June 02, 2009, 15:18
Lindell V. RiddleLike Bill my catalog arrived yesterday and within minutes 173 and 225 were on my list.
Item 173 which is from 1894 production is in a case that was not available until a dozen years later but it is touted as being "original" even though it could not be. The dial damage caused by improper re-casing is most unfortunate. I agree with Bill that item 225 has the potential to be a real prize once sharpened-up and properly re-cased!Item 155 is a Ball B of L F and E movement but sadly it fronts an incorrect earlier dial and a later replacement case, when taken together those issues can have a neutron-bomb effect on value.
The serious issue of the dial on 155 which means that easily half the value of a complete watch is gone goes unmentioned in the description and the non-Ball Model case is stated once as "re-case" and later to be "original" which is confusing at best. By about 1906 the Ball-Model cases were to be expected and this is after all a 1908 movement. Whoever wrote the descriptions seems to be a little confused about Ball Watches and their production history but they do point out some important condition issues. This confusion extends to Illinois watches where number 174 is claimed to be in... "original case (at least new for this mvt which could have had an older case) shows little wear" ...it would have been better had someone edited the descriptions for content and opinions.
Clearly the economy is having an effect on their presentation, gone are the color pictures from their catalog and the bold announcement they no longer take credit cards is obviously another cost-cutting move that may have the unintended effect of cutting sales. Having to mail in as check is a further, unnecessary delay that will make me think twice. Like most buyers I tend to spend more when I can charge items which defrays the payment for a month before it is due, not to mention the rewards from my card company.
Mike is right that as in any auction setting the prices can go a bit overboard at times, but I have bought from Jones and Horan in the past and have, all things considered, been very well pleased with their friendly service and being able to obtain some otherwise hard to find items. I heartily recommend George and Patty as the honest, forthright merchants and all-around good people they are. If you have specific questions before bidding do not hesitate to call or write, they are always quite willing to be of help.
Lindell
