Category: eBay watch

A long title, but for lovers of old British sci-fi, John Baker's EMS VCS3 synthesiser from the BBC Radiophonic Workshop could be worth raiding those life savings for.

John Baker was the man behind much of the mad electronic music at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, used most famously on Dr Who in the 70s. Indeed, the music itself is so popular, it even has two CDs on release packed with it.

But back to the VCS3, which 'looks in good condition', but has been unused since the late 1970s, although it has been in 'dry storage' since it was acquired from John Baker's estate. I think that means 'buyer beware'. Anyway, super rare, much sought-after, packed with history and currently at £3,877 on eBay.

Find out more at the eBay website

I'd love to give you all the details of the manufacturer and specific year, but the description on this piece simply says Fifties Cocktail Bar, throwing in the word 'French' for good measure.

Thankfully the image does most of the talking – screaming the era, this particular bar has a lacquered wood finish and those very distinctive stencilled jazz instruments, which offer a mix of the kitsch and the cool. Some storage inside as well as on top, as you might imagine, just enough for your cocktail essentials.

The current highest bid is just £1 right now, although the dreaded 'reserve not met' jumps out from the screen. If that reserve isn't too high, this could be the perfect addition to a 50s-style home.

Find out more at the eBay website

I'll be honest, I'm not familiar with the brand, but right now this Meister Anker alarm clock looks like something of a steal.

Made in the early 70s and packing those space age looks, the clock ignores the flip number option and pre-dates digital, so opts for a traditional analogue clock, which site on a black background, all framed by that red plastic body.

It tells you the time, it has an alarm, it even has a snooze button. According to the seller, the clock is in 'good condition' and 'full working order', so it's useful as well as good looking. Price? Right now you can grab it for offers over 99p.

Find out more at the eBay website

Designer details are a little vague, but this Italian sofa and armchair set (spread out over two auctions) is certainly eye-catching.

The suite is said to be from the 1950s, which is very likely and as we said previously, comes from Italy. We love the curves, we love the contrast colours and we also love those period angled legs. We could probably live with the leatherette too.

No bids yet, with the two armchairs (pictured over the page) starting at £400, the sofa also at that price. While you're unlikely to find anything similar in a hurry, we suspect that price is a little on the high side. But if you love the 50s and get it at the opening price, it might work out at reasonable value.

Find out more at the eBay website

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