i have bid on 2 absentee bids this year and one through my friendly dealer which ive won, lost more besides. ive long been suspicious of the 2 absentee bids ive won as ive won them at my highest bid, maybe a fact of life, but i guess ive won them at what was my max.  i think were all in a middle ground at the mo regarding auctions, investors??? seem to be pushing prices beyond what knowledgable collectors would pay, and i think whilst this is happening.....as collectors, were stuffed, were gonna lose auctions.  Whether prices will return to what is acceptable to dealers/collectors when markets pick up.....we will see. until then every little win at auction becomes a little more precious. ski