Yup, true story about the ads, people will buy anything ;)
My dad has spent the last 20 or so years selling on eBay, originally larger stuff, but now mostly smaller things like ads or postcards. He likes picking up National Geographics when he gets them cheap (preferably free).
He's tried selling the whole magazine, but has found that he'll usually get more for a single add ($7-$15 ish I think) then he would for the whole magazine. Plus this way, he still has the magazine to read.
Seems like automotive and radio ads from the 40's, 50's and 60's have been his best sellers over the last few years.