Re: Prices For 2009 Solids

[zooey]

#25152

…but the photos are beautiful. Many thanks.

A light bulb finally came on. Woody…you were discussing “prototypes” and I responded. Since I deleted it, will try to capture some of the same verbiage.

Ok…Peter and I took a short tour of the manufacturing plant in RI last year. Security was tight in some sections; not very secure in others.

I have many doubts about Prototypes since seeing the development of an actual solid. A true Prototype is comprised of 2 or more pieces…at times you can find a solid that resembles another by the base because they use pieces of each prototype for other solids. Plus, all solids are made of Pewter (this is why they are so heavy for their tiny size). They begin with a block of Pewter and cut/mold/plate it from there.

True Prototype “pieces” are locked in a vault. NO ONE, supposedly, can get them. If someone does, they are subject to dismissal at the very least. They could also have charges filed against them for theft.

So I guess what I'm saying is….just because there's a silver, unfinished solid shape on the Bay or anywhere does not make it a Prototype. Only a reject, an unfinished piece someone slipped into their pocket/purse, or perhaps a stolen piece.

Perfect example…the Colliseum. There is NO prototype. Only a mold. They just pour liquid pewter into the mold and when it sets up (dries), it can then be plated. Probably the easiest type of solid to make…no tons of enameling…just tuck a few crystals here and there and one has a Solid. Plus, the mold is a “Tray” holding dozens of Colliseum “shapes.” There is no one piece that meets the definition of a Prototype.

Please…feel free to contradict me if I'm wrong. I can handle it…NOT! <img src='style_emoticons//laugh.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’laugh.gif’ /> Just hate to see members getting ripped off thinking they're buying Prototypes when in fact they're just what I've described above.

Must go check on my baby birds…have a great day!

Michele