A heap of trash metal that was once slated for disposal has been rescued and sold for more than $3000.
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While rummaging through a shipment at Gregadoo Waste Management Centre, manager Geoffrey Pym sighted the remains of several pre-1920s motorcycles.
Mostly frames now, the bikes were rusted through and missing any sort of workable engine.
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But, the branding AJS, BSA & Ariel triggered the thought that these were not ordinary relics.
“You do gain an eye for finding the things that can be salvage,” Mr Pym said.
“Over many years, you begin to get a sense of what is actually very good material.”
Even with his inkling, Mr Pym said he was not expecting the national bidding war that would ensue when the bikes were placed up for silent auction.
Between Friday morning and Sunday afternoon, a total of 17 highly priced bids trickled through to the waste centre’s tip shop.
All the while, Mr Pym and other staff continued to field calls from Canberra, Sydney and all over the Riverina.
“The bids we ended up with were mostly physical, handwritten in an envelope and delivered to us in person,” said Mr Pym.
“I think about three of them came through email.”
The winning bidder – that of $3250 – was announced on Wednesday morning, after two days of deliberating over the results.
“I’m not surprised with the level of interest there’s been, it was obvious they’re very special motorcycle pieces,” said Mr Pym.
“Some others here are a little surprised with how much attention there’s been. It certainly has travelled far and wide.”