[ARC5] Defining "Scarce," etc. (was: ATB)

[David Stinson]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Hue Miller" <kargo_cult at msn.com>
Subject: [Milsurplus] ATB


> The ATB is less common because, well, fewer
> were produced than apparently, many other
> model equipments...
>... Jack Antonio has one, Mike has one or two,
> some other list member also, and i also. So not
> really so rare....

Can't pass up the chance to flog my "Scarcity Scale." ;-)
I'd define the ATB as "Scarce," meaning that 
it can can be acquired with considerable effort.

Scarcity Scale:
Based on the supply and difficulty of acquiring 
an unmodified or restorable example.
With the exception of  "Rare" or "Unique" items,
which are always counted, irrepairably hacked units
are considered destroyed and are not graded.
"Museum" examples are also not counted, since
there is little chance a private collector can acquire one,
so, for the collector seeking to find one, it effectively does not exist.
Note that accessories for a particular set, such as 
dynamotors or control boxes, are also rated.

Common:  Item can be acquired with modest effort.
                 Supply usually exceeds demand.
                 (i.e. W.E. make BC-453, Drake TR-4 )

Scarce:  Item can take several years of effort to acquire.
             Low production numbers drives large demand.
              (i.e. ATB, VHF SCR-274N,  Drake TR-7A )
              
Rare:  Ten or fewer examples of these  
          are known to exist in private hands.
          Acquiring one of these may take a lifetime of searching.
          (i.e. each of the four models of RAT receiver)

Unique:  Only one of this item is known to exist.
             ( i.e. "M"-marked A.R.C. items, prototypes)

Extinct:  No examples of these items are known to have survived.

73 D.S.