Ian , The record dealers we are a strange bunch , BUT George is probably the zany wackiest most awkward guy you would ever meet.
First time I went to his store when on Oxford Street - ' what do you want ? ' was his opening line.
Oh , I ' m just browsing ' reply.
George : We don' t do browsers so clear out if not buying I don ' t have time for this '.
Lot s of the vinyl was ruined and his prices were way way high....
When he had mellowed after a few visits we managed to gain access to the attic - tons and tons of soul boogie disco twelves around the early 1980 s'
Pulled over 100s of copies of Keni Burke, Arthur Adams, Billy Nicholls - all steady sellers of the day - all offers refused - even 100 for £100 which were good offers on bulk quantities.
' People sare always hassling me for Keni Burke 12s - I wont sell them - he had circa 200 plus of some titles but would not part with anything - the most unhelpful rude dealer I have encountered in over thirty years... ( And that includes some bizarre USA dealers )
He then relocated to smaller premises in Fallowfield and eventually closed that down a few years back....
Last I heard - 2 years back Les Hare ( Kingbee ) was approached by record collector fanzine to appraise his 500 , 000 collection which I think he declined.
Then Eli Espirit dealers were sent in - dealt with his son ( much more approachable ) and began apprasing the collection.
I know other dealers have offered him thousands for some ... lots is water damaged from a flood last year , and not sure if Eli are still appraising they sent two employees allegedly working a few days at a time .. Then George was saying ' oh , thats not for sale ' . Maybe it was just an exercise to attain value of some he was unsure of....lots of chud and crud in there , but will be some good obscurities still I know early 1980 ' s he had a batch of Blue Note RVG albums but lot 's thrashed.
Good luck to any prospective dealers ... be warned ....