I could never understand the bidding on Ebay. Used to be so simple, and honestly, much cheaper. I try to figure out the bidders. I notice the private bidders bids posted a few times in a row outbidding themselves, as well as other bidders bidding several times, also posted a few times in a row outbidding themselves. I think there are phantom bidders out there to bring up the bids. Not saying this is true in any case, but I am entitled to my opinion until proven otherwise. Unless this is made of real gold beneath the black paint I cannot see this being worth that much. But then, I know very very little about vintage machines. As you said, 'Oh For Pete's Sake' and I say 'Oh For Crying Out Loud'!!