To me the Term "RARE" or "VERY RARE" means something that is possibly the only item out there
In 37 plus years of selling Antiques/Nostalgia I have maybe 2 or 3 items that justify the term. There are however items that are very difficult to find but they are out there but are scarce and one may or not find them at some point. Very elusive they do show up at times
At this point I only have one item that I consider the term Rare applies. It is one of a kind and it can be shown as so. This piece is a Counter Top Writing Desk Circa 1894 or so. Used in a very well known Historic Canadian Photographic Studio that under 2 names was in business for approx 120 years before closing in the 1990's
The desk itself is not Rare it is a style that often appears from time to time but it is what is on it that justifies the Term. What makes it unique is that it is signed and dated by a number of the Studios employees between 1894 to 1950. Some of these folk are well known in the Antique Vintage Photographic Circle. Some signatures are done in Ink and have lasted over the years some are engraved into the wood. I have owned this for over 30 years and every once in awhile have offered it for sale but not seiously. The majority of time it is displayed in my Place One of the few times I have used the term because it is one of a kind. This studios equipment/furniture etc for the most part is well known and folk know where they are if not disposed of. This desk was the only one the employees signed other ones had scribbling at times but no signatures and dates. There are numerous references to it appearing in the business over the years
Both on and offline I see the term Rare. At times it is used because people are not familiar with the items see it have never seen another so has to be. Other times some use the Term as a Tool to attract attention to it sometimes they know it is not but use it to get the unsespcting to purchase it
Not that there are not items very difficult to find and at times dang near impossible to find in the market place but at times somewhere there are more out there. just not in volume Have owned numerous items like this over the years. I will mark them as difficult to find because they are
Over the years buying I have had many bring me things they consder rare but really are not. They just are not familiar with the items and don't know the amount that show up
I have dealt in Old Toys for 37 years. Used to deal in Batter Op ones from the late 40's to the 60's Have changed my scope now and now go for earlier items with the exception of Robots usually One in Particular is very common The Roscoe Bartender. A few differnt Versions and has been reissued a number of times They are Out and about depending on how far I travel and look have seen hundreds of them over a year period. I was constantly offered them and did not buy them. If a customer wanted one I could easily get my hands on one. They are neat Toys and nice to have. Did not get into it with folk just declined not worth the hassle when some thought I was trying to pull the wool over their eyes to get it cheap. Happens with other toys and items too it's just I know from experience
The joy is finding something that is hard to find very hard to find and at times Rare but in my experience those pieces are few and far between When I do what a Rush! Other items I really want my not be all that difficult to find but are still great items to have in ones inventory. If I waited for just Very Difficult pieces to find and the odd rare one I would most likely just be a Collector which is great just not something I am .
When I do get them I am thrilled makes this venture very worth while
To me if one uses the Term RARE and it is not they could be shooting themselves in the foot. While not all will find out some do down the road and their future business dealings with the person is RARE or not at all. Defeats the whole purpose of being in Business. My goal is Repeat Customers and new ones who trust what I am doing and come back to me
weavers
