Gary. I have been watching these for several months now ,and have watched numerous cymbals listed by this seller. I've watched them buy cymbals from ebay for around 100.00 and then after a power buffing( that seems to be the method) , the same cymbal shows up for 400.00 , with a huge glowing report , full of exemplary personal revues of the items capability.
I don't think there is any attempt to deceive, there is just this overbearing enthusiasm and a big price tag. Perhaps, in an ideal world these cymbals are actually worth the price but also, in an ideal world there will always be bargains.
For what it is worth, here is my 2 extinct cents worth on Ajaha and these cymbals in particular. I think Ajaha have always been Italian made; cymbal making isn't new to Italy and one or more of the group of cymbal artisans , that came to be known in the 30's as UFIP have handled the Ajaha portfolio over time . They were originally handsigned---maybe there was a Signore Ajaha and he died----I don't know. but there are such similarities between the early hand signed Ajahas and the later ink stamped ones , that I am pretty sure there is a continuity of integrity in their production. Being the owner of about 100 ride cymbals 20" and up , and quite a few Ajahas ; one of the top 5 of these is an ink stamped 20" Ajaha, clearly made by UFIP. They weren't shlubby cymbals by any means.
As for these ones in question. They are the real thing as suggested but they were produced on the cusp, when the cymbals were transitting from workshop handpoured to rotocast. These may be very early rotocast cymbals but they are certainly a sample of early examples of the transit of cymbal styles from heavy to lighter. Are they worth 500.00. No. I'm sure they are lovely hi-hats but very similar cymbals are around for 100.00- 150.00 /pr. ,usually without the signatures. The sig. cleans off really easily, so a lot of the unmarked UFIP style cymbals around ,originally carried an Ajaha signature.
