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@AGHRMatt posted:

I'm still trying to wrap my brain around an auction that has a set of MTH "Blue Goose" passenger cars for $2,450 with the 2-car add-on listed for $1,500. In the final analysis, it's only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

That's only asking prices, this was a selling price for a pretty small item that doesn't even run on the rails.

I find it interesting that prices like this still shocks folks.  For a hard core Lionel collector this is probably a sought after item, and at least two folks thought so.  If they have the discretionary funds to chase after every item Lionel produced (train and non-train), then let them have their fun.  Who knows, this may have been a bargain.  Better than $8.3 million for that stupid stamp.

@MartyE posted:

Is there a history of this "paper clip" holder?  In reality it looks like it could have been sitting on JLC's desk itself.  For a collector I could see the value if it has a history.

From the eBay description, apparently it wasn't on JLC's desk.

This belonged to my dad and sat in his home office for decades. He probably got it from his dad who was a salesman and likely dealt with Manhattan M&C, the company that manufactured this.

From the eBay description, apparently it wasn't on JLC's desk.

This belonged to my dad and sat in his home office for decades. He probably got it from his dad who was a salesman and likely dealt with Manhattan M&C, the company that manufactured this.

Well it's certainly something you don't see everyday and looks like it is vintage.  I could see a collector wanting it.

Every time I think that we train collectors/etc. (of all stripes and degrees) are out of our minds, I run across a Barrett-Jackson auction show and see old Fords going for millions and millions. Yeah, I know that some are bought just to re-sell, but that just kicks the oddness down the road. I mean, I liked Steve McQueen and I enjoyed Bullitt, but not that much. (And anyway, I was pulling for the Charger.)

The Lionel paper clip holder must be special in a way I do not grasp, even a little bit. Still, interesting.

@D500 posted:

Every time I think that we train collectors/etc. (of all stripes and degrees) are out of our minds, I run across a Barrett-Jackson auction show and see old Fords going for millions and millions. Yeah, I know that some are bought just to re-sell, but that just kicks the oddness down the road. I mean, I liked Steve McQueen and I enjoyed Bullitt, but not that much. (And anyway, I was pulling for the Charger.)

The Lionel paper clip holder must be special in a way I do not grasp, even a little bit. Still, interesting.

But the Mustang sure sounded nicer! 😉

Curt

I think those here who think people buy these items in the hope that they will appreciate in value are missing the point of collecting. The few real collectors that I know collect for the joy it brings them to find something rare, or to get that one hard to find in excellent condition boxcar to complete the set.  They will let their families figure out what to do with their "stuff" when they die.

And for those who think there are folks that have too much disposable income, there are a lot of retirees with a lot of disposable income out there.  Invested well, kids are gone, they don't need a new car every year, downsized their home, and probably the best thing: good health insurance.  Depending on which database web site you look at, there may be up to 20 million millionaires in the us (788 billionaires).  They need to spend their money on something.

Now, I wish I was one of them but I'm not.  So I have to pass on that paper clip holder.

@RSJB18 posted:

Now we need someone to come up with invisible trains so we don't have to sneak them past the CEO everytime we buy new ones. 😂😂

You just need to start doing repairs and upgrades.  That way you can claim it's just another repair/upgrade coming in and you'll get money for it when it's done!  Of course, you do have to occasionally be seen shipping something back out!

@Mannyrock posted:

Well, . . . I guess it's a matter of perspective.

I am constantly stunned that you guys pay up to $1,000 for a locomotive.  :-)



...who's electronics will someday be obsolete...and/or not be repairable/replaceable.

...who's zinc alloy parts may crack, crumble, deteriorate...and not be repairable/replaceable.

...who's inheriting spouse will recall you paying "Less than $100" for.

...which WILL only be worth "Less than $100" after multiple volume re-runs of the same...but enhanced...hit the market.

...which 3 months later on the same auction site brings only $250...as a C-10 rated item.

...etc.

...etc.

Been there.  Done that.

Last edited by dkdkrd

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