Jim Cunningham did a fine job of sharing his thoughts on Mario Confente and talking up the eBay auction, but I always thought that "market value" was what the market would bear, not a reserve set by a seller. When, as a younger man, I worked as a stone setter in the jewelry industry, I always thought of myself as a craftsman, not an artist. Art was something you looked at. The work of a craftsman was not only be appreciated for its beauty, but was something one could use. In the present case, I guess it's better to ignore the purpose of Confente's work, refer to it as "art" and cherish it for its "aura", since as the work of a craftsman, it would hold real value for only those who by coincidence would match the exact dimensions of the original customer (sorta like buying a used bowling ball). Everyone else who could afford the Confente would be better served (except in regard to ego) by becoming patrons of framebuilders who still practice their craft.
I imagine that I've even pissed off Mr. Ives with the above blasphemy.
Yours, Tom "yeah, so what if my 3V is made outta True Temper" Nyzio (Masi 3v, Gran Crit, Pista; 3Rensho Katana S)