(hopes someone can sort out the format!)
Trotter: Fixed

Hi - the Tolkiens moved into that bungalow in 1969, I believe; and JRR left in 1971 - since which time the bungalow was occupied by others. How does anyone know which (if any) of these items were in the bungalow at the time, and/or if they'd been added in the intervening four decades?

I object to this discussion in Lucky finds (& Interesting eBay Auctions)!

There's a forum section for this kind of chat: it's called The Wonders of eBay...

BH

I'd like him to come back and answer my questions?

If not then it is the Wonders of ebay for him.

Just realized what the name 'Enotsnekra' spells backwards... What? I'm not going anywhere with this; just saying...

I am intrigued by why he has not accepted this ebay offer

Q: Hi Steve. Thank you for letting me view your collection yesterday. I have spoken with my friend at Sothebys and I was wondering whether you would consider ending the auction early with an offer of £50,000 for the fireplace? I have limited funds at the moment but I would be willing to make offers on the other items at a later date. Regards, Bruce.
A: Hi Bruce. Thank you for your amazing offer! I would like a little time to think about your offer as I was hoping to keep the whole collection together. Interset in the collection has gone crazy. Will get back to you very soon. Regards Stephen

Does Bruce actually exist and would Sothebys sell these items at these inflated prices(with no provenance that these items have anything to do with Tolkien)?

Well I believe he has been in contact with family members and has provenance for the items. Also know several auction houses have already shown interest ... anyways, just a little positive critique.

Members of which family. I wonder? His own, perhaps? But seriously; if he'd got provenance from members of the Tolkien family, wouldn't it make sense to say so up front? Or are we just going to get 'after-the-fact' details like this, every time someone here raises legitimate questions?

The longer this goes on, the iffier it gets, IMO.

Beren wrote:
Well I believe he has been in contact with family members and has provenance for the items. Also know several auction houses have already shown interest ... anyways, just a little positive critique.

Who was he in contact with (which Family members?)

I haven't gone to the listing --but if I had made an offer (like "Bruce"), I'd be pretty unimpressed with the details being publically posted in the Q&A section of eBay. That aside, I'm sure auction houses are interested in the stuff --it's a good time, I'd think, to be selling Tolkien stuff. Agree with garm though --why conceal provenance? You don't need to give details, just state that more details can be provided if a buyer is seriously interested.

BH

Sorry but what a load of rubbish!
I bet this seller never reappears on this forum. I am tempted to put an offer in at £49,000 and watch what happens ! Anyone like to bet against him accepting ! I think not.
As to Bruce - sounds like Bruce Wayne to me ! ooo wasnt he fictional
Feel better now