I think this sale might propel computer collecting into a parallel market now occupied by car collectors. In car collecting, not all cars are classic collectibles, but are worth more than scrap value because of condition, hobbyist wanting to fix up or maybe sentimentality. Think a Volkswagen bug for example. People buy those for various reasons. The classic cars that command big money are traded among very well-To-do collectors. I think Christies may be trying to duplicate the collectable car market with collectable computers.
Sent from my iPhone > On Aug 17, 2024, at 07:33, Jon Elson via cctalk <cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote: > > On 8/16/24 23:13, Sellam Abraham via cctalk wrote: >>> On Fri, Aug 16, 2024 at 10:18 AM Jon Elson via cctalk >>> <cctalk@classiccmp.org> >>> wrote: >>> >>> On 8/16/24 11:44, Sellam Abraham via cctalk wrote: >>>> On Thu, Aug 15, 2024 at 4:01 PM Kevin Anderson via cctalk < >>>> cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote: >>>> >>>>> I am surprised they have the estimated opening bids amounts for the DEC >>>>> PDP-10 systems, as well as the IBM 7090, set so low. They can't be that >>>>> numerous either. But then again, still too costly for another museum to >>>>> just pick them up. >>>>> >>>> Based on my experience with Christie's, it's because they have no idea >>> what >>>> they're doing, and they didn't bother to hire an expert to help them. >>> The whole idea of auctions is to get people sucked in, >>> salivating over the "Deal" they might get, and then keep on >>> bidding it up! It is all a scam to trap the unsophisticated >>> enthusiast. >>> >>> I think Christie's, and other auction houses DO know what >>> they are doing, and they do it very well. >>> >>> Jon >>> >> You are giving them far too much credit :) >> > Well, in this specific market niche, maybe, but I think the big auction > houses know how to hook "collectors" of all flavors in, and get insane prices > for items. They know how to make hype and buzz. > > Jon >
