Well, I have a different view. Although I understand the collector value of original packages, I think bikes are meant to be ridden, unlike stamps or coins or antique porcelain. So why would I pay extra for a bike in the box, only to destroy the value by taking it out of the box and riding it? Some times the economics of collectibles simply contradict common sense.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX
dan kasha <dankasha@yahoo.com> wrote: Bob, I have mixed feelings on this one. If it were in the box, then you would argue the next buyer would have to keep it in the box. At least this way, we get to see it, and hopefully people in the town it goes to will get to see it. At some point it has to come out of the box or I would say it really has no use - though maybe monetary value.
But in my ideal world, the box would be there, and it would be carefully photographed and posted as it was taken out and built up. Dan
Yes, a very rare find indeed, Dan! Thanks for pointing out the auction. And, by the way, regarding the rarity of this or any bike... Is it just me, or does anyone else think that the seller was insane for discarding the original carton in which the bike had been shipped and was then stored for nearly 40 years? To me, this is invaluable historical... uh... "provenance". I'd probably bid hundreds of dollars more for that bike (or any such bike) if it were still with it's proper original box.
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