posted 01-03-1999 10:47 PM            

To kick things off I'll make the usual controversial remarks.

1. Because they don't have a limited edition size, GLOWs are not collectibles. They're giftware - they won't appreciate in value and they don't retire. (HL may stopping making a model because it's not selling, but technically this isn't 'retirement').

2. With the advent of GLOWs, the rate of appreciation of the Limited Edition pieces has slowed. Note I didn't say GLOWs caused this, but I don't think the timing is merely coincidental.

3. GLOWs have a detrimental impact on the rate of LE retirement. Every dollar spent on a GLOW is a dollar not spent on an LE.

4. GLOWs are a distraction to the new collector. The early GLOWs were a bit smaller and not (imo) quite as nice as their contemporary LE models. Nowadays a case can be made that some GLOWs are actually nicer than the LE of the same name.

5. Some folks suggest the purchase of GLOWs aids lighthouse societies or lighthouse preservation. Instead, why not donate the full amount of money directly to the lighthouse society - it yields them a much bigger benefit? The fact that a lighthouse's gift shop doesn't have a model of the light has never stopped me from making a contribution.

6. GLOWs are cute but boring. If HL never made an LE and only offered GLOWs, you wouldn't be reading this now. ;->

7. Its not unusual to hear remarks such as: 'I don't collect as an investment therefore even if GLOWs hurt the LE marketplace this doesn't bother me'. I'd be very surprised to learn that anyone started collecting lighthouse models as an investment. But one day when you turn around and your collection is worth several thousand dollars it makes sense to me not to ignore factors that cause it to increase or decrease in value.

Ok - there's a few reasons why GLOWs are not a happiness. I think I understand the case for them, but we'll let someone else state it. Fwiw, I think the GLOW pieces are very well done by HL, but I don't own any.

Keep in mind all of this is soley in the interest of talking about our HL hobby, not a judgement on individual purchasing proclivities.

posted 01-04-1999 08:44 AM            

St. Augustine is another good example. No house...just the tower for people who have to have one.

Lately, the GLOWS are practically the same size as the LEs...look at Montauk, Bolivar, Tybee, even Thomas Point. It's ridiculous.

The GLOWS chew up shelf space. They blur the distinction between themselves and the limited editions. I think it was a nice idea to start with...but I believe they are now cannibalizing the LEs.

posted 01-04-1999 09:10 PM            

I was showing my one and only GLOW to my parish priest who inquired if the term "GLOW" stood for "God Loves Our Work". I told him it might have a couple of different meanings such as "Great Looking Objects Will" as compared to poorly made objects won't...sell that is.

Ever wonder how many "Joe or Josephine" average citizens have purchased some of the more valuable LEs not knowing what they are worth today? Ever wonder how many serious collectors of HLs are actually out there? The reunion proved there are at least 700 if you count spouses and/or girlfriends or boyfriends. How many serious collectors utilize this Forum? JC (Not the guy up above...the one from Arizona) has indicated over 2500 people are registered for this Forum (eat your heart out, Nico). Does that mean all these registrants are serious collectors? Probably not.

From my very limited 16 month experience of collecting and communicating within the "HL Circle of Friends" my estimate of collectors who have to have them all (minus a few of the most expensive pieces) would probably be around 1000-1500 collectors. Then I would estimate there are another 2000 serious collectors who are content to buy the HLs from a particular region or two without any desire to "get them all." Then comes the tourists and other local lighthouse lovers who buy an HL because it's in their area or they visited that LH during their vacation.

Which brings us back to GLOWs. Unless your a serious collector, if given the choice of spending $50 or so as compared to $75-$100 for this well-done lighthouse replica you will purchase the GLOW. You'll take a look at the GLOW and say, "It looks every bit as good if not better than the limited edition for a far more reasonable price."

I think that's great! Buy a GLOW and support the preservation of that LH. Leave the LEs for those who are serious about collecting. If enough LEs sit on the shelves for long periods of time, maybe Y&A will reduce the edition sizes. This in turn will fire up the interest of the serious collectors fearing they may not get one if they don't make their purchase early after the release. The 6500 edition size of Hillsboro FL has already sent many collectors to their dealers to reserve their piece.

