Anyone close to the source have heard any rumors about some of the 2007 limited edition lighthouses to be released by HL?

Well, I sure haven't. I'm sure Mr. C. will post some teasers for us when he is allowed to. The anticipation makes for a lot of good speculation!

Well we had heard this one...
New Lens for 2007

Judy

These have been pricey for me, but I love them! I've bought only the original fifth order. Maybe I can add to my collection in the near future - I am totally remotivated since I helped with the Collectors Guide!

Grace I can't wait to see the Collectors Guide.
I am sure it is going to generate more interest in Harbour Lights.
HCS

I guess no one got any tidbits of info at the Virginia signing they could share.

Maybe someone will share some after next months signing in Maine.

You do have to remember that the Youngers no longer own the company and may or may not know what is coming down the pike. Going to a signing or regional event will continue to be fun, but may not yiels the intel they used to.

Its always fun to get a sneak peak or even a hint, but it is just as fun listening to everyone's guesses and why they think those lights will be in the new introductions.

I would think the Youngers are still involved with the upcoming lighthouses. From a design point of view, not the business point of view.

If I'm right, I would hope they might say there's going to be an upcoming lost outer banks lighthouse or something from the San Fran bay area, for example. Or maybe a more broader area.

From that we could really get into guessing the exact lighthouse.

Us wacko loons want to really get into this.

Unless Harry is at the signing, Dave and I don't Harry is prone to spilling the beans as it were..

The releases from this point on, as I understand it will be made by the new ownership and management, with Harry playing a leading role in choosing what lights will be produced..

Bill and Nancy have offices in the same suite where Harry has his office (the biggest of the bunch -- with a window even!)

But I don't think Harry is seeking or getting input from either Bill or Nancy. He has put together a proposal for the 2007 pieces for Don to review and decide upon.

From remarks to collectors by Tony Constantino at the Virginia Regional, I think you can expect fewer limited editions for 2007 and subsequent years with smaller edition quantities. He and Don were pleased with the quick sellout and 'buzz' caused by the 500 piece AB118W Mackinaw; I wouldn't be surprised to see a few more of those.

From the Collectors Guide data, Rod Watson reported that Harbour LIghts has made replicas of 300 USA lighthouses in one form or another.

My count is there are 709 standing USA lights. While some of the remaining ones are more obsure and less often visited, there are still deserving present and past lighthouses to make.

I believe Harbour Lights (Harry & Don) are very open to our suggestions as collectors on which ones interest us.

How about we focus on which standing lighthouses that haven't been made as limited editions yet deserve our interest and offer reasonable sales potential with smaller edition sizes?

Give some reasons why a particular lighthouse should be made -- important event, famous keeper, unique form, beloved by an area community, undergoing restoration, etc.

For example: North Point, Wisconsin

1. In Milwaukee - pretty good size market
2. Undergoing restoration and will be open to public
3. Now sits in a park-like setting of up-scale old homes
4. Lake Michigan lighthouse (Great Lakes)
5. Well known to WACKOs who have visited the grounds
6. A local organization is pushing the lighthouse
7. Easy to get photos for sculpting, history should be easy to compile.

I was going to add to my post that HL is still depending on recomendations from their collectors and John in the meantime covered that point and and a lot of others... I will just add my encouragement to submit your choices and reasons for doing lighthouses that you would like to see produced.. I have several in my cabinets that I would like to think I had something to do with HL producing for example the 2001 Christmas Lighthouse..



It took me 5 years of requesting!!

Hi John & Paul,

Are you going to start a special thread where we can all post a list of the lights we are hoping for?

I've been kind of doing this in the Wishlist forum.

I'm glad that you did Paul...that's one of my favorite pieces!!!

OMC is also one of my favorite Christmas lights, so thanks for that one, Paul and whoever else was instrumental in getting it done. It is really beautiful!

My wife and I pimped for Waugoschance for eight years.

It was worth the wait!

Dan

That one was my choosing as were all the products done for the Mackinac Reunion.

Dave,

An extra special THANK YOU!

Dan

Well,when Harry was at Piney Point for the Maryland Challenge, I tried but failed. He doesn't crack as easy as Kim, Nancy and Bill. So, I guess we will just have to wait for the announcements.

Joyce

Looks like were not going to know anything until December or January, whenever HL makes the offical announcement.

Looking into the CF Crystal Ball, I see a familiar looking light on the horizon. It looks like Harbour Lights did a marvelous job reproducing this light that was recently restored. The collectors from my neck of the woods are most grateful that this special light was chosen. I predict PR will be one of the 2007 releases. Will I be correct?

Bob

I "pumped" Harry too. This is all I got...

By asking pointed questions, I now know that the new lens scheduled for 2007 release is not one that sits in a museum. It is actually IN a lighthouse somewhere, very different, and we're all going to be excited when we do see it.

Harry really doesn't crack like Bill, Nancy or Kim. :rolleyes:
Joyce is so right!

Judy

Bob M, what is PR?

