The comments about ridiculous prices for piano rolls have been
interesting to watch.  But, the concept is not just limited to piano
rolls -- the same applies for all aspects of selling antiques; yes,
even music boxes!

I've been watching one particular piece that's been on eBay for
many, many months.  It is a rusty Stella movement stuffed into a crazy
non-music box case and labeled as _rare!_  Yep, it's rare, alright:
a one-of-a kind!  It started out early this year at around $2500 and
was continually re-listed for a lower and lower amount.  Then it
disappeared for a month or two and is now back up for $900 or best
offer.  It's not going to sell, of course, as it's just a rusty parts
movement and a toss-able case.

It's human nature; people who know nothing about a given item will
think (hope) it's worth a small fortune and stick to the old adage that
you can always go down in price but not up.  They see "one just like
it" somewhere that someone else has priced through the ceiling and,
even though theirs is totally different, they price their item the
same.  And let's not get into the matter of what condition theirs is
in versus something that's been restored properly!

In the end, people have a right to ask whatever they want for
something.  They'll eventually find out, when it doesn't sell, that
the price was too high.   If someone buys an item at a ridiculously
high price, that's on the buyer, not the seller!

Wishing all MMD-ers a safe and healthy New Year!

Nancy Fratti - Nancy Fratti Music Boxes
Canastota, New York, USA