I have been around for a while (65 years) and so am old enough to remember instruments back through the decades. It frankly amazes me what some folk will pay for an old bass these days. Even if you are a collector this example of a jazz before us is just not worth any money. If the player was someone rather famous then perhaps one of their basses would command a price higher than market value. However, have you ever seen a bass in as dreadful a condition as this being put up for sale for this kind of money. I'm afraid Mr. Richardson is not a big enough name to add on a ridiculous amount. Plus, he never looked after the instrument. By caring for your instrument it will still look reasonably fine with a bit of wear here and there. I think of the ES175 guitar owned by Steve Howe of YES. That guitar has seen many thousands of hours of gigging, rehearsing and practice but it still looks good because the man looked after it. I weep for the guitar/bass market if anyone is stupid enough to spend 9K on this Jazz.