Wheeeeee doggies!!

(Actually, this really doesn't surprise me, well, I should say, it doesn't surprise me a lot. But I do think this auction sets an all-time eBay record for the highest return on a cord! I just hope the winning bidder comes through and doesn't get a case of "Bidder's Remorse.")

Plenty of collectors have plenty of old machines. What's getting harder and harder to find are original "NOS" consumables -- original bags, cords, woven hoses, etc. 

The funny thing is, that gray and red cord is not all THAT rare. Kirby used the same cord for six years, on models 516 through 561. That's a lot of cords, and while you won't find one every day, they do turn up fairly often.

Now, a really rare cord: The off-white cord with brown plugs that was made for only one model, the 562 or Sanitronic. The other two tan & bronze models, the Sanitronic VII and Sanitronic 50, both had all-bronze cords. Here's a photo of one from, I think, an old eBay listing.

Well, speaking only for myself, I'm not "questioning him." I was just commenting on the auction because it could set a new precedent on the (perceived) value of vintage Kirby cords. Heck, if I needed that style cord and had the money, I wouldn't hesitate to pay it either!