Battle of the KM Rg34

[pwcosol]

Gents:

The pictured KY 1938 Rg34 was recently up for sale. Perhaps it was the well-known "gray blanket", with it's mysterious qualities, which was responsible for the five hour battle which later ensued between two bidders (but who can say?) for possession of the objekt des interesses. Bidder A (31 +feedbacks since 2000), whom had been after the kit almost from the opening bid of $9.00, slugged it out with "johnny come lately" Bidder B (currently +2229 feedbacks and a big fan of the "gray blanket"). Here is what they were after... with Bidder B prevailing for $329.00:

 

[mauser99]

well at least its legit... The heart wants what the heart wants and cash is disposable. Not much surprises me anymore.

 

[Slash]

When was the last time you saw an original example for sale? Very fair price. My thoughts only ......

 

[CanadianAR]

Nice kit. Probably worth it. Like M99 says, it’s only money

 

[pwcosol]

Agreed that something worth having is just that. As for the realized price, was left standing at the curb with my own bid. On the other hand, had I no example of a KM Rg34
(My KM Ky1939/painted came w/100% OEM components), would have bid higher. I consider the final bid price to be high, but within bounds based on scarcity. However, sometimes auctions become a "battle of wills", where logic is set aside and ego ultimately prevails...

 

[dot]

The prices are insane now, but I agree with Slash, there aren't many KM kits out there.
Unfortunately the Hkw and brushes (postwar?) do not correspond to this kit and the oiler and chain imposible to confirm without more info. Otherwise, the KM eagle stamp was very well engraved.
I will add to the KM kits list !

Antoni

 

[Scharf]

Everything is nice except the Portuguese HKW. I source my rg34s on 2nd hand websites mainly, not much of a bidding war enthusiast.

 

[pwcosol]

Everything is nice except the Portuguese HKW. I source my rg34s on 2nd hand websites mainly, not much of a bidding war enthusiast.

Hunting outside the internet auction sites takes some diligence, but also may reap rewards. When I went to the SOS, always asked for either a business card or contact information from sellers whom tended to have items I was interested in. Some also had their own websites which I would go to as well. Have found Rg34s at collector shows, antique stores/malls, swap meets, and even one being sold by a old gentleman with a few other objects, outside his apartment on the lawn!