<< I can't help but feel saddened when I see what amounts to a picked over carcass. >>
Yeah, me too but what makes you come to the conclusion that it's the seller gouging someone?
This is being sold by the same guy who has most the Herse stuff that turns up on ebay. I know he spends a great deal of time and money finding this stuff in France and sells it to make a living. He's the kind of guy who would keep them as original as possible because that's how they're worth the most.
My guess, from the condition that this is how it was found, long since missing the parts. Maybe at one point the original owner upgraded to another frame and this one spent the numerous decades hanging unwanted in the woodshed. You know, to most people these are just old bikes, not objects of worship.
On the other hand, it's a desirable start to a beautiful bike if someone is willing to invest the time, money and effort to get it all back together. I pity their desire.
Ted Williams
Oakland