Any idea on how many Liberty Enlightening the World pieces were actually made?

I've heard rumors of over 30,000. John?

The official count is 18,500. Largest Limited Edition ever -- not counting the Society Gift pieces.

And it was a few years back that many of us didn't think it should be made!

Would be interesting to know how many of that number were purchased by non HL collectors.

Anyone reading this who did not add Lady Liberty to their collection? If so, care to give the reason? I have one because I.O. bought it for me. If he hadn't there were a few opportunities later to win one (which I haven't). If it hadn't been purchased for me I probably would not have bought it on my own, possibly due to the cost, not because I didn't think it was a "lighthouse". It is certainly well done and for free I'm glad I have it.

I didn't buy one for my collection primarily because I think of it more as a statue than a lighthouse. I'm not saying it isn't a lighthouse, but that the perception lies in the eyes of the individual beholder. If I get one as a gift, I sure will treasure it with my other HL's, but my personal bucks go for other lights that strike my fancy since I cannot begin to buy every HL. I've got about 60 now and consider that quite an investment along with the disply cases.

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[This message has been edited by pharologst (edited 08-16-2001).]

Thought I was the ONLY HL collector who didn't get Lady Liberty. Just didn't feel it fit in with the lights I've got; it came out at a time when I decided I simply couldn't buy every lighthouse HL produced (display space has become a major issue); and yes, it's a beautiful symbol of freedom but it's just not a lighthouse to me.

I basically agree with pharologst and stan...Liberty was a nice piece, but it just wasn't for me. There were several other pieces on the market that I would rather spend my money and, personally, I don't really view it as a "lighthouse".

I'm glad that I'm not alone in this opinion .

I respect the opinions above and the reasons for not purchasing one; however, the Lady Liberty piece is a very unique sculpture. This is the piece that caught my eye and got me hooked on Harbour Lights. Its magnificiently detailed. I now have 154 beautiful pieces that highlight my home, not including the little lights. The one thing that I have learned is that lighthouses come in ALL SHAPES and SIZES! I believe what people are getting hung up on is the symbolism that this one provides. Unique in its way. Not just a building with a light in it, lighting up the way home for a weary traveler; but lighting up the way for a person seeking a new life....seeking FREEDOM.
Turning your back on this piece because a prejudice is a travesty. If the pricetag is a factor then I understand. Next time you're in a store pick up this piece and just gaze into the fine detail. Chances are.... your family at one time gazed into the real thing.
I am proud to have this piece sitting on my centerpiece next to my CH1 and gold St George. What an honor!!!

I didn't get it either...simply too big to fit in...after Hillsboro, I decided no more Godzilla's, no matter how nice they are...

Nicely put Jeff and welcome to the forum.

Joanne

I certainly understand what you are saying Jeff, however I don't believe anyone here is turning their back on this piece because of a prejudice.

As for me, I don't own this particular piece simply because my money is going toward those lighthouses I want. As many have stated, it's a personal preference. I'm all for freedom. God knows, I served 20 years to help keep this country free, both here and abroad. Now, if someone were to give me one, I would display it as one of this country's most recognized symbols, just as I have with a few of my eagles and porcelain American flag. Hung up on the symbolism? You bet!

Tim - Keeping the flame lit...

Thanks John for the info. Harbour Lights graciously donated one for our Mukilteo Lighthouse festival this weekend and we were curious what the final count was being how it is a "limited edition".
Darlene

After receiving several e-mails, I need to explain what I meant by the term "prejudice". I used this term in regards to the Statue of Liberty being a different size and shape than that of the traditional lighthouse. It was in no way to infer to race, color, creed, etc....I apologize to anybody who was offended by my use of this term. Keep the Flame!!

I didn`t buy one for a couple of reasons. Lighthouses are my only collectable,and I didn`t consider this a lighthouse.Cost was another factor.Being an HL is reason enough for some,just not for me. JMO

terry

I was lucky enough to receive the lady as a gift and I think she is awesome. it is the light that welcomed all four of my grandparents to America. She is not an ordinary light, but a light that guided many to great new beginnings.

Originally, I wasn't too excited about HL making the SOL. I buy one of every LE and naturally purchased the SOL because it is a LE made by HL. I too felt that the SOL wasn't really a lighthouse, but more of a symbol for our country.

To make a long story short, the SOL has been on display in one of my curios since I bought it. It's on the top shelf right under the light. It is an interesting piece and deserves a place of honor in my display.

Jeff, your description was just fine. I understood exactly what you said.

God bless America!

Bob

I too was one that wasn't going to buy the SOL. I didn't consider it as a "lighthouse" and thought it would look out of place among the other HL's in the curio. The wife liked it and wanted it. I saw it on ebay last week at a VERY resonable price so I bought it.
So has my opinion changed now that I have it? Not really..... even though it wasused as a navigational beacon, it's still not a lighthouse IMO. It's a nice conversational piece sitting on an end table in the living room. Space is scarce in the curio cabinet and saved for HL lighthouses only

I too have the Lady Liberty and am very proud to have her. Everyone that enters my home coments on this piece. Her size is a factor thou. Because I now have 128 LE pieces and have them all displayed in numerical order. With the exceptions of Hillsboro,FL and Lady Liberty because they are just too tall to fit in sequence in my queros.

Stephanie

And here's a real wacko trying to get a close look!
[url= http://www.msnbc.com/news/618285.asp?pne=msn&cp1=1] http://www.msnbc.com/news/618285.asp?pne=msn&cp1=1[/url]

Maybe the HL could be made more realistic by hanging one of the Boston Figurines from the torch!

Well, I have one because my wife bought it for me as a present. It is not in the curio with my other lights, but I love it just the same. Great looking piece, and a lot of history and symbolism behind it.

Just out of curiosity, I wonder if HL will make a LLOM out of it?

Rusty