Steve,
I agree with you 100%. The older pieces I have in mother of pearl, jade etc.
You have to feel, caress, thouch them.
Even the early 1900s , when I pick them up feel them, imagen it being in play that long ago...
When it would be 'slabbed' you just pick up a plastic box with something inside so to me that is a differance.
Kind regards,
Bob R-4479