When Lipset had these up for sale in one of his auctions the opening bid was $1000. I called Lew the first day and before any bids were placed (this was around 15 yrs ago). He said I could bid anything above the current (opening) bid. I bid $8000 as a straight bid, It was the only bid and held and I won the lot. I didn't want any competition and so be it...At the time these were more rare than they are today (and they are still scarce)... The strategy of straight bids can work but it is very seldom I would do it.