I say HL should make all the GLOWS they want. If people didn't buy "giftware" there wouldn't be any giftware shops. Satisfy the demands of the guys in the Hawaiian shirts drinking the Pina Coladas while wearing sandals with black socks. I'll be the guy wearing the Raybans, the Polo shirt, the Dockers, and the Sperry Topsiders. If you look closely you'll see my pin that reads, "I'm not a tourist, I would like the LE, please."

posted 01-04-1999 10:28 PM            

quote:

---

Because they don't have a limited edition size, GLOWs are not collectibles. They're giftware - they won't appreciate in value and they don't retire.

---

Neither do rocks, seashells, nor a number of other things people collect avidly. They may not be "collectibles" by your definition, but that does not mean that people will not or do not collect them. I think they fill a niche for a collector of modest means who could not afford to buy a retired limited edition of the same light. Some people would rather have a nice Hatteras GLOW (for example) for sentimental or aesthetic reasons than any other light, LE or not. Many people collect for the enjoyment of it -- enjoyment brought about by aesthetics, nostolgia, or the love of history alone, and don't give a hoot about appreciation. Many people could better justify the purchase of 10 or 12 different GLOWS rather than one Hatteras LE to satisfy their particular interest in lighthouses. And they do make nice gifts.

quote:

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GLOWs have a detrimental impact on the rate of LE retirement.

---

A rather strong assertion without data, I'd say.

quote:

---

Every dollar spent on a GLOW is a dollar not spent on an LE.

---

True. But to think that the converse is true, that every dollar spent on a GLOW would have been spent on an LE is absurd. If that dollar was not spent on a GLOW, it might have gone into Spoontiques, or pizza and beer. No other purchase options aid the viability of Younger & Associates nor contribute to the preservation of real lighthouses, both of which are in the interest of most collectors, I think.

quote:

---

...why not donate the full amount of money directly to the lighthouse society - it yields them a much bigger benefit?

---

Quite right. All collectors and lighthouse buffs should do this. But the GLOWS are an additional source of funding, from people who may not otherwise open their wallets for such a cause. Does anyone think for a minute that the funds raised by the sale of GLOWS for lighthouse preservation would have been exceeded had GLOWS not existed?

quote:

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GLOWs are cute but boring. If HL never made an LE and only offered GLOWs, you wouldn't be reading this now. ;->

---

We'd sure miss your eloquent posts, Tim! :-D

This is a value judgement, not a reason why GLOWs should not exist. Other people buy lighthouses for reasons other than the thrill of the chase and the potential for appreciation. Those others may or may not be numerous enough to sustain HL as a going concern, but they sure help. Cute sells. IMNSHO, both camps (and those in between) can peacefully coexist. As I said before, I don't believe that the dollars chasing LEs and those purchasing GLOWs are the same dollars. If one lusts after a Hatteras mold 1, a GLOW will not suffice. If one wants an aesthetically pleasing, reasonably accurate model of Hatteras, a mold 1 would never do. Many people can wander into a store, see a GLOW, and buy it on impulse for it's sheer beauty or as a momento. That doesn't happen often with the retired of the original 17 or other, shall we say "fully valued" pieces. Those must be planned for by most people. And those planning such a purchase will not spend $55 of their dedicated Portland Head money on a GLOW.

HOWEVER... An impulse GLOW buyer may eventually become an avid LE collector who does buy that Portland Head on the secondary market. This potential growth of the collector base in the long run may be the single most compelling reason for GLOWS to exist.

posted 01-05-1999 10:26 AM            

Today Harbour Lights has become a collectible/giftware company. I think that's dangerous. They're compromising their integrity with their core audience: limited edition buyers. They're also playing around with the secondary market---a VERY powerful force in the health of a collectibles company---by making these cheap alternatives available.

Yes, yes, yes, I love lighthouses and that's what attracted me to HL in the first place. But it's a shame to see them getting so unfocused. IMHO they should create a completely separate line for the GLOWS. New name, new displays, separate catalog...even different looking sculptures from the original. That way the limited edition line remains pure, while still having the GLOWs available. Just a thought.

posted 01-05-1999 11:41 AM            

I have no beef with the concept of GLOWS. I think it is great that there is a somewhat less expensive option for people who want to take that route for whatever reason. I say somewhat less expensive because the price of the OE's seems to be creeping up just like the size. Not too many sub $50 GLOWS out there anymore, but back to the size. That's where my problem with the OE's lie.
This has been debated before, almost to death, but there needs to be more distinction between the OE's & the LE's. I feel that the GLOWS should be distinctly smaller in scale than the LE's. Keep then as detailed as you like. No need IMO to remove outbuildings, trees, ect. to set the distinction, but the size needs to be smaller. I am in agreement with Bill Harnsberger. The size of the early GLOWS, Portland Head, Boston, ect..., was right on. You were able to tell the difference just by looking at the size, but now, not so much.

