[Boatanchors] auction time linked to what timing source?

[MUCHSTUFF]

This discussion of timing reminds me of >>>>>>>>>>>\

Several years ago at a Sacramento swap meet the local expert on ham gear 
prices was selling a widow's deceased husband's gear.
Among which was a Collins 32V-1.
There were several guys looking at the gear.
Someone asked how much, and the expert said  $50.00.
There was 2 or 3 seconds of silence, which allowed me to take three $50 
bills from my pocket, hand them to the seller, and say something like, well 
there's $150.00.
I picked it up, and struggled off with it.
It was worth about $300 at the time.
One of the other guys later said that he was planning to bargain.

Handing the prospective seller cash in the amount of the announced price 
usually completes the purchase. (Except for transfer of the article}
Saying "I'll buy it" is close.  Picking it up and saying "I'll take it" and 
reaching for your wallet is really close.
Saying "I'm interested in......" or "Do you still have ... for sale?" is 
ZERO toward completing a sale.

Gene