With the growing use and exposure to the Internet, many European collectors are now trying to fetch similar prices of their collector items which have previously sold in the US through some auction houses. Everything has a realistic market value, however, there are some 'idiots' out there with loaded pockets of cash who are buying collector items without knowing their actual value, or whether the item is correct or has been restored - maybe these individuals do not mind paying 75% over and above the market value without realizing also that the USD has lost 35% against the Euro. Eventually, these fools may regret their mistakes, and such unfortunate situations are occurring right now. I have four manuals in my archive that are worth between $1,500 - $2,000 which are rarer than a early DWM manual and I wonder if they will double or triple in value in the next five years or so - $4,000+ for a manual? Jesus!! An average collector will never have a chance to own such an expensive item unless he is extremely lucky to find this item at a flea market for a cheap price.
Some rich collectors are very emotional and they throw money down on a table without blinking an eye - they buy with their eyes and get all excited over some details such as a marking, color, shape, or the type of material used for a part. Do not misunderstand me, but I do not consider some wealthy individuals as expert collectors because they do not invest time to gain knowledge - they believe that money buys them everything including knowledge - wrong. When prices of certain items go ballistic, it is usually a short-term peak/spike in the economy/market, and most likely prices will return to normal after those buyers realize their mistakes and later try to sell the same items on the market.
It is a good feeling to obtain the highest price of an item, but this 'game' always has two sides. It is important to be wise and not have false expectations.
Good luck and enjoy,
Albert
|