If it was a side throw model then yes, they must be rarely for sale before being used up and too far gone to be of any use. I can't recall seeing one on eBay or Gumtree, yet I think I have seen some show up on UK listings!
Maybe the commercial grade side throw models are on alloy chassis.

Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!