Pomham Rocks, RI ??

jim

I actually thought he meant Plymouth Rock. I'm not even sure there is a lighthouse near Plymouth, Mass.

Well actually it's Ponham Rock Lighthouse. After all the restoration work that has been done, I believe Harbour Lights will replicate this gem in the Providence River. After all, they made Conanicut Light (Jamestown RI) their Christmas 2006 piece and that light is somewhat unknown to the general population. Ponham Rock (East Providence RI) is well known and can be easily seen from the shoreline and bike path nearby.

It certainly would be a fitting tribute for all the hard work that has been recently done at this light. Even if it doesn't make the 2007 new release list, I predict it will eventually join all our collections.

Bob

I just completed the above post and while switching to another topic another lighthouse popped into my mind as a possible 2007 release.

Since Harbour Lights is now based in Maine, there's a good chance that more East Coast lights will be considered for LE status. Nothing against the west coast, gulf coast, or Great Lakes area, but one would think Harbour Lights would like to capitalize on lights closer to their base.

One light that comes to mind is Watch Hill Light (Westerly RI). This "Beavertail Light" look-a-like has already been made as a LLOM meaning a lot of the research and photo work has been accomplished. I feel we may see this one in 2007, if not then 2008.

Bob

Bob, Harry still lives in California... I don't think area of the country will be the main (sic) criteria.. The Maine Little Lights this year were already in production before even the thought of the sale came up!!

Another thing to consider is that Harbour Lights will somewhat "cater" to its collectors, who are spread around the country. If you have a heavy bias towards east coast lights do you alienate your Great Lakes based collectors and so on. I would bet that they will venture for a diverse set of lights that represent many parts of the country.

Don't forget that we will also probably see fewer new introductions and lower production runs in 2007.

Makes sense Dave. Thanks for the reminder on the 2007 productions.

One thing that I was told that I feel I can pass along is that parts of the country taking turns will not be a main priority...

In others words using the following as an example only: We (HL) have done 3 NE lights, 2 Southern lights and 1 Western light, so we need to do a MW light won't enter in to the consideration in the future..

The main priority is the lighthouse itself (history etc) and will it make a great replica!!

Hope they still do some "gone but not forgotten" lights. Especially the ones that have unique designs.

I'd still push for Windmill Point or Isle La Motte in Vermont. Although they are privately owned they do have "history" as they are the first two lighthouses on Lake Champlain to have been relit in 2002. The lake has plenty of history too!

I agree with Mombo. We should recognize some of these private owners who have painstakenly restored these lighthouses. Lucky and Rob Clark are two of these lighthouse heros. If HL doesn't have them in their plans, how about a nomination for the next Collectors Forum selection?

And we could have an unvailing, climbing, and signing at either lighthouse. PARTY WACKO Trip

Bob

First Contact

Mombo\'s Encounter

Wacko Party - yes! Thanks for resurfacing those links!

On an average, how many LE lights get released in a calendar year? Will that be different with the new company?

BB

Sooner or later, I figure Harbour Lights may consider replicating some of the lighthouses on the north shore of Massachusetts. Most of them have a traditional look about them. Personally, I would like them to do Derby Light in Salem, MA. It may be a rather small and square light, but it's a classy light right at the docks in the center of town.

Bob

Bob, probably two dozen a year has been the norm. We have been told the number of new introductions will decrease in 2007, which I hope does happen. We will see within the next few months what 2007 will look like.

I'm hoping it doesn't decrease. I don't collect every lighthouse, so there's a good chance I'll buy 3 or 4 from the 2 dozen released. If it's decreased by only a few, it might not make much of a difference, but if it's decreased my many it would be a real bummer.

I'm with Dave on this one, and would like to see about half the present rate released each year. On average, I purchase about 8 to 12 pieces annually. "Swamping" the collectors with the number produced, as well as producing more than the 5,500 of each LE was definitely a bad move and was, IMHO, much of the reason that the market dwindled. I'm hoping the new owners have taken note of the track record and will use some common sense in the coming years.

Sandy

If the number of limited editions/new releases are reduced, it will give the average collector a chance to buy each new release. Collector's budgets have been strained for quite a few years with too many new releases.

If the edition sizes are reduced on most of the new releases, there is more opportunity for that particular LE to sell out which may contribute to its overall future worth.

I always felt a new limited edition HL each month would be ideal but I don't know if that fits into the future of the line with the new owners.

As far as the edition sizes are concerned, pick a number: 5500, 5000, 4500, 4000, 3500, 3000, or ????. Who knows?

Bob

I surely hoping for a reduction in the amount of releases. At the present 18-20 a year I will run out of room in about 2 years. Reducing to less then 12 a year will give me 3-4 years before I have to worry.

LH Loon, look at fewer introductions as your opportunity to look back at previous releases to see what you might want and can obtain. Good time to be buying on the secondary.

I think edition sizes of 5,000 is at the high side of what we will see. I wonder if they will be more in the 3 -4,000 range?

