I've taken some time the last couple of days to watch some interesting auctions on eBay.
I'm on a kind of streak of really liking the Les Logan Speed-X “T-Bar” bugs produced in the late 1930s, so the current listings caught my eye. Particularly a Model 500 — identical to a couple of Model 500s I have — that is sitting with less than a day left and a high bid of $106.09.
As the photo shows, this is a nice bug (heck, I like all of 'em, true enough), but nothing out of the ordinary. It has the chrome/nickel plated main frame, which is certainly more attractive than the painted version. Looking over the key, I just don't see what makes it worth more than $100 — other than the simple economic fact that someone is willing to pay it.
And that's certainly reason enough. Someone this week wants a Speed-X bug and is willing to pay for it. I don't need another Speed-X key, but I do enjoy watching how high (or low) they go in order to analyze trends.
One reason for the high bid level is likely the fact that a metal storage case is included in the auction. The case isn't a Les Logan item, but something the owner used to store the key. Otherwise the key is in fair condition, and is equipped with three weights, two of which aren't original .. not that really matters. I'm sure the key plays quite well, or could with a bit of clean up.
SPEAKING OF SPEED-X. I began painting the base for the Les Logan Speed-X Model 500 bug I've been restoring. I've only applied two coats of paint, and the jury is still out on how well that's going to work. The paint is a wrinkle finish, and I'm not convinced yet its going to be exactly what I want. I'm going to shoot another quick coat on it before bed (nothing like paint fumes to fuel some interesting dreams, hi!). If I don't like the paint, I'll sand it down and start over.
That's it for this installment. I'm hoping to put one of my Speed-X bugs on the air this week, provided I've not forgotten how to send and receive CW, it seems like its been a month since my last contact.
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