Remember the Ebay auction last week that offered a reproduction of Michael Jackson glove for the low-low clearance price of one penny?
So that's almost $400,000 for a pair. Imagine this: you're bidding for a famous glove for your private collection. You really want that glove. You were prepared to pay $20,000, but someone else came ready to pay. Who was this mystery man? Monocle, black tuxedo, the hauteur of an Eastern European baron. You bid; he bids. His pockets seem depthless. Sweat beads on your forehead when you go over $100,000, and a small voice in the back of your head says: buddy, it's just a glove. And you don't know where it's been. Actually, if you've seen the videos, you do know. But this isn't about the glove anymore. It's a test of wills. The room falls quiet as the bidding goes higher. All eyes swing from him to you, you to him. He doesn't even raise a finger to indicate his bid; a simple nod of his head suffices.
Then the bidding hits $185,000, and you think: you know, $180,000 is one thing for a single glove that may smell of monkey, but $200,000, well, that's ridiculous.
"Do I hear $195,000? Monsieur? Non? Going . . . going . . . gone."
The man with the monocle twitches slightly. As if he had been in this game only to draw you over 200K, then withdraw with a civilized bow. What is his game? Who is behind him? You give him a nod: this is not over. This has just begun. We shall meet again, my friend. In related news:
Imagine what a stuffed Jackson would go for. Don't think someone didn't make a bid.
