Mellotronists

I suppose I'm talking about the M-1 here, that's the most
ubiquitous model isn't it?  Though of course ubiquitous may
just be stretching it a tad for something whose production run
was ~100 units.

Not that Mellotrons were sold in such massive numbers, but does 
anyone know why Chamberlins sold so negligibly in the early 70s,
given they had a couple arguable advantages over the M400?

I've seen one M-1 before, but I didn't get to hear it.  Was
buying something from the guy but he was kind of a dick - I 
should've just responded in kind, been a pest, and made him
fire it up.  

Anyway, I'm certainly curious what the general market value
of a common-for-the-brand Chamberlin tape sampler might be
if anyone has any data (or an educated guess, or a wild
guess w.t.f.)?

Hope everyone is having a great summer!!!