George,
I'd buy that bike. Barra bicycles do not grow on trees these days and I think it is a nice example. I would think that a person like yourself with a top collection of vintage bicycles would know that!
I know the seller. He's got good stuff in his collection as you do yours. So, what is the problem? Lots of stuff comes from Alex March in the form of a frame set. The bike is period correct and Denny did a pretty good job getting it together. Isn't that what this hobby is about? Restoration? Preservation? Where in the eBay sale does Ken represent this bike as something its not.
George, what I really have a problem with the language of your post. I think your written feelings are unfair, unprofessional and well, rude. You are saying that the seller and the bike is a fraud. At least that is the way I read it.
Mike Schmidt Millington, NJ USA
On 3/22/10 5:26 PM, "George Hollenberg" <ghollmd@gmail.com> wrote:
> eBay # 120545314639
>
> This "original and unrestored" Barra was purchased as a frameset by the
> seller on eBay, I believe Alex March was the seller. I'm sure he can provide
> photos of the frameset as sold. I, and many others, noted the frameset at
> the time, but since it didn't represent an interesting example by this maker
> we passed on the sale-the bike didn't make much.
> Now, after being fixed, shown around up and unsuccessfully flogged to
> several collectors, it appears for sale on eBay, fully polished, restored
> and with parts original perhaps, but not to this bike.
> I suggest that anyone really bidding on the bike ask the seller for photos
> of the entire bike, complete with parts, before the seller's restoration.
> I don't think that he will ever provide such photos since it's unlikely they
> exist.
> As for the bidding, eBay is a "free market" and has no control over the
> true nature of the bidders, the bids themselves, or of the authenticity of
> the merchandise on sale.
> In short, anyone buying this cycle does so at their own peril.
> I challenge the seller to disprove anything stated here.