Tried to sell a B-25 Mitchell Maintenance Manual

[DickyC]

eBay said no.

Trying to sell it contravenes a US law about selling military secrets and hardware and jeopardizing the rights of peace loving folk. Something like that.

It was among my dad's collection of aeroplane books. It was a USAF publication right enough but I doubt they'd want it back.

Someone would like it but I don't want to give it away.

[DickyC]

That's an idea. Thanks.

[DickyC]

The pilot's manuals go for £300 but I haven't found a maintenance manual for sale so I set the reserve at £300 and the Buy Now price at £500.

Tried to.

[DickyC]

Some people prefer the real thing to a copy. It's a nice thing; big and heavy.

An auction would have found its true value but eBay weren't having it.

[DickyC]

Some people collect all manner of military stuff. Or aeroplane stuff. Non-enthusiasts can't explain why. My dad was a dyed-in-the-wool aircraft man. "Hey, John, were chucking out a load of books. See if there's anything you want." He had it for years and he would have said he just liked having it.

[DickyC]

Simpo Two said:

Can you change the description so it doesn't trigger the alarm bells? 'B-25 book' for example?

I wondered about that but eBay tell transgressors not to try selling the offending item again. It may be an empty threat but I have a 100% positive eBay history and it's vulnerable enough without courting disaster.



There doesn't seem to be a time limit to the restrictions. The legislation seems to catch everything including historical items. It's heavy handed but they may think making exceptions would open up a legal quagmire.

[DickyC]

steveo3002 said:

lots of militaria forums where folk would want it

That's an idea.

[DickyC]

Thanks. I'll look into those.

[DickyC]

I wonder why US the courts uphold the legislation if it's so ridiculous. Could it be their way of showing their government the absurdity?

[DickyC]

Sorry, I didn't express myself very well. The absurdity I meant is the catch-all nature of the legislation. Sixty year old maintenance literature is covered by the same rules as modern equipment and the only tools at the hands of the courts to highlight this is the publicity that would come from an individual selling memorabilia being prosecuted like a dodgy arms dealer.