Classic Rotary Phones Forum

Telephone Talk => Auction Talk => ebaY Quirks, Complaints and Chatter => Topic started by: AE_Collector on December 06, 2010, 01:33:06 AM

Title: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on December 06, 2010, 01:33:06 AM
Long overdue is a CRP Forum award for "Best (worst) Picture(s)" of an ebaY auction item.

I'll start with these two pictures from the following current auction item, a brassed out AE stick (at least the seller says that is what it is, I can't really tell for sure from the pictures).

Does anyone remember the 60's TV show, "The Time Tunnel"? The first picture reminds me of Tony & Doug walking into the tunnel, never to return. I don't have a clue what it is actually a picture of so I'm calling it "The Time Tunnel".

The second shot is of the base of the candlestick....I think....No wait a minute, that's an open manhole in the street, isn't it?? How did that get in here?

So the next time you find a picture of an ebaY auction item that leaves you shaking your head, you now have somewhere to post it so others can appreciate it for its artistic beauty or lack there of! The colors, the colors!

Terry

http://cgi.ebay.com/AUTOMATIC-ELECTRIC-BRASS-DIAL-CANDLESTICK-TELEPHONE-/230560116756 ( dead link 02-15-21 )

Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: bingster on December 06, 2010, 02:11:08 AM
I've seen plenty of bad pictures on ebay, but I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like that.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: jsowers on December 06, 2010, 09:04:07 AM
Yes, I remember The Time Tunnel. I feel myself being inexplicably drawn into that first picture toward Pearl Harbor on December 6, 1941 (exactly 69 years ago today), and nobody will heed my warnings. That was a neat show if you were a history nut like me.

Those pictures are awful. Sometimes I think they spit on the camera lens and don't wipe it off. Or they try to use a cell phone for the pictures.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: wds on December 06, 2010, 09:49:03 AM
Sometimes it's a bad camera, or bad picture taking, but I've run across a couple Ebay items where the seller intentionally posted fuzzy pictures to hide damage to the item for sale.  When they don't respond to my email requests for clarifications on damage, then I know they're hiding something. 
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: McHeath on December 06, 2010, 09:57:38 PM
Worst e-bay phone pics I've seen.  That first one could be used for any product or item ad:

"Here for sale is my first edition Harry Potter book"

"Here for sale is a 1971 Triumph TR-6"

"Here for sale is my aluminum Christmas tree with rotating light"

"Here for sale is my complete collection of Sonny and Cher albums"

"Here for sale is a size 8 diamond ring"

"Here for sale is an Ericofone in see phone green"

Geesh.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on December 06, 2010, 11:19:27 PM
Quote from: jsowers on December 06, 2010, 09:04:07 AM
Yes, I remember The Time Tunnel. I feel myself being inexplicably drawn into that first picture toward Pearl Harbor on December 6, 1941 (exactly 69 years ago today), and nobody will heed my warnings. That was a neat show if you were a history nut like me.

You still have time Jonathan, try to warn the people of Pearl Harbour before it's too late!

I really did like that show when I was a kid. Then maybe 10 years ago now I found it in reruns on some channel and watched some of them again. While writing my initial post I wiki'd "Time Tunnel" and learned that there was only one season, 66/67 and they produced 30 episodes.


Terry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Greg G. on December 07, 2010, 01:42:43 AM
Quote from: ae_collector on December 06, 2010, 01:33:06 AM
Long overdue is a CRP Forum award for "Best Picture(s)" of an ebaY auction item.

I'll start with these two pictures from the following current auction item, a brassed out AE stick (at least the seller says that is what it is, I can't really tell for sure from the pictures).

Terry

http://cgi.ebay.com/AUTOMATIC-ELECTRIC-BRASS-DIAL-CANDLESTICK-TELEPHONE-/230560116756


No doubt taken with a crappy cell phone camera.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on October 30, 2011, 07:36:44 PM
Don't you hate it when a seller doesn't put the color of a phone in their subject line and their pictures make it hard to tell the color? I wasn't sure if this was white or a very light green color.

Well fortunately this seller did include the color in the desciption of this auction. It's Black.

Terry

This is a nice black wall-hanging Rotary-Dial telephone. When I tested it, I was able to talk on it but it didn't ring. Appears to be in good condition. Came from an estate sale. Inside of hand set says ITT.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130590860634 ( dead link 02-15-21 )

Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Doug Rose on October 02, 2012, 02:00:54 PM
Sorry...this is the clear cut winner....and only one picture

http://tinyurl.com/9uvmj9d ( dead link 02-15-21 )
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: dsk on October 02, 2012, 02:32:16 PM
Yes, and you can buy it now for only $225 ::)  ..... if its not sold allready :P

dsk
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on October 02, 2012, 08:16:45 PM
Clearly a picture of the Living Room carpet. The phone was probably two feet to the left! They do "thank us for viewing". The bottom line of the listing is probably a clue to what went wrong "Posted with ebaY Mobile"

Terry

Rare Antique 1940s Northern Electric Mfg. Co. Desk Phone
Cleaning out the old family storage units!!

Up for bids is an antique Northern Electric Co. phone. Not sure if it works currently. Nice piece of history for collectors!

Please email if you have any questions or would like a different pic.

Thank you for viewing and happy Ebaying;)
Posted with eBay Mobile


Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Greg G. on October 03, 2012, 12:26:00 AM
I think I see either a teddy bear face or Mickey Mouse in the circle.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: McHeath on October 03, 2012, 01:10:52 AM
Wow, this is great!  I was wanting one of these.  A blurry greenish object, you can't have too many of them you know. ;)
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on October 03, 2012, 01:13:15 AM
Is there any chance that this is a picture that the Mars Rover took and it was inadvertently beamed back to the ebaY Sellers Iphone just as he was putting up this ebaY Auction?

I'm Asking.....    :)

Terry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: phone-sweep on December 06, 2012, 12:38:05 PM
Another fan of Time Tunnel.....

Reminds me - I used to collect wacky descriptions from phone auctions.  I've still got them.  These were copied and pasted from actual eBay auctions, parenthesis = my comments:

1.  "I don't know anything about this so feel free to e-mail any questions....."

2.  "I AM NOT A PHONE MAN SO YOU WILL HAVE TO EMAIL WITH YOUR QUESTIONS."

3.   "THE PHONE WAS WORKING, WHEN SHE TOOK IT DOWN OFF THE WALL, BUT I DON'T IT TO BE TRUE OR NOT. I DON'T KNOW ANY THING ABOUT ANTIQUE'S, OR WHAT IS REAL. OR WHAT  ISN'T ...."

4.  "This auction is for a collectible GOTH BLACK monophone Dial telephone with old style jack and black cord.
I'm afraid to test this phone because I worry Marylin M.(anson) is on the other end looking to come over for a beer."

5.  "Makes that nice solid "chunking" sound when dialed."

6.  "Look at the base plate to this telephone. It too is in near mint condition ....... It bears virtually no signs of its history, though some are present."

7.  ".....the cord in in good condition the base is the lie i said and the cradle is in good condition...."

8.  "The color is dark black."

9.  "You are bidding on an old Western Electric telephone, that I believe is from the 1930's. The dial has a Z in the operator hole, on the dial, which indicates it is from the thirties."

10.  "This vintage phone has tough tone dialing,...."

11.  (Title) "SOUTHWESTERN BELL FREEDOM PHONE WITH NORM & HIGH VALIUM"

12.  "Most collectors agree that normal wear adds to the uniqueness and value of each phone." 

13.  ......(telephone is)  MINT!......There is one scuff on the lower left side of the base at the ear that can be polished out .....

14.   (One phone is a SC) and the other is an Automatic Electric Monophone (?) possibly an AE40. Both pieces have cracks or breaks to the bakelite body and otherwise appear to be complete. BECAUSE THIS SAXAPHONE NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED I AM SELLING IT AS IS AND WILL NOT TAKE RETURNS ON THIS ITEM.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: wds on December 06, 2012, 12:44:44 PM
It's clear what the author of # 11 was doing when he wrote that description.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Greg G. on December 06, 2012, 01:03:38 PM
This one looks like the background for the Looney Tunes logo:
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Greg G. on December 06, 2012, 01:05:36 PM
Quote from: phone-sweep on December 06, 2012, 12:38:05 PM
Another fan of Time Tunnel.....

Reminds me - I used to collect wacky descriptions from phone auctions.  I've still got them.  These were copied and pasted from actual eBay auctions, parenthesis = my comments:

1.  "I don't know anything about this so feel free to e-mail any questions....."

