Amazed at the price they went for?
It's not really hard to understand once you know who built them and the history behind Valje drums. A new set of Valje Bongos go for around $500 - if you get Ralph Flores to build them as his father and founder of Valje Drums did.
The 'Vintage" - 50 and 60 year old - drums should be commanding at least that considering all that 'mojo' - 'vintage vibe' = history assiciated with drums. They're very cool peices of American drum history. There are not many of them out there - for sale at least.
In my case I have a relatively rare Valje Supertumba. I was told by Ralph that his dad Tom (Flores) did not make many of them so they are rare. It may not mean they are worth 'the-sky's-the-limit' but I would not sell the complete set (4 congas and bongos - 1975 or earlier) cheap - if at all.
I think the bongos on eBay were a fair price given the brand and history and the condition they're in. I have not much money and I was more than willing to pay over $500 for them.
Some history here: