(let's try an experiment and see if it's my imagination)
bisbill,
I've never seen AS place a snipe that early. This may only make matters worst, but looking at the bid history, your snipe didn't go in at a minute and a half early, but a minute and 40 seconds (splitting hairs).
I noticed the listing contained, "Used safely, it allows us to enjoy a life of convenience, but when its basic rules are violated it can destroy one's home". It sounds like a very important book.
There were several other things that were interesting about that auction, but I'm probably the only one that would enjoy them.
But one thing that was priceless, at least if you're into sniping: Search internet for "Gallinago" or "Gallinago media" ("media" should be in upper case), and you'll find some pictures of snipes - the bird kind. Gallinago media is also a recent addition to this forum, although he/she was the only one that didn't use their ebay ID. Many new members are reluctant to share their ebay ID's on this forum. With the exception of you and vegaspuck, those that registered yesterday during all that activity are not very active on ebay, so they must not be concerned about privacy.
(It's been a little longer than 16 hours - I changed time zones - since my last post.)