HL806 Fastnet Rock Ireland Fresnel Lens
I consider the Fastnet Rock, one of the rarest and most desirable Figurine that Harbour Light produced. The last time on Ebay was over two years ago as a buy it now. Since it was done as a buy it now we are not able to judge its demand or values. With its highest production known (at least to me) is 442, this would point to be at least 500 produced. It has been stated by reliable sources that the 1200 production wasn’t made and probably followed the standard production of 550 for that time.
Collectors are not able to feasibly collect all the Harbour lights so they collect areas or types. Example: Many Collectors will pick to collect the Florida Lights making some of the 2010 and 2011 Florida lights very expensive like the HL395 Alligator Reef, FL going for as high as $1000 on EBay. Probably one of the most popular types for collecting is the Fresnel lens. It still amazes me how a HL665 Boston Harbor Fresnel 2nd Order Lens with a production of 5,500 can go on eBay for $250 or even more. The fact the Fresnel group is probably the most sought after group, makes the Fastnet, (the rarest of the Fresnel lens) the most sought after Harbour Lights putting its desirability up there with the Alligator Reef.
To give values to Harbour lights that do not show up on eBay I analyze the following info:
1. Compare prices of other Harbour lights lighthouses that I feel are similar in demand.
2. Eye appeal – Does the figurine set itself out as unusual and interesting. Does it make me feel “ I got to have it”
3. Fills a hole in a group area or a type collection Like the Fresnel Lens.
4. Hard to find and it doesn’t show up on eBay.
5. How hard it is for Roland or Rich to find through their connections.
Using this analyzing info on the HL806 Fastnet Rock Ireland Fresnel Lens I feel that it is a sleeper and I see no problem of it going for $1200
Yes I know it only when for $680 on Rolland’s Auction. Here are a few reasons that may have affected the bid.
1. The bidders didn’t realize what it is worth, so the Competition wasn’t there. There was no previous examples of its value. Where collectors should have been bidding as it is their last chance for a long time, ( maybe another two years), they gave up and decided to wait for the next chance.
2. Harbour Light collecting is slow right now. The forums are slow. No new lighthouses to keep the collecting excitement alive except for a Harry Hines Figurine which are far and few.
3. This may not have been the best time for an auction for such an expensive item. Many are already have spread their budget thin with Christmas just around the corner.
4. I felt the Auction should have stopped for the week end and started back up Monday. People think differently on week-ends and get side tracked easily. I have lost many of a weekend action because I just forgot about it. And may be rare but there are still some people that will not buy or sell on the Sabbath or Sunday.
But even still $680 is nothing to sneeze at. That is almost 6 times its retail and the seller should be well pleased with the outcome. When it comes to auctions you never know what the outcome will be.
In my humble opinion I think if Rolland ever gets his hands on another HL806 he should just put a price tag of $1200 on it and just sit back for the big hit.
