K 14 Jumbo Crane with Black Rod between hook and boom

[oldfart]

Is this rare, scarce, or common? First time I have seen this variation.

[nickjones]

I believe it was pointed out before but it is pretty rare.

[oldfart]

I searched all the posts I could find, and did not see one on this variation. If you will tell me another way to search I will do that instead of asking. Thanks.

[johnboy]

I've got a vague recollection of this coming up before too, it wasn't that long ago but I think it was on the old forum.

[Tinman]

White, very common.
Gray, less common.
Not seen black before, I suspect it's not very common. It's either very early production or from something beyond 1970 (which is outside my scope).

[oldfart]

I won this at a well publicized live and online auction in Pennsylvania last year. This is the photo from the auction. I believe I paid $110 for both. I have never looked at them until my son pointed it out the other day when we were cataloging several items. If you guys have seen others it may not be as rare as I thought it was.

[oldfart]

I added these pictures just if they are needed.

[charliep]

I had been after this variation for a while and about a couple of years ago, I manage to find two. This same variation is pictured in Charlie Mack book titled "The encyclopedia of Matchbox Toys" the revised @ expanded 2nd edition page 139. It is not a common variation though and I am not sure whether it was an early release. Either way it is a nice find.

[oldfart]

Thanks for the info guys. I thought it might be a one of a kind variation or a proto-type, as I was familiar with the white and gray rods, but not the black. But as it appears now it is just a scarce variation. Dang it, I guess I need to keep playing the Lotto.

[nickjones]

Jason (nearlymint) is pretty hot on these, Jason, htf, rare or what?.