Stephen Reynolds wrote:
>  [...] But it does leave me wondering how they typically get
>connected with that catalog and not, say, one of the other web based
>vendors, or a prices realized list from the auction of a local tool
>collectors association.

My guess would be:

1] It's very well-known.

2] It's very well-done: it _looks_ authoritative.

3] But I suspect simple wishful thinking plays the greatest part.

I mean, if you were just getting started, and had no other basis to work
from, which set of pricings would _you_ prefer were true for the stuff you
wanted to sell:  MJD's or the prices realized at the country auction on the
edge of your town?

In short, I think it's basically the same reason that "Antiques Roadshow"
is so popular.  ("Surely my #4 is as good as the one MJD's charging $250
for; besides, it's even prettier, it's blue...")

N