posted on September 15, 2000 02:35:25 PM
This comes up from time to time , but usually on the higher end stuff , and I always refuse...but...
I have listed a Lefton china instant coffee cannister in the shape of an old range ; about 6 ins. tall , looks 60's or early 70's in vintage . The glaze is a little flaky in a couple of places , and there's some light crazing , but it's sound and unchipped . Cute , if you like that sort of thing .
I know more about the actual figurines , but haven't seen this kitchen item before and have no idea what it may/ should bring. There's nothing listed even close to this in design at present.
I've received an e-mail , with an offer , from a person who says she can't be by her computer endlessly , she has many sons , and they all fight for time on the puter , and she doesn't have any luck etc. etc.
There are no bids , it listed yesterday , 5 day auction. I feel for her ; but I wonder if I'm being suckered . If her offer's close to it's real worth , I'm tempted .
posted on September 15, 2000 02:42:52 PM
Do not cancel it.....Let her bid, what she is willing to pay, it others bid, you get more money, if not then she will get the item anyway. She doesn't have to be on the computer endlessly, she can check after her kids are in bed. Or what ever happened to saying, mommy need the computer for a little while, you kids go outside or find something else to do. I personally think she is trying to get one over on you.
posted on September 15, 2000 02:49:27 PM
I've done the same thing as she but I don't use such lame excuses - I don't use any excuses except that I WANT IT.
Sometimes the seller agrees and stops the auction.
Sometimes they don't, and either get more or (I love this) I get it for less!
Do what you want, but don't be swayed by her dumb excuses.
posted on September 15, 2000 02:51:43 PM
I don't know...it sounds like it might be worth a lot. Have you checked on the internet to see if you can find a price 1st. I know there is a price book for Lefton but I didn't buy it yet. I would try the Antique store in your area to see if they have one and look it up before agreeing to sell it before the auctions ends. JHMO.
posted on September 15, 2000 04:13:10 PM
Tell her to go ahead and put in a bid. There's no rule that she has to wait until the last minute. In fact, for quite a while, almost everyone put in bids before the last minute of an auction.
posted on September 15, 2000 04:57:39 PM
uglimouse- Hi! I have 2 Lefton books and 1 china book and the piece you have up for auction does not appear in any of the books. I checked out your auction and thought I might be able to at least date it by the mark, but that mark is not shown in the books either. I am kind of wondering if it is a Lefton. I'm not saying for sure, just trying to let you know what the books are telling me. Don't know if this helps or not, but thought I would let you know.
PS - I searched under the completed auctions for the exact lettering on the label and one did close recently (just the overall color is different).
[ edited by eddiebear2 on Sep 15, 2000 05:07 PM ]
posted on September 15, 2000 05:58:53 PM
Thank you all so much .
I was leaning in the " let it run " direction myself ; but as I was unsure of the piece's value , I wondered if her offer ( under $20.00) was reasonable .
As a rule , I disapprove of closing auctions early for hidden offers and I won't if there are any bids at all .
Bidders are usually respectful of my decision not to ...so far !
I didn't have time to check the closed auctions yesterday or today , I usually do that too ; so I'll do that now .
posted on September 15, 2000 07:41:43 PM
Instant coffee cannisters are not often seen, and in good condition, I would think it would go over 20.00. She will find the time if she wants it bad enough.
posted on September 15, 2000 07:47:48 PM
This sounds fishy to me - If she wants it she should place her bid - You're not running a KMart. I'll be curious to learn what you end up getting for it - and if she bids.
posted on September 15, 2000 07:51:02 PM
My Lefton always does well, especially in the last few hours of the auction, I'd let the auction run it's course. Besides, what if you stop the auction and she doesn't pay? Then you can't even leave appropriate feedback.
posted on September 15, 2000 08:43:53 PMeddiebear2: thank you for your time and effort. I have looked in the completed auctions from August , and have not seen one such as this. The backstamp is glazed , but incomplete , but does show the beginning of Left.. with the copyright symbol . The label is the common red foil Lefton label , but also half missing. This piece has seen some use for sure , but I felt that to a collector of china/ Lefton cannisters , it may have some appeal . There are a couple of Lefton books listed at present ; maybe I'll bid on one...I've had quite a few pieces pass through my hands this year , and I was unfamiliar with it until then ; and yes , people do like it , and that's what counts [biggrin/].
Checked her e-mail name with user ID and it's the same : she hasn't used ebay since February , fb in 20's , fb left , only 1/2 that .
Hmmm... somewhat unenthusiasticor unmotivated or just harried , as she says .
Nevertheless , aren't we all ?
Nope ; I'll be the schoolma'm and make her play the game.
uglimouse
( oh my gosh LOL annekila , what are you not telling me ? ..we'll wait and see huh? )
posted on September 15, 2000 09:41:58 PM
I just looked at your auction and I too believe it says "LEGO" not "lefton" on the bottom of the stove. There is another presently up for auction; different colors. Since there aren't any bids on yours, you can change the title, description, and catagory listed. ~Patricia~
posted on September 15, 2000 10:03:08 PM
I found another item that I have that is Lego as the others have said and the mark does match the mark on your piece.
If you are looking for a Lefton price guide, I do recommend the price guide by Ruth McCarthy. I find that the prices in her guide are more realistic than the others and I find that there are more items shown in her book than the others also.
posted on September 15, 2000 11:13:29 PMPatricia , Anne , and eddiebear2 : you are all absolutely right, upon closer scrutiny with a stronger glass , I can see it as Lego , and looked at the other one listed also . Is my face red ?
I do thank you for your invaluable help , and I'm glad it didn't go on longer being mis-categorised.
BTW , I received a very nice mail from the reluctant bidder who thanked me for my scruples , and wants to place a bid...
oh dear.. better get these crow feathers outta my mouth first..
?