The definition of "vintage" and "antique" is somewhat ambiguous and it does depend upon the seller.  A true antique is at least 100 years old and a good percentage of this merchandise is not a true antique.  Whether something is a true antique, collectible, or vintage does not matter at the end of the day.  It is up to the buyer to do their own homework and to know what they are actually buying.

eBay is an auction site and the value of any item is determined by two people, providing a reserve or minimum (if there is one) is met.  The value of a player piano roll is subjective.  Sometimes a roll may bring a ridiculous amount of money.  It took two people who wanted it and were willing to pay their maximum bid amounts for it.

I too have seen where someone would pay $40 or $50 for an Ampico roll on eBay that they could have bought new from David Saul for $18.  At the end of the day, it may be a roll that someone has been searching for *and maybe a very long time) and no recuts are available etc.

In the case of Duo-Art, not much has been recut for many years so good titles and selections (again subject to individual opinion) can sometimes get expensive.  In the case of 88-note rolls, it may be a specific title and/or a particular arrangement that someone looks for.  QRS has been in business for over 100 years and on popular songs they have periodically updated arrangements of a song.

Sellers do not always accurately represent their merchandise.  Not all sellers are honest but I think most try to be honest about their merchandise.  When you buy used piano rolls and especially antique ones, when they say that they are untested, figure accordingly.

As most collectors are aware, the paper in piano rolls does not get better with age.  The condition of the last instrument that played it, the conditions under which the roll was kept and the quality of the paper itself are all variables.  I will no longer buy original Duo-Art rolls for that reason.  I have had the experience too many times where they are damaged into the roll or they are brittle and basically only last a few plays.

If the merchandise is misrepresented or too overpriced, it normally will not sell!  Sometimes good merchandise goes through an auction cheap because the right buyers are not there.  In all fairness, eBay has changed a lot of rules and values in terms of the value of things like Edison cylinders, Ampico, Duo-Art and 88-note player piano rolls.  There is a lot more of it out there and it is more readily available than in the pre-Internet days.  This also applies to parts for almost anything.

I hope that this makes sense.  It means you should know what you are doing before you bid.  Do your homework and know your merchandise.  In the antique business, it is not the dealer that is your enemy.  It is the new collector who does not know what they are buying!

Randy Hammond