2.  "I AM NOT A PHONE MAN SO YOU WILL HAVE TO EMAIL WITH YOUR QUESTIONS."

3.   "THE PHONE WAS WORKING, WHEN SHE TOOK IT DOWN OFF THE WALL, BUT I DON'T IT TO BE TRUE OR NOT. I DON'T KNOW ANY THING ABOUT ANTIQUE'S, OR WHAT IS REAL. OR WHAT  ISN'T ...."

4.  "This auction is for a collectible GOTH BLACK monophone Dial telephone with old style jack and black cord.
I'm afraid to test this phone because I worry Marylin M.(anson) is on the other end looking to come over for a beer."

5.  "Makes that nice solid "chunking" sound when dialed."

6.  "Look at the base plate to this telephone. It too is in near mint condition ....... It bears virtually no signs of its history, though some are present."

7.  ".....the cord in in good condition the base is the lie i said and the cradle is in good condition...."

8.  "The color is dark black."

9.  "You are bidding on an old Western Electric telephone, that I believe is from the 1930's. The dial has a Z in the operator hole, on the dial, which indicates it is from the thirties."

10.  "This vintage phone has tough tone dialing,...."

11.  (Title) "SOUTHWESTERN BELL FREEDOM PHONE WITH NORM & HIGH VALIUM"

12.  "Most collectors agree that normal wear adds to the uniqueness and value of each phone." 

13.  ......(telephone is)  MINT!......There is one scuff on the lower left side of the base at the ear that can be polished out .....

14.   (One phone is a SC) and the other is an Automatic Electric Monophone (?) possibly an AE40. Both pieces have cracks or breaks to the bakelite body and otherwise appear to be complete. BECAUSE THIS SAXAPHONE NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED I AM SELLING IT AS IS AND WILL NOT TAKE RETURNS ON THIS ITEM.

These are hilarious!
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on December 06, 2012, 08:58:52 PM
Very Good Barry! I am sure that we can all add a few more here in this discussion. Not quite sure how we got to AECo Saxophones in your item #14 but hey, as long as it is phone related of some sort. CG Conn was always a respected manufacturer of Saxophones but i have never seen one by AECo. Now where are my saxophones, haven't palyed them for awhile now....

Terry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: LarryInMichigan on December 06, 2012, 09:30:41 PM
You don't have to be selling a phone to post a hilarious listing.  A year or two ago, I was looking at the furniture section of the local craigslist when I noticed a listing for used childrens' room furniture in "naughty pine".  It sure made me wonder what the children had been up to :D

One of my favorite phone descriptions is still "wind-up telephone".  I always wonder just how much winding a half-hour phone call would require.

Larry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Just4Phones on December 06, 2012, 09:47:14 PM
My favorite was "phone does not work but it did once"

LOL I once saw a phone on EBAY and was not sure who manufactured it so I asked the seller "does the phone have a manufacturers name on the bottom?" and she responded "yes"

Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on December 06, 2012, 10:09:37 PM
And the notion that a phone without a dial is an "Extension Phone" as the seller has no idea that there was a time when no phones had dials.

Terry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: twocvbloke on December 06, 2012, 10:11:29 PM
Quote from: Just4Phones on December 06, 2012, 09:47:14 PMI once saw a phone on EBAY and was not sure who manufactured it so I asked the seller "does the phone have a manufacturers name on the bottom?" and she responded "yes"

I've had that before, so I carefully word questions of suck ilk like so:

"Hi, I'm interested in this [item name], but just want to know if [info required] is on the base, and if so what does it say?"

Doesn't always work though... :D
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: jsowers on December 07, 2012, 04:26:55 PM
Quote from: phone-sweep on December 06, 2012, 12:38:05 PM
Reminds me - I used to collect wacky descriptions from phone auctions.  I've still got them.  These were copied and pasted from actual eBay auctions, parenthesis = my comments:

Here's one I'm surprised eBay didn't remove. Maybe nobody has caught it yet? The auction is still up. Look at the last line. The seller meant to type "Free Shirt Club" but he didn't. The item number is 110938158317 if anyone wants to see the entire auction. It's for a $99 New Jersey phone directory. Wish I had one of those cards.  ;D
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Phonesrfun on December 07, 2012, 04:35:45 PM
Maybe they don't give a shirt.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Greg G. on December 07, 2012, 08:35:45 PM
Quote from: Phonesrfun on December 07, 2012, 04:35:45 PM
Maybe they don't give a shirt.

Hahaha!
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on December 07, 2012, 08:46:11 PM
They probably dont "Give Shirts" anymore. Anyone remember the Radio Shack "Battery of the Month" card?

Terry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on December 15, 2012, 09:45:30 PM
Didn't pay much for it so didn't expect much.

But, when it arrived, I had to go back to check the original listing photos to see what a great job the seller did in smearing his lens with vaseline to hide the true state of the transmitter after taking the face picture.

I guess you could call these before and after shipping photos. No complaints, just thought this would be a good example of why not to buy out of focus items on eBay, unless you don't care, as was the case here with me.

An good digital camera with macro capability can be purchased for less than $50 these days. The blue background photos were taken with one.

Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Babybearjs on January 03, 2013, 09:41:44 PM
just remember, those bad pics sometimes work out in a bidders favor... if they know what it is, and what it could be worth... bad pictures sometimes ward off bidders... then you get the item at a great price... worked for me....
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: twocvbloke on January 06, 2013, 03:48:22 PM
Either this is from another dimension, or the seller forgot to flip the image... :D

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321052082263 ( dead link 02-15-21 )
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on January 18, 2013, 02:21:02 AM
Must be one of them there "Oslo Norway Dials" :)

Terry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: HarrySmith on January 22, 2013, 06:18:14 PM
Here is another nominee ;D

Supposed to be a tan princess phone.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261159394461 ( dead link 02-15-21 )
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Russ Kirk on January 22, 2013, 07:24:42 PM
Quote from: HarrySmith on January 22, 2013, 06:18:14 PM
Here is another nominee ;D

Supposed to be a tan princess phone.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261159394461

Looks like they don't have a camera and they used a flat top scanner. 
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on January 22, 2013, 08:02:56 PM
I think that is the "Ghost" of a Princess phone isn't it? Great nomination Harry!

Terry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Mr. Bones on January 22, 2013, 10:12:55 PM
Yikes! :o Makes me wonder about cataracts! Me Mum had them; could happen. Pics like that don't alleviate the worries lol! ;)

Best regards!

Terrence
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Greg G. on March 19, 2013, 04:37:33 PM
Supposed to be a picture of a basketball phone.

http://tinyurl.com/c6kqkjw (http://tinyurl.com/c6kqkjw) ( dead link 02-15-21 )
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Western Electric on April 04, 2013, 10:11:43 PM
LOOk!
:o  :o :o
http://www.ebay.com/itm/130883051981 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/130883051981) ( dead link 02-15-21 )

Uh this is supposed to be a a listing for a phone not a DOG!
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: LarryInMichigan on April 04, 2013, 10:13:29 PM
Quote from: Western Electric on April 04, 2013, 10:11:43 PM
LOOk!
:o  :o :o
http://www.ebay.com/itm/130883051981 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/130883051981)
Uh this is supposed to be a a listing for a phone not a DOG!

I sure wouldn't want that "Desk Model" on my desk :o

Larry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on April 04, 2013, 11:49:11 PM
They must have figured it out. Now it is a $190 Gray Dog...err WECo 500.

Terry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Western Electric on April 05, 2013, 09:38:09 AM
No It is a Neco 500 Look at the 0
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Mr. Bones on April 05, 2013, 07:52:37 PM
Wow!

     I can't believe that grey phone hasn't been snatched up, already ::)!

Best regards!
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on April 06, 2013, 07:51:57 AM
Not the worst but also, not anywhere near the best.

"Vintage Bell System WesternElectric phone receiver cream color"

Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: DavePEI on April 07, 2013, 09:04:18 AM
Still trying to figure out what the first photo in the thread is, but it reminds me of the photo below! Look way up the worm hole. See the detail a little focusing can show?  :)

Note: Terry just pointed out that Briny has also had the same idea. Sorry, I hadn't read his post, but I have been thinking of the Looney Tunes logo ever since I saw the original photo as Briny did! Guess Briny and I both use Google image search!

Dave
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Greg G. on April 07, 2013, 02:06:49 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15JssBJf1xo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15JssBJf1xo)
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on April 29, 2013, 11:24:21 PM
I guess this is an auction for a book. I stumbled upon it in a search for AE phones. The authour is AE Harper. Even for a book I would think they might have been able to include a better picture than this one which is the ONLY picture in the auction.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/380631219048 ( dead link 02-15-21 )

Terry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on April 30, 2013, 07:55:28 AM
Looks like one of those brown paper grocery bag book protector jackets we used to put on our grade school books back in the 50s. Might be taped on so well the seller couldn't remove it without doing damage to the book. Very informative on the seller's part.

