The attached list is self explanatory, in line with Dan Komar’s book, I have set the paint change for calculating the months at January 1990, this of course may vary no doubt Lilliput could confirm the exact date change from there archives, however it may well be that there are no records in this respect. Therefore the start date may move forward by one or two months, whilst existing stocks of paint were used up and indeed may vary from model to model. Indeed the King’s Arms have been seen in pre 1990 paint colours. Obviously there are one or two anomalies as outlined in the source document, which I have marked **. Those marked with * I would suggest that there might be a likely differential in the Secondary Market Price. There are number of questions to be considered: -

What was the Company’s policy regarding retirements, whilst it is known when the retirement dates were announced, prior to this, was there a running down of production, as obviously the Company took the decision to retire a model many months before the actual date. Ultimately a model is retired on the back of declining sales figures over say a period of 12 to 24 months. It would appear to be the practice of many retailers now to order a number of retiring pieces. I doubt very much if this were the practice many years ago. Again coupled with this view, that whilst this scenario is unfolding the Company would also have its sights set on research and development of the next range of new introductions as this I would think take some 12 to 18 months to go from the Original Master to having stock levels to meet Collectors expectations. The input of the retailers here would be a benefit. I would hasten to add that in the present days of stock control and just in time arrival, the pattern now would be different.

 

Turning to the new introductions after February 1989, was the output of the new models during the first 6 months far greater than subsequent production. For example I know that one figure in the Myth & Magic range sold 25000 in the first 12 months, I appreciate that marketing figures are sensitive information and therefore the Company would be reluctant to help as this would undoubtedly provide an accurate barometer as to the Company’s performance.

 

During the 12 months preceding this 1997 exercise, I acquired first paint versions of OAK and BALLYKERNE CROFT at the last retail price. Were these pieces poor sellers, did they become buried in stockrooms or did the retailer over order. Quite clearly this has provided more questions than answers.

If we now look at DONEGAL, RIVERVIEW and TANNERS, Dan Komer observes as follows, “ To date we have not seen the 2nd version painted in the same manner as the first”, which may date the remodelling to 1990, and the 2nd Lilliput Lane paint change.

Disclaimer

Alice-lewis is a privately run site that offers images and information as advice only. Therefore it cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information within the pages. If you feel an error has been made, or the information is incorrect please contact me at the address below. All images and information within this site are copyright Alice-lewis. It takes a lot of time to produce the images and information,  copying or using them without permission is theft. Remember respect the law and do not take images or information from this or any other page connected to the site without permission. This site is in no way connected to or authorised by Lilliput Lane Ltd.

Free counters provided by Andale.