Definition of a "Prototype"

January 23, 2005

I recently saw an ebay auction which denoted a pen as being a prototype, however, it did not have any manufactures markings on the pen itself (seller indicated as such). Since the pen was unlike anything seen from the manufacturer before, and there was no actual proof it was a prototype, other than it looked identical to a different model pen, it makes me wonder what other people consider as being a definition of prototype.

I can't believe a company would make a prototype that didn't at least have some sort of marking on it. In my book, if it just looks like another pen, it doesn't make it a prototype.

On one hand I'd love to believe the item in question is indeed a prototype, but on the other, I'd hate to see someone (including me) spend bid bucks on something that isn't

Thoughts?

Best-

Brian

January 23, 2005

Some other time I explain why "vintage" should be left to wine.

Oh... let me take a shot a that

1 - "Vintage" comes from the French "Vendanges" (or Vendenges, an older spelling), which is the season when the grape is picked. Each "vendange", each year, brings a differents quality to the wine, depending on climate conditions. Hence the relevance of a vintage reference for wine.

If we admit the general definition, as a date of manufacture :

2 - In most cases it is virtually impossible to point an exact date of manufacture, except, may be, for dated models. Hence vintage does not seems a very accurate term.

... but I know Rob will come with a much more thought-of, and may be more meaningful reason.

Denis.

Edited January 23, 2005 by Denis Richard

January 25, 2005

You can presume that 99% of the time "prototype" is being abused by sellers just as they abuse "rare", "early", "one-of-a-kind" and other terms designed to con the unwary.

Just as I suspected Rob, thanks for the affirmation in opinion. After looking at the sellers other offerings, I notice he seems to think it is common and ok for many Esterbrook pens to have cracks as well.

Best-

Brian