Ya - these bongos in particular would be valuable in the "collector's" market. Tom Flores started to build his very nice Valje drums in Los Angeles in the 50's. I have a complete mid-70's set of congas including matching bongos that have the common Valje stickers above the conga handles = nice. But, these ones that were sold on eBay are realtively rare I believe because they have a different Valje sticker and the model was made for a very famous hand drummer (his name on the lable) - in the 50's maybe early 60's? There was a pair sold on eBay - I think in England recently - for over $400.
It's hard to tell how close I was because the winner may have put his MAX bid in at a $1000 or more - who knows. Mine was at $530 and I thought that it should have been enough to buy them considering the other ones that sold for 4 something.
I wouldn't let my Valje bongos go for under a $Grand ......so I can see how these could be up there and more.
Generally speaking I think Vintage drums of any kind are just catching up to the "real" vintage musical instruments market........don't you think?
Kona - you really have to love bongo's to bid five big-ones on a pair! I never realized vintage bongo's could fetch anywhere near that much in the marketplace. I learn something new everyday.Sorry you missed out on them, you were damn close with your high bid.John
