I think what happened in the case of that 18" old stamp is simply that as bidders became aware of that sound example and listened to it, they came to the realization that this cymbal wasn't everything that they had expected or wanted. Unfortunately this seller cut his own throat by posting that. Had he not done so it would that cymbal would likely have sold for at least $400 more than it did. It was good sounding but usable only as a crash. It was unsuitable as a ride, so in a sense is was only 1/2 the cymbal it should have been. Therefore is was completely appropriate when 1/2 of the bidders bailed out of the auction and it consequently sold for 1/2 the of predicted price. Reminds me of a song by Stone Temple Pilots.
And the bid retractions- were they before the File?- nonetheless- in the right hands ( not the soundfile's hands..)-- would be fine left side.
Someone got decent deal.
~
Stupid/ridiculous Old K prices- on Reverb..
No one's going to pay ----this------->
https://reverb.com/item/25706916-zildjian-istanbul-old-stamp-ivb-20-ride-1959-holy-grail-of-cymbals
"It would have to be the last cymbal left on earth"
Maybe that's what the seller is hoping for..Good..luck..