for example:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/160635068810


NOS OAK 3pole 3throw Rotary switches.

0.25" Panel mount with hardware.

Shaft is 0.125" dia" (flat side shaft), Shaft length is 0.125", Body is 0.5"Dia x 0.6"L

Part number on control is: OAK5-21347-427

 

From the eBay Guide, "NOS: 'New Old Stock' generally refers to a 'lot' or 'bulk' items that have been discovered tucked away from an old store or business. Generally these items are in their original packaging which generally has 'shelf dust,' but the actual item has been protected.". See eBay Guide - What does MIB, NIB, NRFB, NOS mean?

 

Ahhh! thank you. it never occurred to me that it might be an ebay acronym, I was thinking EE terms, normally open, non-shorting,... thanks!

 

The term is generally used, by other dealers than eBay. It is particularly often heard in the context of obsolete or obsolescent items, to distinguish old but unused items left over from original manufacture from possible alternatives such as part-worn items or newly manufactured substitutes.

Sometimes NOS parts will have exceeded their intended shelf lives, if in fact these were ever defined in the first place. This may (or may not) substantially reduce their fitness for use or life expectancies.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_old_stock

 

Sometimes NOS parts will have exceeded their intended shelf lives, if in fact these were ever defined in the first place. This may (or may not) substantially reduce their fitness for use or life expectancies.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_old_stock

I think I'll be pretty safe with a rotary switch.

 

You probably will be, but contact oxidation and solderability issues are not out of the question. That said, a lot of stuff can be used way beyond the intended storage time, especially with a little attention to cleaning and fluxing.

Providing the old stock hasn't been stored say in a damp warehouse in a tropical climate.
When it comes to eBay, caveat emptor!