Terrible prices at the BVWS WB auction

[Radio Fixer]

Some radios went for less than the cost of a single valve !  I wont list out the outrageous ones, if you have been in the hobby a while you will know which ones.

But I have to mention the Murphy A40 for £10, from the pics it looked in good condition.

I dont know how the BVWS could do it but I reckon it needs online bidding and being open to non-members.

What would be the point in anyone driving say 100 miles to sell off good sets when they can put them in a local auction house that has these facilities and I'm told achieves better prices.

Gary

[CambridgeWorks]

Not a member and never attended BVWS auction.
Unless there are two or more interested parties, then a low winning bid is almost inevitable.
Contrast that with some UK auction house results, often with bidders from Worldwide.
There is a current thread on ukvrr concerning the equipment of deceased member Syywave. "Chard auctions".
Just look at those guide estimates shown!
Ok, commission is a lot higher than ebay or BVWS, but very good prices are often realised. Why? Internet bidding and a lot of competition, maybe Worldwide as well are a good start.
Not good if you are looking to buy something very cheaply though.
Rob

[ppppenguin]

As I understand it, a lot of the auction items are from estate clearances. When I last visited Mike Barker he loked overwhlemed with auction stock and really needed to clear it. For esates, the executors could choose other routes for disposal but it's potentially most convenient to let the BVWS do the job. Ebay is usually not a realisitc option for such clearances. A decent local auction house may get better results, or may not. Some of the Chard Auctions starting prices are at the level where they won't get any bids at all.

The BVWS online auctions have been very successful. I think they have achieved better prices than at RWB or Harpenden.

[Radio Fixer]

"The BVWS online auctions have been very successful. I think they have achieved better prices than at RWB or Harpenden."

That says it all Jeffery.

Might be even better if opened up to non-members? BVWS would still be making money from premiums.

Also you dont catch Covid: see on the other Forum that quite a few folks went down with it post WB.

Gary

[CambridgeWorks]

I agree, some Chard auction estimates are optimistic, time will tell.
But it doesn't mean it is the minimum bid. The auctioneer can decide to sell or pass.
If the bvws online were opened to non members, I wonder if traders would then be allowed to bid? They are the ones to pay high prices but as we know, are mostly interested in valves and amplifier components.
That would be detrimental to bvws members, but good for the owner submitting such items. Especially if the money goes to a deceased person's estate.

I am in the situation at the moment where I may be asked to help or advise on clearance of a large amount from a close friend who passed away. A lot is not junk either. Hence, some of my interest in what is happening at auctions.
Last time that happened, (c. 1996) there were two of us and we spent 41 man days dealing with everything! My contribution being about 15 days and a 1000 plus miles.
Rob

[Radio Fixer]

I always remember Chas Miller saying to me a lot of people at his auctions didnt like the dealers (traders). But he said I do as they keep stuff moving and the ordinary collector can always outbid them as they buy to sell on for a profit.

Gary

[peter scott]

But I have to mention the Murphy A40 for £10, from the pics it looked in good condition.

Surely the A40 wasn't this one? Was it?

https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/show...Murphy+A40

Peter

[Paul_RK]

I think the veneering is distinctly different on the BVWS example, and, though still pretty good, the finish looks rather more worn -

https://www.bvws.org.uk/auctions/photos/...120285.jpg

Still an extraordinary price, if the set was complete or nearly so. Most of the prices seem well below what such sets would fetch at our small town's local weekly auction.

Paul

[Murphyv310]

A buyers market then.
To be fair this has to be taken in perspective, less and less are into this hobby, the cost of living is effecting everyone so there is less disposable cash to spend on luxuries.
Recently there has been a spate of like minded people like us passing from this earth and there has been a number of auctions some prices reasonable but others not even making reserve.
Perhaps some will complain that they are getting peanuts for their beloved radio's for me it brings them into what I can afford IMHO bring it on!

[Radio Fixer]

"...for me it brings them into what I can afford IMHO bring it on! "

But maybe not Trevor if getting something from a BVWS swap meet is what you have in mind. Who is going to bother to take their radios to them if it means a drive and maybe not make enough to cover the cost of fuel.

Gary