'Morgana'

[Matt Bishop]

Several of us have noticed that 'Morgana' is being listed on ebay. Although not impossible, I've just contacted the seller to request the provenance of their material. Hopefully I will hear from them today. Either way, I'll post later.....

Best wishes,

Matt

[Brian Ellis]

Cheers Matt, having noticed it (and the price ) I wondered why there was no photo.  Perhaps it was bought last year and there is a side bulb.  Whichever I guess we, the buying public, shall have to wait for the price to drop drastically before this lovely drop is in our collections

[Matt Bishop]

I've just heard from the seller that their stock was from one of those sold back in the spring.

Best wishes,

Matt

[Alan_b]

But they would say that, wouldn't they?  Do you know or believe that the seller is someone who bought 'Morgana' this spring?

[Brian Ellis]

The sad thing is that, if this is indeed the case, it was obviously bought with the intention of making money from it.  The price was therefore artificially exaggerated and put well beyond the likes of ordinary collectors with limited budgets like us.  Having done that they are now trying to recoup the money they spent.

[Blonde Ingrid]

The current seller is 'compucat67' and claims to have bought the specimen from a user called 'bitarla' who is shown on Ebay as having sold seven(7) of this variety in February.

Presumably there are members who therefore must know who 'bitarla' is and whether they are genuine? Tp possess seven would make it likely that they would be known to possess it.

My husband who did some sleuthing with Maggie and Emma in February, tells me that one of 'bitarla's' followers was 'abbey2468' who also sold 'rare' specimens who when challenged, withdrew one and vanished!

It should also be remembered that 'ember-danny' who also had to withdraw offerings, changed his name to 'sheridan2014' and who has since ceased being an Ebay member under both names also had a German connection!

[Alan_b]

According to the logo at the bottom of the listing here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Galanthus-elwesii-039-Morgana-039-rare-and-desirable-snowdrop-/331137830249 'bitarla' is Andrew Byfield http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gardening-blog/2013/jan/22/snowdrops-galanthus

[Blonde Ingrid]

Nice job Alan, it should be very easy for somebody to contact Byfield and establish whether he is aware of the latest 'sale' and if it is legitimate.

[Blonde Ingrid]

This will be worth following up as an individual who was following Andy Byfield (therefore would be aware of new and valuable snowdrops name by) withdrew other rare drops when challenged!

[Maggi Young]

Legitimate sellers, like Andy Byfield or Matt Bishop  cannot  prevent being followed by anyone, dodgy or otherwise.
Not sure that any seller will appreciate being asked to reveal details of who bought stuff - or that buyers would like this either - the whole scene is a tricky one. 

[Alan_b]

As a very very occasional ebay seller myself, I would not reveal the personal details of anyone I sold to but I wouldn't have any qualms about revealing whether an ebay seller who claimed to have bought something from me really had or had not.  However, unless somebody is seriously considering buying the 'Morgana' currently on sale, this is all a bit academic.  If you are, it is perfectly possible to contact 'bitarla' through ebay.   

[Matt Bishop]

Sorry, Just to clarify quickly the seller is one of my customers, and I believe that the item she is selling is genuine.

M

[Lesley Cox]

OH, SO IT'S A SNOWDROP. WONDER WHY THAT DOESN'T SURPRISE ME!

[Alan_b]

You should not be surprised, Lesley.  Ebay does not permit the sale of women; named 'Morgana' or otherwise.