[Milsurplus] Re: 600MRG> RX Value today

[David Stinson]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "James M. Walker" <chejmw at acsu.buffalo.edu>



> RARE, is a much abused term everywhere these days....

Amen, brother.  In the milradio community, I've long advocated a
"Scarcity Scale"  which, IMHO, defines "Rare" in realistic terms
(museum pieces not counted as they are unlikely to ever
 be available to the collector):

Scarcity Scale

Extinct:  No examples are known to have survived.
Unique: Only one example is known 
            (example: Prototypes, "M" marked equipment from A.R.C.).
Rare:  Ten or fewer examples exist in private hands
          (example: each of four models of RAT receiver,
            8th Air Force Lorenz BC-455).
Scarce:  Because of short supply or high collector demand,
             it can take years of effort to add a "scarce" item to
             your collection (example:  R-389, BC-474).
Common:  Can be added to your collection with modest effort
                (example: most models of  R-390, BC-611, BC-348 or ART-13).

Model numbers under the umbrella of a "set" are important in defining
the scarcity of an item.  There are lots of RBZ receivers around;
the 3-5 MC units are "Common," but the 5-15 MC units are "Scarce."
Most TBYs are "Common."  TBY (no suffix) is "Scarce."
Most Command Set receivers are "Common" as the sands of the sea,
but Order #1470-NY-41 BC-455s are "Scarce" 
and 13-20 MC RATs are "Rare,"  
while unpainted W.E. late war BC-457s are "Common."

IMHO, YMMV, FWIW, etc.
73 D.S.