There are many good points brought up, both pro and con for the GLOWS. There is a place I feel for both LE's and OE's, but there has to be a division between the two. IMHO, size matters.
On a lighter note, I applaud Younger & Assoc. for donating some of the proceeds from the OE's to lighthouse preservation. That alone is a worthwhile reason to keep the GLOWS. It may not be a lot of money, but it is more than these groups would receive otherwise. It is a great way to give back to what is really important, because if there were no lighthouses, there would be no Harbour Lights.

posted 01-05-1999 11:44 PM            

Here's another idea to replace GLOWs. 'Harbour Tykes' - to be sold exclusively at lighthouse gift shops and designed especially for children. A small *unpainted* model of the light complete with a set of water-color paints and a 6th grade story book on the lighthouse and local history. Cute sells, right Art? And offer a version with oil paints as a Big Glow Peoples paint-by-number edition (sold under the banner "Restore Your Own Light!"). Naturally a donation of proceeds to lighthouse society, yadda yadda etc etc.

Since HL feels compelled to do something else besides make collectibles for a living, I suggest they get a little more creative, keep the glow people happy and the cash flowing, but, as BH suggests, don't lose their raison d'etre by cannibalizing the product line what got them there. There are other ways to accomplish what HL intended with GLOWs. (This was rationale behind Sean's suggestion for re-issues as discussed in the 'nother Coquille? thread.)

Rgds,
__
/im

posted 01-05-1999 11:47 PM         

I dont think a topic can ever be debated to death. Collectibles are always changing and new collectors are always entering the debate. I like to see the opinions of those that just started more than those that have been collecting. I some respects I think the new collector brings new buying dollars to the market more than the older collector. The collector thats been around has probably put some restraint on their buying habits unless they have committed to buying the entire collection. The new collector can easily get caught in the whirlwind frenzy of collecting and give Harbour Lights allot of new $$$$$.

posted 01-06-1999 10:53 AM            

Tim, I had forgot about your suggestion of mini's selling at $25-$30 when I was typing my post, but I like the idea.

posted 01-07-1999 10:16 AM            

They should be an easier to distinguish by size.

Although GLOWs are OE - What is the criteria for the size of series A,B,C,etc?

The detail on some is off the wall. And distinguishing some when not side by side is
sometimes crazy.

I don't ever think I'll own a Cape Hatteras OE so I was happy to be able to get a GLOW.
Montauk is very special to me and my family so I was happy to be able to share that with GLOWs. I got a GLOW from my staff for Christmas which is quite nice.

My current evaluation is I'll only get them when I can't get an OE at a reasonable price.

posted 01-08-1999 12:42 AM            

quote:

---

Neither do rocks, seashells, nor a number of other things people collect avidly. They may not be "collectibles" by your definition, but that does not mean that people will not or do not collect them.

---

Semantic fru fru only clouds the issue.

quote:

---

An impulse GLOW buyer may eventually become an avid LE collector who does buy that
Portland Head on the secondary market. This potential growth of the collector base in the long run may be the single most compelling reason for GLOWS to exist.

---

Allow me a moment of levity, and let's examine this metaphysical argument.

From the impulse purchase example this conclusion does not follow because one of the following four different conclusions do:

A) the potential for growth of the collector base is only proven when someone actually purchases a collectible, a Limited Edition.

B) The growth potential of the collector base is changed not a whit when someone purchases a GLOW. It remains exactly the same as before the purchase because the buyer has no more shown a liklihood to purchase a collectible than a convertible.

C) the growth potential of the collector base is actually diminished by the purchase of a GLOW, because it is an opportunity denied.

D) the potential for anything can only increase when that which it is the potential for never happens. Otherwise it is no longer potential but actual.

Reductio ad absurdum.

posted 01-08-1999 08:02 AM            

quote:

---

The growth potential of the collector base is changed not a whit when someone purchases a GLOW.

---

That is true at the exact moment of purchase, but when the potential collector gets the piece home and looks at it daily, he may be more likely to buy a second, and eventually learn more about the line and decide to purchase LEs too, then secondary pieces, then... Coquille? That is, of course, unless the GLOWs are made so small and ugly that they go unnoticed on a daily basis. ;-}

quote:

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It remains exactly the same as before the purchase... is actually diminished

---

...and the third possibility is that it is increased. Your arguments are no more based upon fact than are mine, and no more likely as outcomes. Give this last possibility its due.

quote:

---

Semantic fru fru only clouds the issue.

