Found at a Book Fair (of all places)

Yesterday I was at a fair for old books and collectibles in Namur. It's held once a year and you can usually find some nice old books.

Anyway, one stand held some (very expensive) old tools for sale. They were something to do with leather decorating - a sort of punch - or else something with printing. Which wasn't important because at first sight I thought, here are the perfect anal plugs! They had wooden handles, old, very smooth and polished from years of handling. And a perfect size for beginner or intermediate user. The only drawback was they had no flange to protect against accidental complete insertion.

Oh yes, and one other big drawback: the price. Prices ranged from 150 to 220 euros a piece, for crying out loud. So, I don't know what the owner thought she was selling, but I am certain that all of them will be going back home with her when the fair closes. Too bad she had such an inflationary idea of their worth, because for 50 euros I would have considered a purchase or two. Anyway ...

I did take a few pics to show.

https://www.zity.biz/index.php?mx=gallery;ox=showalbum;ax=4162

You can make your own rather easily.

buy a wooden broom handle to get the rounded edge.

Saw to the desired length,

coat with a urethane coating for easy cleanup and non-absorption of lubricant, et.al.

Want to get fancy? Stain it before putting on the urethane

Those are rather nice.

But yeah, what's up with the pricing? How on Earth could something like that be worth 200 euros? Crazy.

Those are rather nice.

But yeah, what's up with the pricing? How on Earth could something like that be worth 200 euros? Crazy.

You're telling me. A bit insanely high. Usually I can haggle prices down at places like this. 25% less, sometimes up to 50% with some luck, by closing time. But at these starting prices, no way I'll even try.

I suppose it is because of the metal die/stamp that the owner thinks they are worth so much. Well . perhaps ... ha ha

You can make your own rather easily.

buy a wooden broom handle to get the rounded edge.

Oh sure. I've carved, sanded and varnished more than a dozen of my own. It was simply the oldness factor that makes something like this appealing. Imagine how many people have handled this over the decades/century. And then to use it for a smutty purpose. Historical desecration!

Imagine how many people have handled this over the decades/century. And then to use it for a smutty purpose. Historical desecration!

Who knows? Maybe someone did his or her own historical desecration of these tools a hundred years ago! THAT might be worth paying a premium for!