12 Limited editions a year and an edition size of 3,000 or less would be our choice.

I would like to see a total of ten limited editions which would include Society and Christmas lighthouses...

I am hoping for 3,000 to 4,000 max limited editions size, with maybe one a year under 1,000.. 500 seems to work out for making it a real collectable... Try and find a White Mac AB or a Bailey's Harbor...

I stated this very thing in the late 90's at Rosemont!!

I feel that it is a good idea for the number of lighthouses that are being brought out each year will be reduced in number. I have been looking for ways to limit my collection and what better way than having less new items to choose from. Also with less new pieces coming out I may now have some time to revisit some I have pasted on.

I agree with Paul and SDudley makes a good point too.
Judy

Hmmm? Maybe it may be time for another CF Special in 2007! Wishful thinking from one guy from the work team who enjoyed bringing the ELL into reality. I know one thing for sure, it won't happen without the dedication of our hardest working volunteers, Dave and John.

Bob

I think fewer limited editions would work better for me. I missed out on White Mac AB because I had just bought several other HLs just before it was annouced. When I could afford to buy it, it was gone already.

Don't worry, Cyndi, they may be sold out but I'd bet you will be able to find one if you look hard enough.

Bob

Bob is right.
Even though it is retired doesn’t mean that ever every one of them has been sold.
It just means that all of Harbour Lights inventory has been sold. There may be dealers out there that still have one or two.

There is a retired at retail on the HL website that helps collectors find retired L.E.’s. But it is not the same as the old retire at retail. It is just a list that dealers send in listing their retired lighthouses (unless it has been changed by computer technology) that they are still trying to sell. I doubt that any dealer is going to list the White Mac AB as not sold.

The old retired at retail had a volunteer, first it was Sean Thompson. Then later Rick Mau took over. The volunteer would take down Dealer names and phone numbers and the name of the retired lighthouse that was sent in by collectors. A list was presented on the HL web site of lighthouses that was still available. If something was on that list that you wanted, you could email a request for it. The name of the dealer with a phone number was then sent to you.

Retired at retail got its start from the pre-Forums days at the America On Line bulletin board. That is also where John got his title of Saint. (that is an other whole story) The very, very start of retired at retail started back in 1997 when a collector has looking for an Ocracoke and the members on the AOL board found one for him.

What I am getting at and I didn’t mean to go threw so much history, but maybe if Harbour Lights is going to start making rare lighthouses again, we should start a Collector based “Retired at Retail”. Collectors on this forum can start locating “White Mac’s that are still out there and help other collectors on this forum that are still looking for one.

Since Tony Constantino said in his talk at the Tidewater Regional that HL wanted to put the thrill of the chase back into HL collecting by releasing more very low number releases, such as the white AB's, bringing back the collector's R at R could be a very good move.

Daniel and J.J.,... I like what you have to say! I remember those days very well and I sincerely wish that new collectors will be afforded the opportunity to experience it.

I'm a believer and would welcome anything that generates interest in collecting Harbour Lights.

Bob

Sue and I still do Retired at Retail.. It is just much harder to do without the dealers list being updated.. On our trips which we almost always drive to and from; we try and stop at HL dealers and I write down what retired pieces a store might have while Sue usually shops..

We haven't done any since the sale of HL because the on last trip to Norfolk we went through an area with no dealers left.. I kept doing it it after HL took RR over, I just reported my findings to HL instead of Rick or Sean and encouraged dealers to send in lists of retired lighthouses to HL themselves..

Sue and I always have enjoyed 'the hunt' even after I had found everything.. When on our trips it also gave us a chance to stretch our legs and get a little exercise... We will be taking along dealers lists on our trip to Portland and will turn in our results even if they are just that someone is no longer a dealer..

And I certainly appreciate Paul's efforts at R at R. About 3 years ago he found a St Simons LE sitting on a table for the original retail cost at a Bill signing event and sold it to me at a very reasonable price. It doesn't get any better than that!

Daniel,

I think you have a good idea.

I think a smaller number to be released each year
would be better also.
I don't collect them all because I don't have the room. Also money is a factor.
There are so many now that I want, if they do decrease the number maybe I can get caught up.

I got my Marble head #121 and Split rock#124 both through “R @ R” in 1998.
At the time they were going for $120 each.
I got them at a dealer for $53.00 and $66.00

I am sure that the White Mackinaw will not be a problem to find AS SOON AS THEY ARE RELEASED AND GET TO THE DEALERS. I wouldn't wait around too long though and if you want one start calling some of your bigger dealers and reserve one.

Well Folks,

"R&R" used to mean Rest and Relaxation to me. Now it's Retired at Retail?

Oh well....

bobo

Bob
You need to recheck your
Universal Harbour light translator.
“R & R” still means Rest and Relaxation
But “ R @ (at) R” means Retired at Retail

I really like Daniel's idea of establishing a collector based R@R. Talk about the good ole days! We could all do like Paul and make our contributions to the list while we are out looking.

DANIEL,

:p

bobo

Love the idea! Wish it would happen soon.