---

Then why call this an issue with collectibles? Why then don't we call it speculating that little lumps of clay will increase in value, validating our prowess and making us feel like major studs, except to the degree that these insidious little GLOW monsters under the bed increase our paranoia and offset our exhilaration? :-)We'd obviously need an acronym to do this.

Fru fruing at the FSB as the fog begins to lift,

-Ivan Boesky [I can see clearly now the rain has gone. I can see all obstacles in my way...]

posted 01-08-1999 10:21 AM            

Try this scenario: " After a lengthy meeting and much deliberation, Younger & Associates has officially announced that by popular demand they will no longer make open edition lighthouse replicas." HL Collectors have pressured Harbour Lights into discontinuing their popular "giftware" line.

Think about that for a moment. If the OEs are discontinued, doesn't that make them a collectible/limited edition? They have a serial/editon # on them. Does anybody know exactly how many OEs have been sold? Could some models be under the current 10,000 pieces for LEs?

posted 01-08-1999 05:54 PM            

This discussion, I think, boils down to the fact that there are various groups of people with varying reasons for buying Harbour Lights. You can't please all the people all the time, thus we have these interesting debates.

Unfortunately, I think that BECAUSE HL is trying to please all the people, they might be digging themselves into a nasty hole. If they had stayed focused on what made them famous in the first place---limited edition collectibles---I think we would have seen brisker sales in 1998 and, consequently, more retirements. That would only fuel the demand further. To me, creating demand is much more important (and difficult) than creating supply. As it is, the shelves are bursting with pieces (and just how are dealers going to fit...let's see...at least SIX more pieces on their shelves in the next 3 months, plus who knows how many more over the coming year?).

If I were an overpaid, underworked consultant, I'd tell HL to separate the GLOWS from the limited editions...or issue a moratorium on them for the next couple of years. Focus on maybe 6-10 limited edition pieces per year in 1999 and 2000. Sculpt the most popular lighthouses that haven't been done yet (Statue of Liberty, anyone?) and get that demand cookin' again. The collectibles arena is just too fragile and fickle to get greedy.

posted 01-09-1999 01:02 AM            

quote:

---

I sort of get the impression that HL has improved the quality of their product over the years regardless of the edition. Am I right?

---

Mombo, IMHO you're right on that point. They've come light years.

------------------
Keepin' the flame

posted 01-09-1999 02:19 AM            

>>GLOWs have a detrimental impact on the rate of LE retirement. Every dollar spent on a GLOW is a dollar not spent on an LE. <<

Every dollar spent on a GLOW is a dollar not spent on a Cheryl Spencer Collin, Lefton or any other brand that may currently make a Portland Head or any other retired LE Harbour Lights has put out in the past. Is this the lesser of evils ? Offending a percentage of hard core collectors by producing GLOW's or the potential loss of a sale and customer to another brand of lighthouse's when that customer gets to the store and can't find a certain (fill in your favorite high priced/only available on the secondary market piece) lighthouse that was never made as a GLOW, so he turns to leave the store and see's brand X has just the lighthouse that has so much sentimental value to the new collector. Now the dollar that was not spent on a LE wasn't even spent on a OE nor was any other money this collector had since he now collects brand X.

..........Later that day the angel takes Bill Younger to a signing event where Bill looks in the window and see's Timmy, Artie and Little Sean all having their pieces signed by Cheryl Spencer Collin, Bill burst's thru the doors and says to the three "What are you doing collecting her lighthouses ?" Not to be bothered during the little time they have with Cheryl and her stories, they grab Bill to throw him out as he's yelling "Sean,Tim, Art Don't ya know me ? Huh ? Don't ya know me ?" The angel helps Bill to his feet and says " you never made GLOW's Bill and Cheryl became the Queen of limited edition lighthouses and "Giftware" lighthouses. The angel shows Bill how his wife and daughters are making a small living selling collectible cottages roadside in the desert and how his brother Bob became the lumber king of the western U.S. and is a world record holder for having stalked and killed the largest beaver in North America ( all though it was at a zoo, but none the less a record )
Later as the angel returns Bill to his rented car and he see's the damage to the car. Bill says " I didn't take the LDW, now this is going to cost a fortune to fix, I may have to sell my # 4 Coquille to pay for this"

The Credits:

Bill Younger as himself
Timmy - portrayed by Tim
Artie - portrayed by Rod
Little Sean - portrayed by Paul
The Angel - portrayed by John
Cheryl - portrayed by Lorraine
And a cameo appearence by Fred as the bridge tender

This movie was modified from it's original format to fit your moniter.

