Mark Forer makes an interesting observation.  I too have seen excellent and
reasonably priced machines go unsold for months and even years, yet at
auctions the same machines in dubious or even poor condition sell for more
money.  I'll never forget, I was at  the Butterfield auction where a KT
with a hole in the side for a vacuum cleaner motor went for $16,500 after
commissions.  this was back in 1994 where grade one machines could be had
for 12k.

What is the story with these auctions anyway?  Who are the buyers?

Al Menashe, in Portland.