check it out:
be very wary though,probably either fake or stolen or something else its just doesnt make sense altogether…
I think in another 9 days it will manage to find its market price.
Kevin Krell
Oh come on, Kkrell, six-keyed Olwells are a dime-a-dozen these days. 
this is going to be a fun bid 
shoot, i’d pay twice that… 
funny. but I’d like to see the makers name before starting to bid…
berti
Hmm, I’d want to see higher res close-up pictures: The fact that it’s missing a silver support ring (downwind side of the HJ) which isn’t mentioned, and the lack of any specific description of the instruments age, history, current owner, or even what type of wood (looks to be Cocus), would certainly prompt me to ask a lot of questions before bidding. Could be a killer flute for someone though, if they aren’t allergic.
Loren
Grenadilla. Isn’t that similar to blackwood?
i wouldnt bid from him, his feedback is pretty low. i dont bid from anybody who has feedback less than 99%. but that is just me.
with a bit of a greenish tinge…
Grenadilla is African Blackwood.
I do see he has it listed as Grenadilla in the header (silly me for missing it previously), however it looks awfully brownish red in the photos, and since there are no other details, it makes me wonder if the seller knows for certain - Cocus flutes have sold as Blackwood many times in the past. Which can be either a wonderful thing, or terrible thing for the buyer, depending…
Loren
spoilsport!!!
The seller in his description writes that “these flutes are impossible to acquire”. I think that should be a hint to any potential bidders on this auction. First of all, I seriously doubt that anyone would list a keyed Olwell flute on ebay without a reserve price unless you have shills. I see that Rudall-N-Rose is one of the bidders. I ask you, why would anyone start competitive bidding on an auction when there is nine days left in the auction? That is like playing high stakes poker and showing your opponents all of your cards. That is a sure way to lose all your money. If you are smart, the time to show your cards is in the last few moments of the auction and not before.
That’s a lot of conspiracy theory. Setting a reserve and/or a high starting bid tends to kill a lot of early bids, if not all bids. A high number of bids in the search results tends to attract more people to the auction. Yes, I agree that it’s daft to bid early (I always snipe). Anyway, I’m pretty certain this one will command a good price.
Well, I see at least 4 big name flute buyers from our ranks in his feedback, and all had very postitive things to say about the flutes they bought-excellent, accurate descriptions…etc.
So, if this is being sold by the same person, there shouldn’t be any problems for the buyer; it’s probably the real thing.
Yes, I suppose that I am overly cautious about bidding for an expensive item on ebay. In this case, as Loren has commented, the photos do not have the resolution necessary to adequately see the flute. For an item that is in demand and will probably command a high price, I would like to have much more information up front about the flute. I don’t feel that I should have to ask the seller for what should be provided in the description.
With regard to setting a reserve bid for an online auction, I don’t believe that that kills early bids because, if the reserve price is not stated in the description, then the only way that you can find what the reserve price is is by bidding on the auction. After you place the bid, the auction software will accept your bid and then inform you that your bid is below the reserve price. If I really want an item, I am inclined to keep bidding at least until I find what the reserve price is. If anything, I think that a hidden reserve price may tend to increase early bidding, because there is no good reason to let a below reserve price bid stand.
Also, once the bidding has passed the reserve price, the fact that there once had been a reserve price does not hinder competitive bidding at the end of the auction. I think that it makes good sense to list expensive items with a hidden reserve price for the reasons just stated.
I’ve emailed the seller asking him/her about the history of the flute and requesting that he/she remove the headjoint cap and note the stamped number. I also queried about the missing ring on the headjoint. 'Twill be interesting to see if I get a reply with valid answers. If its the real thing, I’d expect the bidding to go to between 5 and 6K
Even I’m not that jaded! I suppose it could go for over 5K, but I’d be surprised, and I’m a bit hard to surprise with auction prices these days.
6K? No way, not even for an Olwell. I just don’t see it happening: I’m fairly certain that for 5K or less I could get several people on this message board alone to sell me a keyed Olwell, one that is in better condition, within a week. Problem is I don’t, have that kind of money
Who knows though, perhaps I’m wrong, maybe it’ll sell for 10 Grand. When it comes to Olwell flutes these days, it seems any price is possible…
Reserves are really for cautious minded sellers who want insurance against a low selling price. Now guess who earns the premiums?
Something that I’ve done in the past that’s worked quite well is simply to ask the seller his reserve. More often than not, they will tell. I don’t bid if they don’t tell me.
Another tactic is to bid purposely below the reserve but higher than the last bid (again, use sniping). Sometimes the seller will sell you the item below the reserve price. I’ve won a few auctions this way.
For your information-- this Olwell flute is a very early Olwell. According to Patrick it has small holes.
Patrick does not remember the flute, which is understandable, and surprising. He stays in touch with his customers and keeps track of the keyed flutes he sells.
So.. as always… bid at your own risk.