Why do I bother? - A rant

I routinely get inquiries about fairy lamps. I don't mind and respond to all with as much information as I can provide. I especially like to help new collectors but I will also help dealers understand what they have and what a I think a fair market value would be.

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Just yesterday I was asked about this fairy lamp. They were upfront with me and acknowledged they were a antiques dealer and wanted to know what a fair market value would be. I replied, as I always do, with as much information as I can provide and my best judgement as to value. For a dealer to take that information and turn around and list this fairy lamp for $5000 makes me ask myself....Why do I bother???

So, that is my rant for today. Suddenly, I feel a little better. :-)

Jim.

You can't tell them what they don't want to hear.....or conversely, no good deed goes UNPUNISHED. Cheers...Maddie

Jim, please remember that there are those of us who are SO APPRECIATIVE of your knowledge and time and effort that you so willing share. You cannot be thanked enough!Jno

This dealer is a muppet - no one in their right mind is going to pay $5000 for this lamp !!

They might just be hoping that someone out of their right mind decides to purchase the lamp.

Whoa! Just reduced to $2500. If they move the decimal point one space to the left, someone just might bid.

Decided to send seller a cheeky email :-

Dear llucas676902fj,
Are you sure you have the right price for this ? $1000 - $1500 would be more likely sale price !
-gdud

Hs reply

Dear gdud,
Do you want to offer me that for it?
- llucas676902fj

Apparently, your inquiry had some effect......the opening bid is now .99 and has already recieved several bids.

If nothing else the seller's strategy of a $5000 opening bid got people talking. It will be interesting to see what the lamp goes for in relation to my original estimate.

Jim.

I'm sure people were aware of the starting price on this piece, since it prompted (rightfully so) Jim's rant...$5000.00 Pretty ridiculous...then they dropped it to $2500.00 still pretty ridiculous! Then, did people notice that it went down to an actual auction? Ended up at $305.00 Much more reasonable I think...how close was that to the price you gave them to start with Jim? Cheers-Maddie

Following is my exact reply:

The 1996 book value on this lamp was $500-750. However, I think today's market is much less than that, perhaps closer to $400. It is a documented Clarke design (model 94). Check the base for hairline cracks or chips as the base tends to be very delicate.

I think the buyer of this lamp got a good buy.

Jim.