Caille Schiemer "Busy Bee"

[nvmos2]

There are some really good restorers out there. Hopefully this machine will get to one of them and end up working and looking like new, with the crack virtually invisible. At the current price, there should be some profit margin left after restoration.

[marsonion]

That's part of my problem: I don't see a "machine" here. I see a broken case, a few stray rods, a ratcheted wheel, another terribly broken wheel that doesn't appear to fit into anything else on display (is that the base?), and some sort of half-handle-grip-shaped pieces of metal. Does the whole thing run on just these five or six parts? Is the restorer supposed to somehow rebuild an entire stimulator mech from nothing but these pieces? And if he already has the needed parts, are these then only spares?

Somebody help me to understand-- I really don't "get it."

There are some really good restorers out there. Hopefully this machine will get to one of them and end up working and looking like new, with the crack virtually invisible. At the current price, there should be some profit margin left after restoration.

[ReneRondeau]

It is going to be interesting to see the last 15 seconds. I was watching an antique phonograph all week; poorly described by a clueless seller, with the main gallery picture showing only a damaged cabinet. But if you took the time to look at the auction you'd discover it had a super-rare attachment. It quickly ran up from $260 starting price to $5000, where it sat for 6 days. In the final 15 seconds this morning it jumped to $15,350........

[drwstr123]

I don't see this running up the ol' flagpole.
It's just some parts.
Useful to add to a much more complete machine.

[nvmos2]

[quote="marsonion"]That's part of my problem: I don't see a "machine" here. I see a broken case, a few stray rods, a ratcheted wheel, another terribly broken wheel that doesn't appear to fit into anything else on display (is that the base?), and some sort of half-handle-grip-shaped pieces of metal. Does the whole thing run on just these five or six parts? Is the restorer supposed to somehow rebuild an entire stimulator mech from nothing but these pieces? And if he already has the needed parts, are these then only spares?

Yes; you would be amazed at what some of these guys can do. I know one guy with 1500 square feet of vintage parts; no reproductions, all original. If he doesn't have what this machine needs, he can make it. He also has a complete machine/woodworking/welding shop on his home property; it's not his business, it's a hobby. He restores for himself and other collectors of high-end machines. I have no doubt he can make this machine look and run good, maybe not to Caille specifications, but working.

Obviously, the seller considers this a parts machine and the winning buyer may very well have parts to start with or just need a part off this one. But as is, it can be restored in the right hands.

An interesting observation was made above; the bidders are relatively low on feedback numbers. Of the few high-end collectors with lots of money that I've met, they don't spend a lot of time on ebay. They're probably too busy managing their affairs.

They also don't spend a lot of time on this forum, but who knows, one or more bidders, or even the winner of this item might see this thread. Any of you there? It would be great to hear from them and what becomes of this rarity.

[marsonion]

It is going to be interesting to see the last 15 seconds. I was watching an antique phonograph all week; poorly described by a clueless seller, with the main gallery picture showing only a damaged cabinet. But if you took the time to look at the auction you'd discover it had a super-rare attachment. It quickly ran up from $260 starting price to $5000, where it sat for 6 days. In the final 15 seconds this morning it jumped to $15,350........

That's what I call a "Triple-Frenzy with a 1/3 Twist."

[marsonion]

Agreed, but I'll wager five (5) Keeneys that it breaks $3,000.00. (Technically trade checks aren't money so this isn't really gambling.)

I don't see this running up the ol' flagpole.
It's just some parts.
Useful to add to a much more complete machine.

[nvmos2]

Ill see your 5 Kenneys with 5 ABTs and raise you 3 Buckleys.

[marsonion]

Ill see your 5 Kenneys with 5 ABTs and raise you 3 Buckleys.

You're ON if you'll take 10 Keeneys.

(I'm from Missouri-- post images of your tokens. POIDH)

[marsonion]

OK-- but why are you betting this item won't get bid up past $3,000.00 then?

Yes; you would be amazed at what some of these guys can do. I know one guy with 1500 square feet of vintage parts; no reproductions, all original. If he doesn't have what this machine needs, he can make it. He also has a complete machine/woodworking/welding shop on his home property; it's not his business, it's a hobby. He restores for himself and other collectors of high-end machines. I have no doubt he can make this machine look and run good, maybe not to Caille specifications, but working.

Obviously, the seller considers this a parts machine and the winning buyer may very well have parts to start with or just need a part off this one. But as is, it can be restored in the right hands.

An interesting observation was made above; the bidders are relatively low on feedback numbers. Of the few high-end collectors with lots of money that I've met, they don't spend a lot of time on ebay. They're probably too busy managing their affairs.

They also don't spend a lot of time on this forum, but who knows, one or more bidders, or even the winner of this item might see this thread. Any of you there? It would be great to hear from them and what becomes of this rarity.