Reel-to-reel tapes of a family’s Ramadan evenings, 1970s

Closed00:00

The object

Eleven reels recorded at home over four or five seasons — readings, a quiz nobody won, and a great-uncle telling the same story twice. The boxes are the machine’s own and the tape was not played, so nobody knows whether it still holds. Sold as a box of reels with a card of family notes about what is on them.

Flaws disclosed by the holder

• Three boxes show mildew on the board and the tapes were not played.
• Two reels shed oxide when handled.

Where it came from

Recorded on a machine the holder’s aunt bought to teach children English and used instead for the family, which is why the lot has been bid on twice and passed over twice — nobody wanted to guess what it was worth.

Dimensions

Length

40 cm

Width

30 cm

Height

25 cm

Weight

7 kg

Bid history

1. Bid #1EGP 1,500
2. Bid #2EGP 1,625

Prices shown are what the auction reached, not what any bidder typed.