“Had not the stolen chips been reported on this message board, I don't think that anyone would have questioned you as to how many of them you had in your possession. Personally speaking; I take the position that it's nobody's business how many chips I have; how many chips I've purchased from whom; what I paid for them; or how many I've sold. "Does Macy's tell Gimble's??"

I guess I’m one of those that disagree.

To begin with, you cannot compare Macy & Gimble’s to our hobby. Whatever they have for sale, those are items that can be produced or reproduced by a manufacturer.

We (or the hobby) have two sources that we refer to and rely upon for price, value and rarity. First would be, TCR, next Campiglia and Wells. One provides an estimated value; one provides an estimated value and an estimated number of chips in circulation. Granted both are guesses, but those are what we use.

The second source would be the person we do business with.

I am surprised by your statement that’s it’s nobody’s business how many chips one has, purchased, paid, etc. I am genuinely surprised you don’t believe that someone with knowledge (like yourself) about a specific chip that the majority of our club or collectors believe to be rare would not be disclosed for the benefit of the current purchaser or future collectors.

I can understand a chip with inconsequential value not being disclosed. LE’s would immediately come to mind. However, a chip that might be designated as an R-9 or higher by C & W, how would you like to be on the purchasing end and subsequently find out there were 10, 25 or a box out there after paying the R-9 price?

Recently a chip on eBay came up for auction that was allegedly rare. Because I needed the chip for my collection, I inquired before bidding how many the person had. He told me only the one. My final bid was $1400 plus. After my check cleared and the chip was on its way, an identical chip was listed by the same seller. Then a 3rd and a 4th... Needless to say the price was down to $400 by the last chip.

You don’t find that wrong? You really believe you have no obligation to disclose the truth and what you know, as reported by a respected and reliable source to be incorrect?

For some reason I was under the impression the Club was here to inform, educate, and protect. Based on your response to Mr. Lehman, I guess I must have misjudged or missed something.

I’m sure you will respond and look forward to it.