Vintage IBM box w/optional hardwood floor

[ander]

Vintage IBM Computer Keyboard Computer Box ONLY 16" x 9" x 3" (eBay)

Here is a IBM box, no computer or keyboard included. No markings. Has been in my sisters attic for years, probably from the 70's. Email me any questions...

Do you have an IBM keyboard without a box? Don't we all? Wouldn't you like a REAL IBM BOX to put it in? This could be your chance!

But wait—these boxes are a good inch larger than the KBs they held. Does this box include the original form-fitting styrofoam* inserts necessary to hold the KB in place so it doesn't rattle around and make you look like a complete get-a-lifer for using it anyway? Who knows? That's part of the fun!

Features:

• Authentic 1970s cardboard construction

• Genuine IBM logo (blue) and international "fragile" symbols (also blue)

• Supports closed, open and slightly open positions

• Integrated flaps make opening/closing a breeze

• Found in seller's sisters's attic

• May or may not include styro inserts (see above), rendering it useful or useless but geeky either way!

More photos, from various angles:





Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to own a waterstained, possibly slightly moldy piece of computing history for just $11.99 plus $3.99 shipping! If that's too much, make an offer. If you make enough offers, the buyer may even pay you to order it to save them a trip to the curb on recycling day!

Keyboard, cables, computer and vintage IBM "THINK" sign (not shown) not included. Hardwood floor available at extra cost; contact seller for details.

 - -
  * styrofoam – a light resilient foam of polystyrene, available in all 20th-century landfills for the next 500 years

[nubbinator]

To some people, that box may add $50 to the value of a board, even in bad condition.  Model M collectors are weird.

[1391406]

To some people, that box may add $50 to the value of a board

$50? I seriously doubt it.

[ander]

BTW, this is not my box... I just thought it was funny.

[1391406]

BTW, this is not my box... I just thought it was funny.

It wouldn't be so bad if it was in decent condition, but it's hard to imagine how desperate someone would have to be to own an original IBM box in this condition to buy this.

[nubbinator]

To some people, that box may add $50 to the value of a board

$50? I seriously doubt it.

I've seen boards with ****ty boxes like that go for that much more because they had a box.

[1391406]

What makes you think the box had anything to do with it?

[nubbinator]

What makes you think the box had anything to do with it?

Because it wasn't a special model, wasn't NIB, and the box and KB numbers didn't match.

[1391406]

What makes you think the box had anything to do with it?

Because it wasn't a special model, wasn't NIB, and the box and KB numbers didn't match.

This happens without a box.

[E3E]

Okay, well let me just say that, in general, when it comes to collector value, boxed items are always more sought after and they do indeed increase prices, especially considering how uncommon it is for anyone to save these boxes from so long ago.

Secondly, who wants to bet he ships the damn box by itself, without putting it in another box? That would be terrible!

[1391406]

Okay, well let me just say that, in general, when it comes to collector value, boxed items are always more sought after and they do indeed increase prices, especially considering how uncommon it is for anyone to save these boxes from so long ago.

I'm not contending that an original box doesn't increase value. I'm simply contending that a severely dilapidated box is worth far less than one in good or even decent condition. The same applies to keyboards, generally speaking.

[1391406]

Not to mention we're talking about just the box here.

[E3E]

Okay, well let me just say that, in general, when it comes to collector value, boxed items are always more sought after and they do indeed increase prices, especially considering how uncommon it is for anyone to save these boxes from so long ago.

I'm not contending that an original box doesn't increase value. I'm simply contending that a severely dilapidated box is worth far less than one in good or even decent condition. The same applies to keyboards, generally speaking.

Of course; that's a given. If you're comparing likes, then of course! Everyone would want a box in good condition over one that's ratty like this one, haha.

[1391406]

Okay, well let me just say that, in general, when it comes to collector value, boxed items are always more sought after and they do indeed increase prices, especially considering how uncommon it is for anyone to save these boxes from so long ago.

I'm not contending that an original box doesn't increase value. I'm simply contending that a severely dilapidated box is worth far less than one in good or even decent condition. The same applies to keyboards, generally speaking.

Of course; that's a given. If you're comparing likes, then of course! Everyone would want a box in good condition over one that's ratty like this one, haha.

Right, which is why I seriously doubt a piece of **** like this would increase the value of a board by $50.

[E3E]

Right, which is why I seriously doubt a piece of **** like this would increase the value of a board by $50.

It's all in the eye of the beholder and the depths of the their pockets. I've seen people buy boards at much higher cost than they should go for and vise versa. Someone out there might see that it has a box and flip out over it; that might just do it for them, but if there is another IBM that has a much better condition box with a competitive price, then of course that'd cancel out the appeal.

[1391406]

Right, which is why I seriously doubt a piece of **** like this would increase the value of a board by $50.

It's all in the eye of the beholder and the depths of the their pockets. I've seen people buy boards at much higher cost than they should go for and vise versa. Someone out there might see that it has a box and flip out over it; that might just do it for them, but if there is another IBM that has a much better condition box with a competitive price, then of course that'd cancel out the appeal.

The vast majority of Model M's in atrocious condition don't even sell for $50. What reason would I have to believe a seriously dilapidated empty box would?

[1391406]

Further, if it is worth $50, it certainly shouldn't take long for someone to snap this one up at $11.99.

[1391406]

I just noticed the seller notes:

"no keyboard or computer, just the box. Is in very good condition"

On Mars...

[JimByr]

I don't know why this is being called a computer keyboard box. It's smaller than a SSK box which measures 19.5 x 9 x 4.5 inches.

[Vizir]

made me laugh. good job, OP.

[jonathanyu]

I don't know why this is being called a computer keyboard box. It's smaller than a SSK box which measures 19.5 x 9 x 4.5 inches.

Just guessing, maybe it is a box of a smaller ibm keyboard.

[JimByr]

The smaller keyboards like the M4 and other "spacesavers" that I've seen came in much smaller cardboard boxes with no inner stryofoam protection like the Model Ms.

[00zeRO]

+1

[SamFlynn]

Great find for those who love this stuff.

Kind of reminds me of when I once sold a Halo Reach Case Only on Ebay for $1 plus shipping. The title, short description, and long description all said 'Case/Instructions Only; No Game Disk Included' and then some dude bid on it, and then wanted me to cancel his bid because he didn't read. Told me I was stupid for selling the case by itself. What can I say, my son broke 3 discs, so surely he didn't want a broken XBOX game!?

[SamirD]

I had an unopened box of a limited edition cereal called 'Milleneos' for y2k.  I wonder how much that would have been worth? :lol:

[ander]

Okay, well let me just say that, in general, when it comes to collector value, boxed items are always more sought after and they do indeed increase prices, especially considering how uncommon it is for anyone to save these boxes from so long ago.

Yeah, but again, only if it includes the insert that actually holds the keyboard. The seller says "box only", though, and all 4 photos they bothered to take are of the outside, so I'm guessing it's empty.  I could be wrong, of course—for all I know, the body of Jimmy Hoffa is in there.

In past cases like this (no pun intended), I've tried encouraging everyone to message the seller and ask, "Is anything else included with the box? Does a keyboard come with it?" No one ever wants to, though. I think all this typing has made you guys too scholarly and you've lost your sense of mischief.

Secondly, who wants to bet he ships the damn box by itself, without putting it in another box? That would be terrible!

LOL. It does indeed seem like an alarming number of eBay sellers have never mailed anything before.