Following the ebay discussion earlier this week, I began to question how much of the issue with sniping and last minute bidding has to do with a perception (right or wrong) that certain parts are becoming scarcer or rarer and therefore will be less and less available. In truth, as one member pointed out it is just an auction and there will be more of the same appearing again. But, I must admit that I have had certain feelings of uncertainty upon "losing" an auction that the supply of certain parts may at some point dry up! One can't help feeling this, especially on this side of the pond, when pursuing 40s-60s European components when they are listed as "extremely rare," "hard to find" or other phrases to that effect. Without being on the ground with the likes of Hilary, Pete, etc. it is hard to know what the long-term supply is looking like! How many more Chater Lea chainsets, Coloral bottles, 1940s ASC hubgears, etc. are there out there???
Paul Williams,
Ottawa, ON, Canada