Horological Meandering

. . . with a watch.

Back in '93, I found a promo copy of Led Zep II at an LA used record store.  This was when people were dumping their LPs en masse and replacing them with CDs. 

The price?  $0.10.  Yes, 10¢.  You couldn't even make a phone call then for a dime. 

I knew the album was more valuable than what it was priced at, but didn't raise the issue with the store clerk as I was checking out.  Yes, I felt a bit guilty.  But it was a record store, and they should've known that item was special. 

A year later, a record dealer offered $75 for it.  He said he had a client who owned every Led Zep promo except for II.  I turned him down, of course.  It was worth at least twice that, and anyways, I had a fabulous stereo rig at the time, and enjoyed playing it occasionally.

Then life happened, and my record collection went into hibernation. 

Last year, an acquaintance who happens to be in the LP trade showed up at our weekly pool tournament.  I asked him, "Pancho - what would a white label stereo Led Zep II go for these days?"

He said, "I don't know, but at least a thousand, probably more."  When I told him it had been properly stored in my closet for the last quarter century and was in immaculate condition, he ventured closer to two thousand.

"Go check eBay listings.  That'll give you an idea."

So I did. 

The most recent recorded high in May '18 was > $2500.

So just for kicks, I listed it last spring on eBay for $2900.  A few (literally two) people expressed interest.  (The guy in Russia stopped communicating when I told him his phone number was required for insured shipping.)

Several months later, I checked eBay again.  Apparently, one sold at auction in September for > $3200.

So I moved my price up to $3500.

Had one taker at that price, a local guy in the entertainment business.  He eventually declined.

Mostly to prod potential buyers into either jumping at or away from it, the price was moved up again, this time to $3600.  That's where it is now.

All of a sudden, critics started popping up out of the woodwork.

"You'll never sell at that price.  Why are you even bothering to list it?"

My explanation must have them shaking their heads.  "Thank you for your unsolicited advice.  It's my intention to let my copy go only to a person who will treasure it as much as I do."

Frankly, I'll be happier if it never leaves my collection.

Cordially,

Art

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