And now you know the rest of the story !

[This message has been edited by Mark Wagner (edited 01-09-99).]

posted 01-09-1999 07:34 AM            

The time is at hand...(another one of those pauses).......its got to be done! " He who hesitates is lost."

posted 01-09-1999 04:20 PM            

The results of my GLOW Safari is as follows:

Old Point Loma #551 (Note: no Letter)
St. Simons Island #A 565
Old Mackinac #A 570
Holland Harbor #A 570
Hilton Head #A 546
Bolivar Point #A 570
Thomas Pt. Signature S. #A 570
Tybee Island Signature S. #A 525

posted 01-09-1999 11:59 PM         

One, Two, Three
What're We Fightin' For?
Don't Ask Me I Never Known
Next stop is El Cajon.

And its Five, Six, Seven
Open up the GiftWare Case
Tried Persuading, but Bill sez 'No'
Whoopee We're All Gonna GLOW!

posted 01-10-1999 04:48 AM            

The Fog Signal Players present: "Little Plaid Beaverhood"

(roll clip)

Bob: "My thats a big flat tail you've got"

Beaver: "All the better to smack you with.

posted 01-25-1999 09:45 PM            

Even at that, I don't think I've ever visited a dealer and seen all, or all but a few, of the available GLOWs on display.

posted 01-26-1999 12:25 AM            

Barnegat NJ
Southeast Block Island RI
Sandy Point NJ
Portland Head ME

Of these, only the Barnegat has made it to these shores so far. So it may be you're not seeing any because there aren't any. I'll ask the HL Warehouse Trolls and see if I can find any info.

posted 01-26-1999 05:03 PM            

I will tell you that if I see a Portland Head, Cape Neddick, Boston Harbor, or Southeast Block GLOW in an area store, I would consider making the purchase.

Carrying the GLOW thing a little further, if you told me I had to donate one HL from my collection to charity for a worthwhile purpose and I had the choice of giving up my Montauk GLOW or one of the **not-so-popular LEs from the 5500 series, I would keep the Montauk. Montauk is much more pleasing to the eye than some of the alleged "oldies but goodies."

(** indicates those pieces from the 5500 series that are basically worth what they were many years ago and still can be found at retail on area shelves.)

posted 01-29-1999 10:35 PM            

Only my opinion, take it or leave it. However I do feel a whole lot better, since I've come to these conclusions, about my own collection.

posted 01-30-1999 06:51 AM            

As far as the quality of the GLOWs, I think it should be good as is possible. I have a problem with people saying that
1. The GLOWs are giftware
2. I don't collect GLOWs
3. I dont collect HLs for investment purposes
4. BUT the GLOWs cut into the future value of my collection.
I am going to collect as many LEs as I can, but if there is a GLOW or any other company's lighthouse that I like, I will buy it, display it and enjoy it.

Also consider that Harbour Lights is not the only company producing lighthouses. They have to compete with others so their product has to be better. I have seen small replicas of lighthouses that approach the quality of HL but sell for $10.

posted 01-31-1999 02:48 AM         

I hate to be a doubting Thomas. I venture to guess that there are no real competitors even at $40. Harbour Lights does more than produce a lighthouse. You couldnt get the detail, quality of packaging, size, historical research, Collectors Reunion, Personal Signings, Harbour Lights FANTASTIC Customer Service and the BEST !@#$%^ WEB Site on the Internet for a lighthouse selling at less. Quality to me equals all of the items I just mentioned. Do you think any of Harbour Lights Competitors really compete? IMHO I think Not!!! I admit I may be a littled biased, but then again I'm a Wacko to the core.

I am curious. How many other Limited Edition Lighthouse Manufacturers offer a Limited Edition Version and an Open Edition Version of the same lighthouse? Does CSC? Lefton? Scassi? Danbury Mint? Fraiser? others?

posted 01-31-1999 01:13 PM            

Since the start of this thread I've been expecting someone (yes particular names do come to mind, but you weren't one of 'em ;-> ) to try out the argument implied here. Namely, 'Harbour Lights only became really successful when they started making giftware, er, GLOWS'. Then moving from this to: 'a collection is only valuable as long as HL continues to manufacture the models - if HL is not successful your collection will ultimately lose whatever value it has (dollarwise)'. Generalizing they're lead to: 'whatever leads to HL's success will lead a collection to appreciate'. Then the big leap to: "GLOWs cause LE's to maintain and rise in value!" Quod erat demostrandum. :-)

Anybody care to try this rap on for size?

posted 01-31-1999 03:30 PM            

But what other manufacturers make limited editions. Period.

