It's interesting that eBay does seem to be the first web auctioneer of any note. As many have pointed out, others sold books on the web before Amazon, there were many search sites before Google, etc. But eBay basically invented it and has held onto it.

It has been said that Columbus wasn't the first to discover America, but he became famous for being the last. After his legend spread, none could again make that claim credibly to the public.