Then, again, from Amazon, used for $100 . . .

http://www.amazon.com/Rhombic-Antenna-Design-A-E-Harper/dp/B001NY3MMA

Different color, same cover.  :-\

Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: LarryInMichigan on April 30, 2013, 08:27:13 AM
Quote from: AE_Collector on April 29, 2013, 11:24:21 PM
I guess this is an auction for a book. I stumbled upon it in a search for AE phones. The authour is AE Harper. Even for a book I would think they might have been able to include a better picture than this one which is the ONLY picture in the auction.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/380631219048

Terry

Don't judge a book by its cover :D
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on April 30, 2013, 10:38:48 AM
My bet is that the cover IS more interesting than the contents when it comes to "Rhombic Antenae Design  "

Terry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: HarrySmith on May 01, 2013, 04:52:43 PM
Stumbled across this yesterday, supposed to be a WE award pin. The seller has 2 more auctions with the same single picture! Sorry, I did not save the auction link, only this incredible picture ;D
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: twocvbloke on May 01, 2013, 06:58:53 PM
Not the worst, but I thought it was bad enough.... :D

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121102342105 ( dead link 02-15-21 )

Unless it's in Australia.... :D
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Mr. Bones on May 01, 2013, 07:12:37 PM
Quote from: twocvbloke on May 01, 2013, 06:58:53 PM
Not the worst, but I thought it was bad enough.... :D

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121102342105

Unless it's in Australia.... :D

Wow!

     I didn't realize that GPO made 'Convertibles'! They forgot to switch the dial around, though!  :D

Best regards!

Terrence
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: twocvbloke on May 01, 2013, 10:49:21 PM
Quote from: Mr. Bones on May 01, 2013, 07:12:37 PMWow!

     I didn't realize that GPO made 'Convertibles'! They forgot to switch the dial around, though!  :D

Oddly enough, they did, the first one in the 700 series was the 706, before they developed the 711 wall phone, just add the appropriate conversion hook and the T-bar bracket, twist the dial round by 180 degrees, and a desk phone becomes a wall phone like my dialless 706...  ;D

The 746 apparently didn't have that option, but the pusbutton ones did, and the cases for those were from the 746 so they too can be converted to wall use as per the 706, just with a different conversion hook... :D
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: poplar1 on May 17, 2013, 01:41:45 PM
This is the only photo for a 2500MMGB. The seller says "no visible defects." I don't see any either:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/290917567830 ( dead link 02-15-21 )
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: twocvbloke on May 17, 2013, 02:08:51 PM
The tape looks a bit old, that could be a defect... :D
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on May 26, 2013, 07:28:56 PM
"Hand Crank Magneto Telephone Generator AS 4 Bar Works Steam Punk "

I realize it's Steam Punk but where's the crank?  ???

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121117088293  first one listed at $19.90 plus shipping

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121117087724  and a second one up at $49.90 plus shipping

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121117087029  and a third one up at $59.90 plus shipping

( dead links 02-15-21 )


All with the same listing photo  :D
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on May 26, 2013, 11:59:47 PM
Interesting. The same seller for all 3 and the seller put up that one picture for each auction until the seller had time to go back and add the actual photos of the items for sale. Learned something tonight. And, the 3rd one does look nice.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Mr. Bones on June 30, 2013, 10:28:14 PM
2124 here. Apparently, they heard you, and posted a few additional pics. I cringe so very much at how many cool, soft plastic phones I come across, that have been 'Donkey- Punched', oops, 'modularized'.

Best regards!
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on July 01, 2013, 08:34:42 AM
Quote from: Mr. Bones on June 30, 2013, 10:28:14 PMApparently, they heard you, and posted a few additional pics.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time I've seen this. It's frustrating from a buyer's point of view when a listing goes up with limited or temporary unrelated photos and it's really not in the best interest of the seller to do that. What's the hurry in listing an undocumented item? If extra or correct pictures are available a few hours after listing an item, then why couldn't they be available and put up at the time of listing? How many people are going to go back to a poorly photographed listing to see what the item really looks like? Such sellers apparently don't want the whole universe of potential buyers to become interested in their items, I guess. JMHO, of course.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: HarrySmith on July 01, 2013, 02:20:15 PM
The seller also peeled off the sticker that probably had a refurb date in the 70's on it to reveal the 58 date ???
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: HarrySmith on July 14, 2013, 08:44:02 AM
This is not a bad picture but it is not a "Vintage BLACK Rotary Dial Desk Telephone Northern Telecom Phone Working Great" ???

http://www.ebay.com/itm/200937931032 ( dead link 02-15-21 )
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on July 14, 2013, 10:45:11 AM
It never ceases to amaze me how many different and unique models Nortel produced over the years. I hadn't seen that one before!

Terry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: zaphod01 on July 14, 2013, 10:49:59 AM
And then there is the ever popular F1...


Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on July 14, 2013, 10:52:59 AM
Quote from: AE_Collector on July 14, 2013, 10:45:11 AMIt never ceases to amaze me how many different and unique models Nortel produced over the years. I hadn't seen that one before!

That would be the vintage, very rare and hard to find "Pinecone Phone Home" stealth model used in the deep northern woods for undercover work by plastic and bland potato head operatives, right?   8)
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: HarrySmith on July 19, 2013, 04:36:41 PM
Here is another, an auction for
"vintage telephone shoulder rest Phone-Ease white UNC with Original Box"
Even states in the decription
"see photos for condition"

http://www.ebay.com/itm/350837743651  ( dead link 02-15-21 )
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: WesternElectricBen on July 19, 2013, 04:39:11 PM
Tell him you would like to see the item and they should probably get their driveway fixed. hahaha

Ben
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on August 27, 2013, 09:55:27 PM
This one that is right up there . . . Top 10 maybe?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/200957597387  ( dead link 02-15-21 )

And what a phone, to boot! Seller says it's a "Blue and green monkey wall phone from justice."

If I saw that on my carpet, I'd step on it . . . :D
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: david@london on October 25, 2013, 06:11:51 PM
great photo, but doesn't quite match the description ............

Two Black Antique Rotary Telephones Western Electric F1 and AT&T RM500DM. Phone.For sale is are two antique telephones. A Western Electric F1 rotary telephone, and an RM500 DM. Both are in excellent cosmetic condition and great working order.US $65.00 buy it now

ebay link.....http://tinyurl.com/ll9qxmy...........  ( dead link 02-15-21 )

Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on October 25, 2013, 07:29:07 PM
Don't think you are allowed to buy/sell/import/export turtles in North America are you? He could be in big trouble!

Terry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on December 08, 2013, 09:56:57 AM
It's not the worst picture, sort of, but it's the lighting they used to take the picture that amazed me in this eBay listing.

They could have at least pulled up the window blinds, ya think?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171191315187  ( dead link 02-15-21 )

It's a reasonably (?) priced "G-Tel Model 707 Coin" telephone at $20 bid and $30 BIN (plus $18 in shipping).
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on December 15, 2013, 12:09:36 PM
I just don't understand some sellers. They are asking $220 BIN plus $24.55 in shipping for this phone. They pay to list it on eBay and take the time to create the listing with 7 photos. And then they use this photo as the main listing photo to present the phone to the buying public. The other 6 photos provided aren't much better and the crack on the receiver is still visible.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281227885475  ( dead link 02-15-21 )
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Contempra on December 15, 2013, 12:58:16 PM
obviously, an image like this is not serious for a seller. Probably that the seller knows for the crack on the receiver and he does not want that we see this crack..sorry for my English ;)
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Matilo Telephones on December 15, 2013, 01:28:54 PM
Maybe he purposely blurred the picture with photoshop to try to obscure that crack.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Greg G. on December 15, 2013, 01:55:40 PM
Even in the blurry picture, the crack shows.  Just say no!
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on January 01, 2014, 10:45:01 AM
Here's an interesting entry into this topic  :D to start the New Year off. This listing was about 4 1/2 hours old when I found it. The seller says the phone he is selling is an ". . .  Antique/Vintage Bakelite A rare series with carry handle Black Rotary Phone, as in pictures. Condition- Rare - untested dont have a land line ( was working last time used, 20 years ago been in storage) Unsure if it works as it's analogue but great for a collector of vintage Telephony or Bakelite as in picture very clean apart for a few little chip as espected for it age"

http://www.ebay.com/itm/350967092465 ( dead link 02-15-21 )

This is the one and only photo posted for this $183 US plus $62 shipping phone from Australia. Maybe more will be posted over time. Seems to be a photo and not a mirror reflection.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: DavePEI on January 01, 2014, 10:49:13 AM
She is damaged:

"Condition: As in picture very clean apart for a few little chip as expected for it age"

Dave
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: LarryInMichigan on January 01, 2014, 11:51:14 AM
Quote from: DavePEI on January 01, 2014, 10:49:13 AM
She is damaged:

"Damaged" hardly suffices.

Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: tallguy58 on January 01, 2014, 12:51:39 PM
Uh...I think that's a guy.

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

:o :o
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Contempra on January 01, 2014, 01:26:41 PM
Darn !, he looks like a man... :o
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Matilo Telephones on January 01, 2014, 01:52:20 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on January 01, 2014, 10:45:01 AM
Here's an interesting entry into this topic  :D to start the New Year off. This listing was about 4 1/2 hours old when I found it. The seller says the phone he is selling is an ". . .  Antique/Vintage Bakelite A rare series with carry handle Black Rotary Phone, as in pictures. Condition- Rare - untested dont have a land line ( was working last time used, 20 years ago been in storage) Unsure if it works as it's analogue but great for a collector of vintage Telephony or Bakelite as in picture very clean apart for a few little chip as espected for it age"

http://www.ebay.com/itm/350967092465

This is the one and only photo posted for this $183 US plus $62 shipping phone from Australia. Maybe more will be posted over time. Seems to be a photo and not a mirror reflection.

Carry handle. My guess a Belgian RTT 56 a or b.

Why do you think it is not a mirror relfection? It is a reflection in 2 mirrors. You can see where they end at the top of the pic, and the seem of the mirrors on the right hand side. It looks to me like a classic selfy in the mirror shot. Otherwise he/she would hold the camera in front of here face, as she would be taking a pic of the other picture taker.

Also the facial expression is more of someone who looks at their own image instead of someone in the face.

I assume it is a pic of the seller.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on January 01, 2014, 02:05:46 PM
Quote from: Matilo Telephones on January 01, 2014, 01:52:20 PM
Why do you think it is not a mirror relfection? It is a reflection in 2 mirrors. You can see where they end at the top of the pic, and the seem of the mirrors on the right hand side.

You're right. The color is so close I didn't notice the mirror color and wall color were just a bit different. And the vertical seam is obvious.

So, if we were the mirror, here is what we would have seen. At least they got the TP on the roll correctly . . . ;)
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on January 04, 2014, 09:50:15 PM
Here are some "Good Pics" on a Craig's List item that flhusa1 posted here:
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=10896.0

It is a WECo 557B Cordboard. First picture isn't bad but the second and third really go the distance to supply all of the answers to your questions after seeing the first picture.

Terry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on January 04, 2014, 09:56:18 PM
Quote from: AE_Collector on January 04, 2014, 09:50:15 PM
It is a WECo 551B Cordboard. First picture isn't bad but the second and third really go the distance to supply all of the answers to your questions after seeing the first picture.

Saw those and I agree with you. So, for posterity, for anyone looking at this post 100 years from now, here they are, all 5 photos posted, in full color as found on CL. (dual on line posting, Terry  ;))
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Adam on May 06, 2014, 12:26:07 AM
Posted tonight to eBay.  I believe this pic may just be the best one yet.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151295798807 ( dead link 02-15-21 )

---------------------

EDIT: Uploaded the same photo posted by Adam but with a blue border to make the photo more understandable in the context of his post and this topic
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on May 11, 2014, 12:32:28 PM
I've been looking for one if those! It's a marine map of the Vancouver Island coastline just off of our coast of British Columba....isn't it?

The seller explains it all right here:
OLDER PHONE RARE COLOR MAKE YOUR OFFER ACCORDINGLY-  I HAVE NOT CLEANED THIS, I RUSHED TO GET THE PICTURE IN. CLEANING AND SHINNING OF THE BRASS METAL PARTS IS UP TO YOU.

NEVER rush to get the picture in!!!

Terry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on May 11, 2014, 12:42:00 PM
Quote from: Adam on May 06, 2014, 12:26:07 AM
Posted tonight to eBay.  I believe this pic may just be the best one yet.

Sometime within the past 5 days the seller "updated" the eBay listing with a better photo of the phone, not a better phone, just a better picture of the phone as originally listed. Sorry, Terry - no map.

And, over that time period, the phone was put on "SALE" for 24 hours, of which 22 are left as of this post.

For posterity:

--------------------

"WHAT YOU SEE WHAT YOU GET MAKE YOUR OFFER"

Time left: 24d 01h (Jun 04, 2014 10:38:44 PDT)

Was: US $124.99 - You save: $15.00 (12% off)
Sale ends in 22 hours:  Price: US $109.99
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Greg G. on July 11, 2014, 01:33:41 AM
It's not the picture, but the back drop, somebody's unmade bed, sheesh!


http://tinyurl.com/l9dvc8k ( dead link 02-15-21 )



Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on August 23, 2014, 01:14:54 PM
Seller wants at least $240 plus shipping for this phone (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-phone-/181504353790?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a4280a5fe) ( dead link 02-15-21 ) and seems to need the money to buy a new camera.

Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: twocvbloke on August 23, 2014, 01:40:32 PM
Quote from: Brinybay on July 11, 2014, 01:33:41 AM
It's not the picture, but the back drop, somebody's unmade bed, sheesh!

Most of the pictures I take of my phones are on my bed, though I keep the unmade bits out of the camera's view... ;D
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: WesternElectricBen on August 23, 2014, 06:56:30 PM
I was just looking at this phone, and it sold at the same second, once I found this topic. The pictures are fine, but the picture of the bottom is horrible.

Ben
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on November 16, 2014, 10:27:30 AM
The seller wants someone to buy this dial for $105.60 (with free shipping which is probably $5.60) based on these two pictures . . .

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281499236952 ( dead link 02-15-21 )


xzzx - worst eBay photos - xzzx
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on December 28, 2014, 04:42:52 AM
Another contender in this topic.

Seller's description is "YOU ARE BIDDING ON AN OLD BLACK ROTARY DESK PHONE IN FAIR CONDITION PLEASE CHECK PHOTOS IN THE SCAN YOU WILL RECEIVE THE PHONE IN THE SCAN IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND THANK YOU FOR LOOKING."

I checked the photos to see what is meant by "fair conditon" but seems they also are in "fair" condition. Another handicapped-by-seller listing.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281541006669
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: andre_janew on December 28, 2014, 12:58:41 PM
I'm not sure what kind of phone it is.  I could be a WE 500 or a WE5300 with a G-1 handset.  It could be black or a dark blue color.  Whatever model or color it is, more light is needed on the subject.  This is what happens when you try to take pictures in the dark!
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: twocvbloke on December 28, 2014, 01:59:58 PM
Quote from: andre_janew on December 28, 2014, 12:58:41 PM
I'm not sure what kind of phone it is.  I could be a WE 500 or a WE5300 with a G-1 handset.

It's got a big butt so I'd say 500 series (can't see any extras though, such as switches, a mushroom lamp, etc.), the 5302 has a back end that's about level with the back of the cradle... :)
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: andre_janew on December 29, 2014, 05:44:27 PM
Your eyesight must be better than mine.  I couldn't tell if it had a big butt or not!
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Russ Kirk on December 30, 2014, 12:41:09 PM
Looks like the seller updated the listing with clear photos.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: andre_janew on December 30, 2014, 06:58:14 PM
Looks like twocvbloke was right!  It is a WE500!
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: twocvbloke on December 31, 2014, 05:56:23 AM
I just put it down to the brightness and clarity of my laptop's screen, on my mobile phone it looks like an indistinguishable black lump thst could be anything, even a lump of coal... ;D
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: zaphod01 on January 18, 2015, 06:24:12 AM
Notice the upside down BS button in the upper right hand corner.

I think I would have edited that out...

Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: compubit on January 21, 2015, 07:32:05 PM
How about this one?
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: compubit on January 21, 2015, 07:33:08 PM
These should help figure out what the item is...

Jim
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on February 15, 2015, 12:21:38 AM
How 'bout offering $6.50 opening bid for...uhh...whatever this is... :-\ :o

http://m.ebay.com/itm/361216664964

Edit: link added!
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on February 15, 2015, 12:28:22 AM
Quote from: WEBellSystemChristian on February 15, 2015, 12:21:38 AM
How 'bout offering $6.50 opening bid for...uhh...whatever this is... :-\ :o

Link?
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: andre_janew on February 15, 2015, 01:58:57 PM
I think it is supposed to be a picture of a WE phone of some sort, but due to technical difficulties the picture got a bit--um--scrambled(?).
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on February 15, 2015, 02:13:39 PM
That had to be intentional.