Cheryl Spencer Collins does. No OEs, but who knows what the real limit is. She started off as LEs with an edition size of 2,000. I believe in this phase 1, only Cape Hatteras actually reached this sales level and retired. CSC signed up with Dave Grossman to handle the marketing and production (in China). But they made a decision to have an edition size of 5,000 -- and to restart numbering back at 1.

Now I believe the limit is 2,400. And if you buy one of the first 500 or so, it comes with a gold seal!!!!

I'm not putting down CSC. I like her work; it comes closer to HL's quality than the other competitors (IMHO).

Guess the gist of my comment here is limited editions that ACTUALLY SELL OUT make the line. Until then, it doesn't matter that it's an LE.

Fraser's International Collection are nice, but no US lights (yet?)

The only other company that I can think of that makes both LE and OEs is Lefton. Most everything is an OE, few a year are exclusively LE. They do make various sizes of different lighthouses. Lit and unlit. Even teapots shaped like lighthouses.

What other competitors are there?

Cheryl Spencer Collins/Dave Grossman
John Lefton
Fraser
'Ultimate' - something LH Depot carried in the past but is not in the newest catalog.
Scaasi (or is it Scassi?) (not even close to HL's league)

And two companies who make stained glass ones, but I can't recall the names.

S

posted 02-06-1999 11:05 AM            

We wouldn't expect any less from Harbour Lights.

Tybee Island (the limited) represented the 'state of the art' in 1993. The GLOW version shows what can be done in 1998. Tybee has a special place for Harbour Lights. The company made a substantial donation to get the restoration project going and used their collector connections to bring in even more money. So with the restoration done (dedication and relighting is late this month), the GLOW shows the tower painted in the daymark of a previous era and many outbuildings and trees that are part of the restoration.

But with only 5,500 of the original Tybee GA, whether it has trees or buildings or not, it's still desireable for those who are 'collectors' (trying to avoid the WACKO term here). The ones who don't care are the tourists and locals. (Hmmm. Maybe go down to Savannah with a case of GLOW Tybees and go door to door offering to trade even up if they have the 'old version'???)

posted 02-06-1999 12:42 PM         

imho, from the Beaver's Cage,

SeAnDiEgO
Is there a Beaver bean bag, the Beav needs a chew toy.

posted 02-06-1999 05:29 PM            

I also purchased two more GLOWs today: Sandy Hook #A2877 and another Montauk GLOW #A2888. This is the third Montauk GLOW I have purchased. A good friend wanted two Montauks to give as gifts and I was only able to buy one. There appears to be a Montauk GLOW shortage in this area. I had purchased two others a couple of weeks ago from a dealer who got six and I bought the last two he had.

As I was shopping I made note of the fact that there were very few GLOWs available and they all started with the letter "A", first year of issue. I really wonder if dealers replenish their stock of GLOWs over and above what they are originally shipped. Which brings up the point, "How many GLOWs of each light were made to date?"

posted 02-06-1999 09:25 PM            

Boy did I get the pot stired up! To clarify, I'm a board cerified HL wacko. If Harbour Lights makes it, I want it or have it.
However, I enjoy displaying different size versions of the same lighthouse together. My wife and I have found two companies who produce very good giftware lighthouses for about $10 a pop. The lines do not seem to have consistant quality though. Some I've seen and bought are good, some are junk (IMHO). We found these in an antique store and have not seen them anywhere else. We got a St. Georges Reef from Wangs International that looks nice next to the HL piece. The colors look identical. Since they were both made in China ..... Another is a Jupiter from Lighthouses of North America. Each is about 4" tall. They aren't HL but to the novice they might be good enough and thus buy them rather than a more expensive GLOW. My point was that GLOWS have to be obviously worth more to the novice if they are going to compete with lower cost lines.

posted 02-07-1999 02:33 AM            

How 'bout Pinnochio?

posted 02-07-1999 10:31 PM            

I'm not clear, Dick, if the above refers to GLOWs or LEs - I think its the 'somewhat' thats confusing me. Can you help me out here?