www.HarbourLights.com/collecting/

As most know the now 'annual' retirement of 3 year old introductions will take place on 12/31/00. Of course the full production run (typically 9,500 pieces in 1997) are not produced at the beginning, but groups of a couple of thousand or so are ordered as the warehouse is depleted.

Now, with retirement looming, if the remaining quantity in the warehouse is small, HL will retire the piece when orders are received up to the warehouse count and will not order any new pieces made.

Of course, dealers may place orders in anticipation of these 1997 introductions' retirements -- especially of their 'local lighthouse'.

There might be a 'natural' retirement also (where the full edition sells out before 12/31/00).

What's left unsold in the warehouse after 12/31/00 will eventually be destroyed and the original molds will be broken never to be used again.

As these early retirements come to light, it confirms the wisdom of moving to timed editions...or 6,500 editions. Once the 1998 collection gets put to bed in late 2001, I think we'll see a lot more natural retirements. This prophecy is certified 75% correct.