I was away on family business today, and checked a few minutes ago to see the results of the auction. I wasn't surprised to see it was sold to a floor bidder, for the reasons previously mentioned. I was very surprised, however, by the final total, as it exceeded anything I expected. I'm surmising there were 2 interested bidders, with the financial resources to be in the hunt. There was a starting bid of 26000, and almost immediate raises until 110000 was reached. There is a short gap, and the winning bid at the 1 increment ($10,000 at this level) was recorded.
Hopefully, the winner was Canon, as the camera will find a suitable home there. I normally prefer things to remain with individual collectors, but this is a unique case, deserving of a museum, IMHO.
I haven't bothered to figure what the additional fees would be, as they are in excess of my resources... without the extra 120 big ones. Skinner must be thrilled. This is going to give rare cameras an extra shot of publicity, and they will be prominent in the mention. It also gives Canon some bragging rights over their rivals. I'm certain Peter K. will be thrilled by the results, and it may even sell a few dozen more books :angel: And that's a good thing for all of us that enjoy reading about our treasures.
Now I am sorry I didn't make a trip into Skinner to check out the camera in person. Seeing the valuation, I'm not certain I would have been allowed to handle it!! I have added the appropriate printed pages to the notebooks, which is always fun.. even when I get funny looks from the wife. I hope there aren't too many disapointed readers here on the forum.
Harry