Rearranging the pieces given shows a bit more of what the phone is but there are some strips missing. Might be in the eBay listing which we can check out once the link is give.

-------------------------

EDIT: on closer review with better software, all of the parts are there. First photo below is of parts re-arranged and the second is after color and brightness adjustment along with willing in the gaps.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: xhausted110 on February 15, 2015, 02:41:22 PM
Quote from: zaphod01 on January 18, 2015, 06:24:12 AM
Notice the upside down BS button in the upper right hand corner.

I think I would have edited that out...



I want that button :)
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on February 15, 2015, 06:28:44 PM
Quote from: WEBellSystemChristian on February 15, 2015, 12:21:38 AM
How 'bout offering $6.50 opening bid for...uhh...whatever this is... :-\ :o

Still waiting for the link. The seller had to have taken several prints and physically cut them apart to re-arrange to pieces. But to what end, to get attention for a so-so black phone?

See the re-arranged back together photos above.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on February 15, 2015, 07:17:21 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on February 15, 2015, 06:28:44 PM
Quote from: WEBellSystemChristian on February 15, 2015, 12:21:38 AM
How 'bout offering $6.50 opening bid for...uhh...whatever this is... :-\ :o

Still waiting for the link. The seller had to have taken several prints and physically cut them apart to re-arrange to pieces. But to what end, to get attention for a so-so black phone?

See the re-arranged back together photos above.
Sorry! I forgot to insert the link when I posted the picture, and I exited out of the page before you asked for it. Fortunately, I found the ebay page and put it in my original post.

By the way, John, that's some pretty cool photo editing! It's like something out of a forensics T.V show! :o
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on February 15, 2015, 07:52:50 PM
Quote from: WEBellSystemChristian on February 15, 2015, 07:17:21 PM
Sorry! I forgot to insert the link when I posted the picture, and I exited out of the page before you asked for it. Fortunately, I found the ebay page and put it in my original post.

Thanks, and thanks. His other phones are not chopped up as this one was. It had to be intentional, but to what end we will never know.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on February 15, 2015, 08:03:20 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on February 15, 2015, 07:52:50 PM
Quote from: WEBellSystemChristian on February 15, 2015, 07:17:21 PM
Sorry! I forgot to insert the link when I posted the picture, and I exited out of the page before you asked for it. Fortunately, I found the ebay page and put it in my original post.

Thanks, and thanks. His other phones are not chopped up as this one was. It had to be intentional, but to what end we will never know.
Maybe he was getting desperate over a zombie listing, and decided to 'spruce up' the cover picture by distorting it to grab people's attention. I probably shouldn't be joking about him, since it caught my attention!
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Kenton K on February 16, 2015, 02:56:33 AM
I have noticed that numerous ebay listing photos have been totally distorted and chopped up lately. Usually on the ipad though. I doubt it was intentional, why would anybody do this to a photo and list it? I think its ebay's photo software.

Ken
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on March 14, 2015, 01:30:06 AM
While not the "worst" photos on eBay by a long shot, I would highly recommend that seller take photos either before or after it rains.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-Western-Electric-LIMITED-RD1948-GI-Black-Rotary-Desk-Phone-591A-B-/281628893705

BIN $27.99 plus shipping
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on March 15, 2015, 07:29:50 PM
Can just chalk this one up to a real big Ooooops! It's happened before; will happen again, I'm sure.

Looks like a photography light meter, or flash of some sorts.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Rotary-Dial-Phone-Western-Electric-Telephone-Ivory-White-500DM-Works-/191537300102
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: andre_janew on March 16, 2015, 12:57:06 PM
I checked today.  He finally put up the right picture.  Do you think he finally realized his mistake?
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on May 04, 2015, 12:28:00 AM
Maybe he should switch out his wide-angle lens for ebay pictures?

I'll admit, I think the Starlite looks more graceful in this picture than is does in reality! :o

http://www.ebay.com/itm/141656672372
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: compubit on May 04, 2015, 12:32:27 AM
I want one that looks like that in real life!!! (maybe not brown, but...)

Jim
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on May 04, 2015, 12:35:14 AM
Quote from: compubit on May 04, 2015, 12:32:27 AM
I want one that looks like that in real life!!! (maybe not brown, but...)

Jim
That actually wouldn't be a bad phone design; sort of like a crossover of a Princess and a Starlite! I probably couldn't get over that 5-inch dial though...
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: savageje on May 04, 2015, 07:27:43 PM
Quote from: WEBellSystemChristian on May 04, 2015, 12:35:14 AM
Quote from: compubit on May 04, 2015, 12:32:27 AM
I want one that looks like that in real life!!! (maybe not brown, but...)

Jim
That actually wouldn't be a bad phone design; sort of like a crossover of a Princess and a Starlite! I probably couldn't get other that 5-inch dial though...

LOL.  When I first scrolled down and looked at that picture I had to blink and rub my eyes.  I thought I was having some sort of an episode.  You're right, though, that wouldn't be all that bad a design.  It has some late 1960s - early 1970s "funkiness" about it.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on May 04, 2015, 08:11:31 PM
The rotary version of the "Big Button Phone"!

That phone is from pretty close to home. I look out our windows across the Fraser River to 604-58x territory, same as the number on the dial.

Terry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on May 04, 2015, 08:29:04 PM
Quote from: AE_Collector on May 04, 2015, 08:11:31 PM
That phone is from pretty close to home. I look out our windows across the Fraser River to 604-58x territory, same as the number on the dial.

Terry
You can also look out across the river and see that huge dial looming over the houses on the horizon! ;D
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on May 05, 2015, 09:10:50 PM
Quote from: WEBellSystemChristian on May 04, 2015, 08:29:04 PM
You can also look out across the river and see that huge dial looming over the houses on the horizon! ; D

Well, yeah but the top is surrounded by clouds.

Terry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: compubit on May 05, 2015, 10:17:32 PM
Quote from: AE_Collector on May 04, 2015, 08:11:31 PM
The rotary version of the "Big Button Phone"!

Terry
This put me into "memory mode"
I remember when Southwestern Bell was pushing Touch Tone service, they had ads on TV with the concept "What if Push Buttons hadn't been invented?" And proceeded to show cases where a rotary dial was used instead of a keypad: (2 I remember) 
- Calculator
- Elevator - the elevator had a huge dial with something like 30 finger holes to "dial your floor"

I wish I had a copy on tape (couldn't find it online...).  Wouldn't be surprised if the other Baby Bells had a similar ad...

Jim
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on August 24, 2015, 07:35:08 PM
Seller listed this 302 as a

"1940 Western Electric 302 Rotary Dial Telephone #5 Dial Pristine #`s $ Letters"

at http://www.ebay.com/itm/281779168587 which ends in less than two days for $26 plus $13 shipping, but no bids so far,

and with this description:  "1940 302 Western Electric Rotary Dial Telephone Number 5 Dial The Dial is marked in red 5 H 49 The dial is pristine the Number`s And Letters The Porcelain Dial Is Pristine no hair lines or cracks the dial moves smooth the Celluloid number card is pristine there is a small nick beside the finger stop The F1 Hand set is complete  and no damage The 302 has a thick Spaghetti hand set cord. The 302 will need a base cord  The Bottom plate and shoes are in good condition. Over all the 302 has lots of luster."

I wonder why? Might be a great phone but hard to tell from the photos. I got burned a few times buying phones with good pictures so this would be a black box flyer for me.

I just don't get it. All the hassle of creating a listing and having what may be a fine item and then using these photos to sell it. A reasonably good digital camera cost about the same as this phone. All in my humble opinion, of course. But, I just don't get it . . .
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on August 27, 2015, 07:59:18 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on August 24, 2015, 07:35:08 PM
Seller listed this 302 as a

"1940 Western Electric 302 Rotary Dial Telephone #5 Dial Pristine #`s $ Letters"

at http://www.ebay.com/itm/281779168587 which ends in less than two days for $26 plus $13 shipping, but no bids so far, . . .

