{"id":963,"date":"2007-08-18T19:41:46","date_gmt":"2007-08-18T23:41:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.nyoatrader.com\/blog\/?p=963"},"modified":"2016-08-25T12:42:42","modified_gmt":"2016-08-25T17:42:42","slug":"modern-limited-rarities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nyoatrader.com\/blog\/2007\/08\/18\/modern-limited-rarities\/","title":{"rendered":"Modern Limited Rarities"},"content":{"rendered":"

There has been a thread on Patch-L<\/a> regarding the effect of the issuance of “Modern Limited Rarities” by Lodges. This is where a single individual or small group is awarded a special limited run patch. Perhaps as a recognition for a job well done, to commemorate or section, region or national office or even for attending an event as a delegate. Here was my contribution to the discussion.<\/p>\n

I agree that, in general, all lodge issues should be available to all lodge members although they should be only worn by those who are earned or are otherwise entitled to wear them.<\/p>\n

Now of course as I’m a collector, I could be accused of a bit of bias.<\/p>\n

One thing I think some LEC’s and their advisors lose sight of in their quest for “Limited Rarities” is who supports the lodge financially.<\/p>\n

Most events run on a break even basis at best and in some cases are subsidized from general funds. Lodges are asked to support their councils and camps financially. A chief or LEC may have a pet project they want to push, and while not true of all lodges, many lodges are run off the profits from the box, the trunk, the trading post or whatever their resale area is called.<\/p>\n

Who buys the items issued by the lodge? Of course many brothers by one or two of each issue for uniform wear, but is the collectors, traders and accumulators that buy the 5’s, 10’s and 25’s of each issue over time.<\/p>\n

People who collect generally are looking to complete their checklist (now that could be from the Blue Book, some local list or one created by the individual). Each persons checklist will vary and change over time. It may contain just flaps or maybe flaps and neckerchiefs. As a collection expands, event patches and chapter or clan issues may be added.<\/p>\n

One thing that I think is common to most collectors, is they need to be able to think you can complete a collection. It does not have to be easy, it could take years, it may cost more money than you think you are willing to spend; but you need to have a chance to be able to complete it.<\/p>\n

When a “Modern Limited Rarity” is created, or too many are created within a single lodge; it can become impossible to complete a collection. While I may be able to rationalize that I’ll never get that elusive 50+ year old early issue because my pockets aren’t deep enough. I can hope to find one at a yard\/garage sale and continue the quest.<\/p>\n

If I can’t get one of the 12 item run “Modern Limited Rarity” issued to the special few, and can’t complete my collection because I’m missing 3 ‘specials’ issued over the last 5 years will I buy a dozen of the next lodge flap when it comes out?<\/p>\n

I know more than one collector, who has stopped collecting their home lodge because of this very reason.<\/p>\n

My $0.02.<\/p>\n

What do you think?<\/p>\n