44b8d3ab48:g:TcIAAOSw4jFi-nXd)
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: MMikeJBenN27 on August 15, 2022, 03:46:40 PM
Quote from: McHeath on September 29, 2009, 01:35:36 AM...The darn thing is not even a year old yet!!

Increasingly, the younger set thinks that anything more than a year old is an "antique".

Mike
Title: Re: Today's eBay Absurdity - What Are They Thinking!
Post by: markosjal on December 17, 2022, 12:06:35 AM
Quote from: MMikeJBenN27 on August 15, 2022, 03:46:40 PMIncreasingly, the younger set thinks that anything more than a year old is an "antique".

Mike

OMG look at that the wires just screw down. THAT SO OOOOLD.