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THE TREASURE OF THE SUNSHINE STATE by Roger C. Haynes
Every now and then, not often, but enough to make it noteworthy, TNS gets involved in something worthy of a story, or if you like, a report. This was one such event, a find that sent a buzz throughout North America, and for many at Denver gave them a glimpse of something they will now seek, and long to own. Here is how it all came about. A man, lets call him Mr. Georgia ( I don't want you die hards tracking him down, for there are no more of these) found me selling plates at the Tom Mack show in June at the Charlotte Metrolina Expo. Later Ted Cline told me he remembered the man casually walking up and stating he had two old Florida Motorcycle plates for sale. But you know the drill collectors... Many people have to stop and admire your plates, then relate a story heard far too often to be true, we tossed them out, gave them away or shingled a building with them, all facts and then again just lore, and they love to see us cringe at the thought or plates under the tracks of a bulldozer... You try and do the right thing, so I gave Mr. Georgia a business card and suggested he send me some photos or a clear xerox of the plates to let me see the quality, I didn't even get a card from him or write down his name. I did however relate to him that in the not so distant past I had been the agent to sell some pretty valuable stuff through my contacts with my magazine, if he liked, I could take those plates to Denver in a month and see what they would bring. We parted company... Mr. Georgia called me that week and described the plates in detail. The thought of selling them was on his mind but neither of us were qualified to set the price, but the end result was the "Go ahead" seek an offer, and we would ascertain from there if a sale would be made. My next call was to Len Harris who was thrilled to hear of more Porcelain going on the market. We were waiting then for a heavily insured parcel to turn up in my mail box to see the actual condition. By now Chuck Westphal has got wind of the find, and I'm anxiously calling and e-mailing Jeff Francis to see if he will be at Maggie Valley that weekend. Meanwhile I also call Len Harris to tell him what is going on... Now is when you learn what being a collector is all about. Still licking his chops from the Vicksburg find and still another stash of plates to be reported on later, Len says I am gonna step aside on this one Roger, talk to Jeff, the plates really should go back to Florida. At Maggie Valley I finally see Jeff and tell him I had discussed with Mr. Georgia (A non-plate collector) the possibility of taking the plates to Denver to let the ALPCANS see them and make me an offer. From Jeffs point of view I could understand him being upset, but that was the way we left it. I returned to Concord and by Tuesday was again talking to Jeff about the sale of the plates. Now I'm caught in the middle. I am the agent, and Jeff is a friend, still I have a reputation to protect and a client to satisfy. After due consideration, Jeff made an offer on the plates that was extremely fair, better than taking them to Denver and dangling them in front of everyone which would of ruffled more than a few feathers I thought. I called Mr. Georgia and explained the deal that Jeff had offered me and honestly explained we had a serious offer, let's not push our luck. The deal was done, the plates would go to Jeff. Now to transport those little jewels to Denver I carefully wrapped them in a towel and placed them in a secure spot in the truck. In Denver once Jeff saw me, we of course left the action of the parking lot long enough to visit my truck and give him the plates. It was a Denver moment... These two plates, not just cycles, but the only ones known of their type and year represent one of the best, if not "The" best deal to happen at the 46th annual convention of ALPCA. I was asked several times to keep certain collectors in mind if I had an occasion arise like this again. Sure, I can do that. But it's just business. Part of what has made being an active ALPCAN and Editor of TNS so rewarding these past many years. Each issue of TNS has it spelled out plain as day in the disclaimer on page three, we are solely a medium for bringing buyer and seller together. The plates pictured on this months cover speak for themselves. Worthy of the cover and taking the space to tell you how this all came about. Special thanks to Eric Taylor and Chuck Westphal for a rush job of getting photos here to use before the ad deadline for TNS.
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