Well, it didn't sell with a requested starting bid of $26 plus $13 shipping so the seller relisted it with a requested starting bid of $35.60, plus $13 shipping.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271968647162   ( dead link 02-16-21 )

Same photos, go figure . . .
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: HarrySmith on August 27, 2015, 09:40:02 PM
Great selling strategy! First, make sure nobody can see any details of the item and if it doesn't sell the first time around relist it for a higher price! Brilliant!
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Mr. Bones on August 29, 2015, 04:57:27 PM
Same number of bidders, as well... ::)

Best regards!
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: 19and41 on August 29, 2015, 06:56:04 PM
It's fuzzy logic!
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on September 13, 2015, 08:15:25 AM
Quote from: 19and41 on August 29, 2015, 06:56:04 PM
It's fuzzy logic!

And it's back as a 4th relist (original - $26.50; 1st relist - $35.60; 2nd relist - $25.60; 3rd relist - $25.60; Current listing - $21.60) at its lowest price ever but the same fuzzy pictures. I can't imagine why this phone doesn't sell . . .   

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1940-Western-Electric-302-Rotary-Dial-Telephone-5-Dial-Pristine-s-Letters-/281798262249 ( dead link 02-16-21 )
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: andre_janew on September 13, 2015, 10:40:07 AM
The photos are so blurry, they make the ones I took of my 5302 look clear!
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: DiaLen on September 13, 2015, 12:53:07 PM
Beyond the poor photography is the issue of why did the seller tear the phone apart? I would hesitate to buy it based on the fact that it's been disassembled needlessly. Who knows what the buyer will end up with.
What a shame.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: andre_janew on September 13, 2015, 03:56:03 PM
I agree with you.  When I sold my 5302, the only parts I took out were the handset elements.  I did, however, show pictures of the insides of the phone.  I didn't disassemble it like this seller did.  The way I did it was the way a lot of sellers were doing it at the time.  I think the way I did it was the right way to do it.  I can understand your hesitation to buy from this seller.  Will he be able to put it back together right or will he ship me a bunch of parts?
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: zaphod01 on November 01, 2015, 01:25:41 AM
Another contribution from a frequent flyer on this thread. Turned out to be a very nice 20-B converted to a 20AL. First image is supposed to show the 20AL punch on the front of the solid perch. Turned out to be a very nice phone with an excellent 1904 side screw base.

Bought the other 20-B he had listed and got both for about $180 including shipping. Photos on second 20-B were so poor they didn't indicate a trip to ye old lamp-maker. Receiver was in great shape other than the coat of GOLD PAINT. I spent several hours getting that darn paint removed. Perch wasn't ground down and it will make a nice phone. Perch, transmitter face plate and switch hook are plated. Best original nickel I've seen in a while.


Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: DavePEI on November 01, 2015, 04:43:53 AM
My favorite in this thread is Terry's "Time Tunnel", which started out the thread. Then Briny found the Warner Brothers Loony Tunes Logo which is a near perfect match! It is amazing what can come through a worm hole, even Bugs bunny!

That one was a classic!
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on November 01, 2015, 10:19:49 AM
Great pictures Zaphod01. As we know, EBay is all about good marketing!

And yes, that Time Tunnel picture still makes me laugh every time I see it Dave. I saw that picture on ebay years ago and instantly thought "Time for a new topic on CRPF"!

Terry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Tech&Music on November 01, 2015, 10:36:44 AM
Quote from: zaphod01 on January 18, 2015, 06:24:12 AM
Notice the upside down BS button in the upper right hand corner.

I think I would have edited that out...
Haha, I have that exact button! Very useful for BS ads on the Internet :)
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on January 01, 2016, 07:35:59 PM
This one probably takes the cake as 'relevant but least informative';

www.ebay.com/itm/111862199632
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: rdelius on January 01, 2016, 09:16:13 PM
SC receiver
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Phonesrfun on January 01, 2016, 09:23:31 PM
Quote from: rdelius on January 01, 2016, 09:16:13 PM
SC receiver

....and the modern cordless version.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Buzby on January 09, 2016, 02:17:22 PM
The description doesn't say much. Perhaps looking at the pictures will give me some answers.

Oh, wait..........

Vintage-Western-Electric-Telephone-Wood-Wall-Phone-Rotary-Dial-EXC (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Western-Electric-Telephone-Wood-Wall-Phone-Rotary-Dial-EXC-/181983847566?hash=item2a5f15248e:g:oesAAOSwKtlWjdPy)

Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: compubit on January 09, 2016, 10:15:33 PM
A few of the other items from the same vendor...

J

Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Buzby on January 09, 2016, 10:43:19 PM
Quote from: compubit on January 09, 2016, 10:15:33 PM
A few of the other items from the same vendor...

J

I'd like a pint of what he's drinking.  :o
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on January 09, 2016, 11:13:44 PM
And some of his "mis-pictured" stuff sells. So what's going on,  seller moving stuff under the cover of eBay to send questionable items to buyers who "know" what to buy?
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Buzby on January 09, 2016, 11:41:52 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on January 09, 2016, 11:13:44 PM
And some of his "mis-pictured" stuff sells. So what's going on,  seller moving stuff under the cover of eBay to send questionable items to buyers who "know" what to buy?

I was thinking along the same lines, John, but thought it more a user error.

I stand corrected.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on January 10, 2016, 12:53:57 AM
Quote from: Buzby on January 09, 2016, 11:41:52 PM
I was thinking along the same lines, John, but thought it more a user error.

I stand corrected.

Nothing to correct. Just thinking alike. And since the first post of this above, two more items have been posted. One way to find out what's going on is to actually buy one of these and see what shows up in the mail.

The "mis=pictured" sold items were all BIN. Many of the for sale items are BIN and the seller uses the same picture for different items. 

Just weird. Kind of like that empty cardboard box that sold a few months ago, it was posted on the forum somewhere, and sold for I think $25. Just a plain, empty rather large cardboard box with a bit of trash in it.

A pdf printout of all of the seller's currently available items is attached for posterity.

Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on January 10, 2016, 12:57:26 AM
At least once a year I find myself re-reading this entire topic from start to finish. I just now finished reading it all again. I always get many laughs reading the comments. One of my favorite topics on CRPF.

Terry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: andre_janew on January 10, 2016, 03:37:43 PM
Hopefully, the right pictures will get put up soon.  Otherwise they'll be some disgruntled customers out there who didn't get what they thought they would get.  Also, picture #1 could be wrong but the rest could be correct.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on January 10, 2016, 05:35:07 PM
Quote from: andre_janew on January 10, 2016, 03:37:43 PM
Hopefully, the right pictures will get put up soon.  Otherwise they'll be some disgruntled customers out there who didn't get what they thought they would get.  Also, picture #1 could be wrong but the rest could be correct.

Look at this pdf of all currently available items

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3908.0;attach=135040

and count how many of the 61 items are mis-pictured. And how many times the same picture is used for different item.

Just scroll down through that pdf file and as you do, look at each picture and then read the item description.

Seller has a 100% feedback on 26 items but has sold 43. That would be 17 who did not provide feedback of any kind.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: b3tamax11 on June 19, 2016, 11:02:51 PM
I guess they rolled out of bed in the dark of the night and decided to sell their 500 set.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on June 20, 2016, 01:12:43 AM
Quote from: b3tamax11 on June 19, 2016, 11:02:51 PM
I guess they rolled out of bed in the dark of the night and decided to sell their 500 set.
;D
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Fabius on December 22, 2016, 09:34:30 PM
This seller found just the right angle to take the item's picture. In fact it was sooooo perfect a few more from the same spot where added. And while your at it go for the avent guard effect where focus and lighting aren't important.

http://tinyurl.com/gvl5cxz ( dead link 02-16-21 )

Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Jack Ryan on December 22, 2016, 09:44:26 PM
Quote from: Fabius on December 22, 2016, 09:34:30 PM
This seller found just the right angle to take the item's picture. In fact it was sooooo perfect a few more from the same spot where added. And while your at it go for the avent guard effect where focus and lighting aren't important.

http://tinyurl.com/gvl5cxz



And just in case a detail slips through - wrap the cord around it several times.

Jack
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Pourme on December 22, 2016, 10:14:24 PM
Location, location, location......
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Dan/Panther on December 23, 2016, 11:45:49 AM
It's obvious to me the auction is for 4 phones.
D/P
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: andre_janew on December 23, 2016, 12:20:38 PM
I think it is the same phone taken from four slightly different angles.  I see pill bottles in the background and wonder if the seller was over medicated!
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on December 23, 2016, 03:48:23 PM
Hey, at least he did the dishes first! Looking at the ebBay link I thought he had posted the same picture four times but quickly clicking through them reveals minuscule changes to the angle and amount of light. It is always nice to have multiple different views so that all details can be examined closely!  :(

Terry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on December 23, 2016, 05:50:39 PM
To me, it's the same photo but the top two are cropped a bit different than the bottom two.

