This debate is one reason I prefer to collect/sell bikes in original condit ion, this way you know exactly what you are buying and selling.
In the case of bikes that have to be restored (condition poor, or with orig inal finish gone due to older repaint, etc), it shows the importance of hav ing photos of the bike prior to restoration so it is known exactly what has been done to the bike during restoration, what parts have been changed, an d what condition the frame was in prior to repaint (corrosion, dents, new b raze-ons etc can all be "camouflaged" under a repaint).
It seems obvious that whoever is bidding for that bike has asked Ken these questions, and received a satisfactory answer and photos, or he wouldn't be bidding that high? Just seems common sense to me.
Someone mentionned the integrity of auction houses, can't say I agree with this, the number of outright fakes or heavily restored and passed off as or iginal furniture passing through auction is quite surprising.
Alexander March Bordeaux France
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