In this next episode we head overseas to England where there was an assortment of insulators for sale. A variety of porcelain multipart's, unipart's, spools and even a few glass suspensions. I asked for and received pictures of all that he was selling. One that caught my eye was a greenish suspension with a very crisp and distinct DIL marking.[id=431706047] Twice I confirmed with the seller what the exact marking was - his reply is shown in the picture along with the suspension he sent. This disc that I received was not in any of his pictures. I did send him a neutral email about the mistake, curious as to what story he might come up with, hoping that maybe, just maybe the DIL was still in his possession and we might be able to work something out. But as you might surmise, he did not reply.

There is only one other example that I know of referenced in the ST listings; it is clear glass, country unknown. Anybody who shops overseas is well aware of the ever increasing cost of delivery. It has to be something extra special to even consider a purchase when just the postage for a single suspension can easily exceed $100. For me, the DIL suspension- green and with a pronounced marking was in that category; the one he sent, not so much. In this transaction I was most fortunate as I was able to impose upon a friend to 'fetch and carry' in his luggage back to Canada. Thanks Lee.

A perpetual optimist tells me I shouldn't make too much out of this. I did get an insulator, delivered and intact. I should also consider that this purchase could have easily had any number of endings, all of which would have been much worse.

I have one and only one expectation and that is to get what I pay for in the condition stated. Nothing more - nothing less. I don't see how I can set the bar any lower. [id=486388756;next episode]