Time For Another Fun Episode Of "Why The ?#%&@ Did You Buy This???"

I enjoy these observational and quasi-intellectual exercises.

So after going 0fer in both Rasdale and Dutch Country auctions, with my lots going past my max targets just in pre-session bidding for the latter, I decided I wanted to buy something fun to paw through, just to feed the addiction.

Enter Apfelbaum. Not recommended for the novice or the risk-averse. That said, being a regular customer over the last 5 or so years, I haven't had any issue with returning lots I've been dissatisfied with, and have done so several times, even on a few multi-carton lots. I know that historically, quite a few people have been blacklisted by Apfelbaum for returns. I think it may depend on purchase history and dollar amounts purchased vs. returns. For example, if you return the first or second purchase from a vendor (rightly or wrongly), you're far more likely to get whammoed than if your first return is the Nth lot you've purchased. Sellers frequently want to nip "problem customers" in the bud. It's the nature of the beast.

I've got a good rapport with Apfelbaum and am always polite and professional in my communications,* so I am not afraid of getting blacklisted or the return refused.

* IMO this is a HUGE factor both with traditional vendors as well as eBay/Hipstamp/Delcampe/etc. I feel that in today's society sellers far too often get a return request like this:




As opposed to:




Taking the time to make a courteous and professional response, no matter how POed you might feel personally pays dividends. Starting a conversation aggressively, thus putting the seller on the defensive right out of the gate is not likely to pay dividends down the line and both parties could lose out long-term.


Sorry for the tangent... so in my case at least, the risk is actually lower than public auctions (assuming that one cannot examine lots in person), since I can return if not happy.

While there have been some Apfelbaum lots I have purchased that were no-brainers based upon contents vs. cost, at least within my areas of focus, most end up being gambles to a greater extent. I acknowledge that and I accept that level of risk; for me the unknown of what might be there is part of the thrill.

I'm going to show the original lot description and photos below. As with any Apfelbaum listing, ignore any and all claims of catalogue value or retail value that you cannot verify based upon what is shown. Everything you see below is what I used to make my decision; there was no asking questions or for more information.

The lot cost $500 net delivered, which in the current auction climate equates to roughly a $400 hammer + BP, sales tax, and shipping.

1. Would you have purchased at this price?

2. Which item or items do you feel prompted my decision to purchase and why?

3. What items do you find particularly interesting, uninteresting, or raise red flags?

3. What do you think I found and am I keeping or returning the lot?

I'll allow a couple of days for people to respond, and then I'll reply back with my thoughts and the results.


Description:

Unless you get lucky with some of the covers, I don't see it. I would certainly assume that any of the foreign that might have real catalog value are either fakes, reprints, or damaged given the seller.

In my opinion the only thing more 'iffy' than offering an opinion based upon the images shown would be to offer an opinion based images shown when the material came from Apfelbaum.
Don

No




Early Postal History




Nothing of great interest for me. A huge red flag is the incoherent range of material which screams out that the box was thrown together by Apfelbaum. The classic "mystery box" if you will that has zero real mystery and leaves me saying "why the f*** did I buy this f***ing thing!!!!"




You may have found another original copy of the Constitution but my guess is that you returned the lot. (and kept the original copy of the Constitution)

I'm just wondering if the item marked Ontvangen is some kind of unusual revenue use on document, and you're keeping it for that.

Speaking only to the non-US, it looks like a bit of a remaindered dog's breakfast, with the only potential upside being an unusual cancel buried in Austria or somewhere else.

And I thought your point on courteous communication was well-said. I'd add promptness of communication as well as a factor - if there's an issue the seller will want to know about it as soon as possible so that they can resolve it.

The black ball ferry reference (Victoria to Port Angeles) is neat. But I'm from Seattle and, in sixth grade, we took a class trip to Victoria and I held a girls hand that I had a crush on.

Does that help with the value?

I don't see the value in those pictures ,as stated by someone it looks like a made up lot ,too many fakes,reprints or questionable condition .

Out of my collecting scope, but the sellers ethics are questionable to the point I would just not risk it, unless your upside is well above the 1250. What are we all missing? Do you generally avoid asking questions toward sellers? Curious to know your thinking on that. We're you trying not to tip your hand on a secret value source?

As I mentioned above, ignore the seller's claims of value. They tend to be wildly off the mark. Most often overstated, but there have been cases where the value is grossly understated as well.




If it is a reputable auction house or dealer I know personally, I'm not afraid to ask questions. However, if it is an online venue and/or the seller is unknown or, shall we say, "of questionable moral fibre", I never ever ask questions, lest I cause them to look closer at the lot and potentially remove material or pull the lot entirely. I either bid/buy based upon what is shown or pass it by completely. I'd rather do a return than trigger the removal of material by bringing the possibility of good/better material to their attention.

The Egyptian mourning cover might be to/for someone well known; such a wide border must show someone of some importance. The Canadian stampless mourning cover is nice too. But I still don't see anything of real obvious note.

I'm use to dealing with mish-mash material, but not seeing anything striking myself. Definitely not the Swiss FDCs...this I know too well.

I know there are a number of very good worldwide small souvenir sheets from the 50's and 60's, so I suppose the Korean examples here could have very high catalog values.

while not in my area to me it looks like floor sweeping sweetened with a few covers. did you get or request any scans prior to biding? the estimate for what is show is off the wall high and unless something was hidden in your scans or was recognized by you as scarce, it is not worth the price paid. they are imo a dodgy house and never understood how they survived this long.

Had the dark blue (Die Blaue) Mauritius been an original Scott Mauritius #2 retirement would have been in order. CV is a sweet $1.7 Million.

Being polite and agreeable, always wins, in my book.
Recall any time you get angry, it is generally regrettable.
Sometimes, it takes courage.

Similar to what I purchase, but more quantity here.
So what are we looking at, a US $400 lot.
Unable to assess the US, but some nice mourning covers,

Lots to keep a worldwide collector going for months.

I see a lot of the more common, yet also some (for me) interesting
The Brit stuff, need to be taken out from those horrible mounts.

I don't see you too wide of the mark, perhaps $50 to $150
unless you see something I don't.

The pre auction estimates I find wide of the mark.
I'd really enjoy going through that lot, and working out if
it was worth it.