If you don't look for differences on the edges, which there are due to cropping, the items in the center of the photo, those common to all 4, are placed exactly the same in all 4. The water drops in the sink, the line on the drapes intersected by the open dish soap bottle, the way the white cap on the smaller bottle fits into the black circle on the larger shaker bottle behind it, the way the lower left face plate meets the upper left of the sink corner, the way the modular plug is the same under the crossing cord and then the marks and reflections on the face plate. The seller may have electronically lightened the bottom two image slightly showing a bit more upper left reflection but the reflection itself is the same, just larger being lighter. Being cropped slight differently, it may be that the seller did take just one photo and then tried to adjust the image and then crop it, for some reason. Of course, just my opinion.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Pourme on December 23, 2016, 10:49:45 PM
It would have been simpler to just take 4 unique and revealing photos....

I vote for the over medicated explanation... ;D
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on May 05, 2017, 07:15:33 PM
Maybe it would be a good idea to take the lit cigarette out of your hand before taking a photo for a $214 phone?!? ::)
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: 19and41 on May 05, 2017, 08:36:08 PM
Gee, I can almost smell that phone...
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on May 05, 2017, 09:34:41 PM
I imagined the smell that comes out of the Priority Mail box for whoever buys that phone...
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on May 07, 2017, 03:10:14 AM
That was done so they don't have to bother typing "Comes from a SMOKING household" in their description (hopefully).

Terry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AL_as_needed on May 07, 2017, 09:26:03 AM
Or in place of packing pea-nuts, its nestled in cigarette butts.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: 19and41 on May 07, 2017, 12:48:48 PM
I quit smoking years ago.  The smell nearly turns my stomach now.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on July 29, 2017, 06:53:56 PM
It has to be seen in context to appreciate while not the worst picture ever posted on eBay, for a seller to post just one image of a phone  like this makes one wonder how serious the seller is about selling the phone?

     http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-ITT-Rotary-Dial-Desk-Phone-Telephone-/282591668193 ( dead link 02-16-21 )
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: 19and41 on July 29, 2017, 08:26:11 PM
Now that is the kind of "collectible" phone one finds here.  Usually the collectors get them first and toss it in with the other trash in their truck.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on December 09, 2017, 12:04:58 AM
Not really bad pictures but more a combination of bad code stamping on the phone base (extremely typical with AE phones) and a seller who knows little about phones.

I was surprised to learn from this listing that AE was what...5 years ahead of WECo in producing early touch call phones and it isn't even a 10 button. Also, the AE Styleine was apparently introduced 10 years earlier than I thought!

In reality the date stamp is JUNE 78 not JUNE 18 and the 59 at the end isn't the year but the assembly line.

Terry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Greg G. on December 09, 2017, 01:47:53 AM
Quote from: TelePlay on July 29, 2017, 06:53:56 PM
I has to be seen in context to appreciate while not the worst picture ever posted on eBay, for a seller to post just one image of a phone  like this makes one wonder how serious the seller is about selling the phone?

Or worse yet, they are quite serious about selling, not so serious about packing!
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on December 14, 2017, 07:32:56 PM
Hard to beat these types of listing pictures as being among the worst.

     https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lucent-Technologies-2-Line-882-Personal-Information-Center-Phone/152828827496

Seller's Description:  "Good condition. "
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: 19and41 on December 14, 2017, 07:37:31 PM
Now, what says lucent better than that picture, I ask you?
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Butch Harlow on December 14, 2017, 09:36:40 PM
that photo is a tad dark.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: twocvbloke on December 15, 2017, 08:20:40 AM
I think the seller put the wrong picture up, that one is of a black cat in a coal shed...  ;D
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on December 15, 2017, 12:44:02 PM
Quote from: twocvbloke on December 15, 2017, 08:20:40 AM
I think the seller put the wrong picture up, that one is of a black cat in a coal shed...  ;D

I've seen Polar Bears in a Snow Storm but not a Black Cat in a Coal Shed before. I think I will save that picture for future reference.

Terry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on December 15, 2017, 01:04:28 PM
The eBay handle for that seller is "coffee_maker_graveyard" so that might explain his view of things.

BTW:  after one day, still the same photo.

Also, BTW:  I copied the image and ran it through Photoshop Elements and I have to say, there is something there.

If you click on this image and stare at it long enough you can see it. At first it looks like a Rorschach Test image but if you look closer, and longer, you will see it, a fractal of nothingness.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AL_as_needed on December 17, 2017, 08:31:31 AM
Quote from: TelePlay on December 15, 2017, 01:04:28 PM
If you click on this image and stare at it long enough you can see it. At first it looks like a Rorschach Test image but if you look closer, and longer, you will see it, a fractal of nothingness.

But in the seller's defense, the fractal of nothingness is in good condition.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: 19and41 on December 17, 2017, 09:09:22 AM
It was revealing to go to the auction and now see what that posted picture was supposed to be.  If it was a black cat in a coal shed, it was asleep, because no eyes were present in the nebulous blackness.  The enhanced picture looked like an infrared picture of the cats' breath.  :)
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: WEBellSystemChristian on December 17, 2017, 09:35:15 AM
Quote from: 19and41 on December 17, 2017, 09:09:22 AM
It was revealing to go to the auction and now see what that posted picture was supposed to be.  If it was a black cat in a coal shed, it was asleep, because no eyes were present in the nebulous blackness.  The enhanced picture looked like an infrared picture of the cats' breath.  :)

Or maybe a close-up of that elusive eye!
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: HarrySmith on December 17, 2017, 09:50:57 AM
Looks like the seller finally got around to putting up better pictures. Maybe the original was just a too close close up of the handset?
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on December 17, 2017, 10:02:54 AM
Quote from: HarrySmith on December 17, 2017, 09:50:57 AM
Looks like the seller finally got around to putting up better pictures.

That always raises a question of the seller's sanity. The biggest bang you get on a listing is when it is a new listing, when people bid or click watch. With no picture, neither of those happen and adding a good image days later, well, the phone is not seen until a few hours before the end time when buyers check those listing for a good deal.

I know eBay provides both a Preview mode and a Save and Continue Later option to check it and then to save it if it needs something simple, like photos. To list something with the wrong or a bad photo is just not the thing to do. Why waste the time of putting up a listing in a rush only to have sellers ignore it?
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on December 17, 2017, 01:19:44 PM
Quote from: AL_as_needed on December 17, 2017, 08:31:31 AM
But in the seller's defense, the fractal of nothingness is in good condition.

May have never been found used!

Quote from: 19and41 on December 17, 2017, 09:09:22 AM
If it was a black cat in a coal shed, it was asleep, because no eyes were present in the nebulous blackness.

That's a cats "Default Mode". I know, I've got two of them keeping the cushion in their window seat warm right now!

Terry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: FABphones on January 14, 2019, 06:07:43 PM
A, erm, thingamebob. Photo was in with bakelite parts for sale.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AL_as_needed on January 14, 2019, 07:57:53 PM
Quote from: FABphones on January 14, 2019, 06:07:43 PM
A, erm, thingamebob. Photo was in with bakelite parts for sale.

I think we found a new CRPF game. It's like Pictionary but uses less than ideal Ebay photos...
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: AE_Collector on January 21, 2019, 09:18:13 PM
I love this topic. Lots of fun to re-read it once in awhile. One of my faves is this one back on page 1.

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=3908.msg68704#msg68704

Terry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: HarrySmith on January 24, 2019, 06:30:44 PM
Here's one I just found. Only one picture for a "1908 Kellogg Candlestick."

Complete desctiption:

Antique 1908 Kellogg Brass Black Candlestick Telephone Vintage Phone. Condition is New. Shipped with USPS Priority Mail.

     https://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-1908-Kellogg-Brass-Black-Candlestick-Telephone-Vintage-Phone/273667479525      ( dead link 02-16-21 )

?hash=item3fb7da57e5:g:g-UAAOSwuA9cRjR1:rk:1:pf:0&LH_BIN=1
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Key2871 on January 24, 2019, 07:05:25 PM
Well nobody's perfect... But that candlestick is a snappy dresser. I wonder if these people actually check their listing to make sure there's no typo's, or I don't know, maybe a wrong picture....?
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on January 24, 2019, 07:12:17 PM
     Regular Member Post (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=20151.msg206412#msg206412)

Quote from: Key2871 on January 24, 2019, 07:05:25 PM
I wonder if these people actually check their listing to make sure there's no typo's, or I don't know, maybe a wrong picture....?

