Auction prices 11 years on

Nick --

"none of the prices would look that out of place today"

You confirm a feeling I had recently. Must confess I think it's great. Don't like speculators & investors spoiling a hobby.

Prices are high enough to ensure too much stuff isn't just junked, but common engines are still affordable. Any hobby costs money -- I remember what my father paid for his first carbon fibre salmon rods..... Rare engines were always expensive & will remain so -- true in any area that the rare & sought-after commands heavy premium.

What caught my eye was re-reading sales reports from a couple of Cheffins sales where roughish pairs of D-types were going from £30 up. Probably that audience were focussing at the top end, but there were plenty of no-sales for good engines, so buyer resistance was clear.

Still very envious of our friends in Oz! They get the rare at affordable prices, & can see the seriously rare Brits stuff of the 1890's & 1900's that is almost never now for sale here.

BTW, you mentioned Absolom. He was with me when a guy at Knowl Hill in the 80's offered me £4k+ in cash (& in his pocket) for an engine I was showing. I turned it down, as I like the engine -- & Absolom had one at the Mill, which he wouldn't sell either (as was his way with everything he had!) Have seen similar in SEM for £1000-£1500 recently. Absolutely no regrets, as I still like the engine......

Colin