. . . and not only the wrong picture but the wrong picture reversed, flipped horizontally. The attached shows the word above his head correctly (not that it matters).
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Key2871 on January 24, 2019, 07:36:00 PM
Ah yes, so it tis..
I thought something was strange, but then it may have been Arabic...
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: LarryInMichigan on January 24, 2019, 09:25:14 PM
Quote from: HarrySmith on January 24, 2019, 06:30:44 PM
Here's one I just found. Only one picture for a "1908 Kellogg Candlestick."

Complete desctiption:

Antique 1908 Kellogg Brass Black Candlestick Telephone Vintage Phone. Condition is New. Shipped with USPS Priority Mail.

     https://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-1908-Kellogg-Brass-Black-Candlestick-Telephone-Vintage-Phone/273667479525

?hash=item3fb7da57e5:g:g-UAAOSwuA9cRjR1:rk:1:pf:0&LH_BIN=1


It's in remarkably good condition for being 111 years old :).

Larry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: HarrySmith on January 30, 2019, 08:50:34 AM
Here's one for a White Trimline:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/173709500796

Seller Description:

"•   Vintage AT&T Landline Corded Push Button Telephone 
•   210 Trimline
•   White
•   Lighted Dial

Plastic pin on base can be turned around to switch from desk phone to wall phone mode

Includes long modular cord to connect to wall jack.   

Very good pre-owned condition.  Tested - works great.   Typical wear from gentle use. "
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Pourme on January 30, 2019, 09:25:31 AM
Quote from: HarrySmith on January 30, 2019, 08:50:34 AM
Here's one for a White Trimline:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/173709500796

Ha!....I don't know which is funnier...the listing it's self or your reference to it!

Funny post!
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: HarrySmith on January 30, 2019, 10:18:27 AM
Might be related to this phone:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/331582530656

Posted here in June 2015:

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=1351.msg150865#msg150865
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Key2871 on January 30, 2019, 01:39:48 PM
I would classify that as hideous. That thing would drive me nuts having fur in my ear... Yikes
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: andre_janew on February 02, 2019, 06:07:22 PM
The listing for the white Trimline 210 now shows the actual phone. I was referred to it when clicking on the link provided in this thread.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: poplar1 on February 02, 2019, 08:18:53 PM
Quote from: andre_janew on February 02, 2019, 06:07:22 PM
The listing for the white Trimline 210 now shows the actual phone. I was referred to it when clicking on the link provided in this thread.

Ebay directed you to a similar active listing. However, if you click on the above link, there will be a box in the upper right corner that says
"View original item." If you click on that  box, it will show you the old listing still with a cat photo.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: HarrySmith on February 03, 2019, 07:50:21 PM
Ebay states the listing was cancelled by the seller as the item is no longer available. Maybe he found this thread!
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: andre_janew on February 05, 2019, 06:11:58 PM
Either that or someone contacted him saying that they never heard of the Trimline 210 breed of cat!
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: SunriseEarth on February 05, 2019, 07:14:50 PM
Quote from: andre_janew on February 05, 2019, 06:11:58 PM
Either that or someone contacted him saying that they never heard of the Trimline 210 breed of cat!

I thought maybe Trimline was the cat's name.  There are plenty of cats named Princess, so why not Trimline?
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: FABphones on March 04, 2019, 05:18:30 PM
Shoebox for sale?  ;D
Radiator not included.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: FABphones on March 11, 2019, 01:33:34 PM
Not sure whether this one qualifies as a worst picture or item not as described.

I present to you, a Classic Style Art Deco Telephone.........

Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: 19and41 on March 11, 2019, 01:47:20 PM
Did Art design that one personally?
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: LarryInMichigan on March 11, 2019, 02:08:47 PM
Quote from: 19and41 on March 11, 2019, 01:47:20 PM
Did Art design that one personally?

That phone was actually designed by Art's great-grandson, Arthur Deco III :).


Larry
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: tubaman on March 11, 2019, 02:27:15 PM
Nicely yellowed too. :o
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: HarrySmith on March 20, 2019, 08:05:56 AM
Here's a great picture. Not sure what it is a picture of. The strange part is this is his main picture but he has a few decent pictures in the listing. Listed as "Very old wind up phone".

https://www.ebay.com/itm/303101622041 ( dead link 02-16-21 )
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: 19and41 on March 20, 2019, 08:35:23 AM
Looks like they are winding it up over their head.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: andre_janew on March 20, 2019, 08:43:32 PM
I hope they're talking about a magneto telephone.  If not, it must be a type of toy telephone I've never seen!
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Key2871 on March 20, 2019, 09:33:25 PM
That's a great picture of the crank in fast forward.
That really catches the detail very very well.... Not so much
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: FABphones on March 26, 2019, 05:12:41 PM
Ebay 746 telephone listing photo.
As the saying goes 'hair today, gone tomorrow'.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Key2871 on March 26, 2019, 05:53:38 PM
Hey, that's one of those new hairbrush phone's!! I've heard that you can brush your hair at the same time your talking to your boss to call in sick. I think it's more geared to those lady's out there, or the hippy throw back types with long hair.
I've seen them for a better price though...
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: FABphones on May 06, 2019, 06:16:59 PM
Vintage British Telecom Bell.
Bootiful.  ;D  :o
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Key2871 on May 06, 2019, 07:31:53 PM
Oh I get it, linemans boots, right!
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: FABphones on June 04, 2019, 03:37:28 PM
This phone for sale listing is a bit loopy lupin.  ;D
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: jsowers on June 04, 2019, 04:45:32 PM
Quote from: FABphones on June 04, 2019, 03:37:28 PM
This phone for sale listing is a bit loopy lupin.  ;D
I like your pun, but those are foxgloves, otherwise known as Digitalis. So don't have a coronary and go to hospital, OK? The plant is used to make the heart medicine. I do recall the Monty Python sketch on lupines. They must be everywhere in England, but not so much here in the US. Mom did have foxgloves in the garden and that's how I remembered what they were.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: FABphones on June 04, 2019, 05:29:30 PM
Quote from: jsowers on June 04, 2019, 04:45:32 PM
I like your pun, but those are foxgloves....

Aw. ...knew someone would point that out. I just couldn't think of a foxglove pun.  :-[
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: andre_janew on June 08, 2019, 03:18:34 PM
Nice pictures, but the wrong pictures for what they are selling.  Don't they know what they are doing anymore?
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: FABphones on September 02, 2019, 02:43:45 PM
This photo must have been taken on a boat in choppy waters.....
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: FABphones on June 16, 2021, 05:39:24 AM
This photo looks like it was taken at the moment they took a tumble in the dark.   :-\
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on July 24, 2021, 12:48:02 PM
The auction on this valuable oil can turned into a junk lamp is ending in 3.5 hours so rather than posting it in Auction Talk, it is being posted here in that the seller posted his eBay images sideways or out of focus - and who really needs to see that the bulb actually lights up.

Current bid is $105 (with 3 bids).
https://www.ebay.com/itm/124815167213
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on July 24, 2021, 04:28:53 PM
Quote from: TelePlay on July 24, 2021, 12:48:02 PM
Current bid is $105 (with 3 bids).

https://www.ebay.com/itm/124815167213

Sold for $307.58
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: TelePlay on April 11, 2022, 11:47:23 PM
I think the item for sale is on the table, can't read it. Seller says it's a brass retro part "Meant to be soldiered or epoxyed in place."

https://www.ebay.com/itm/304380213706
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: Erin Tyres on October 07, 2022, 11:44:43 PM
Regarding odd descriptions:  Long before eBay, my area had a free newspaper called the Buyer's Digest, which ran classified ads for all kinds of items.

One memorable issue had listings for an "Olds Tornado" that "runs good", and a ".30-06 Mouser", which is definitely not the best way to solve a rodent problem.
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: RDPipes on October 08, 2022, 04:37:32 AM
Quote from: TelePlay on April 11, 2022, 11:47:23 PMI think the item for sale is on the table, can't read it. Seller says it's a brass retro part "Meant to be soldiered or epoxyed in place."

https://www.ebay.com/itm/304380213706

It seems this party always takes poor photos and doesn't crop but, I can see the object perfectly.
If you can't maybe it has something to do with my colorblindness?
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: HarrySmith on March 22, 2023, 10:05:05 AM
Just stumbled across an auction for a 302. Only one picture so I am not sure.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/115735294682
Title: Re: CRPF Award for "Worst Picture of an eBay auction item"
Post by: FABphones on March 22, 2023, 10:09:46 AM
Look through the window, down, to the right and behind the stack of 'Photographer of the Year' magazines.

😚