[R-390] Reproductions/radios

[Dan Merz]

Hi all,  the subject of legitimate reproductions has been brought up on this
listing in various ways.  Since collecting radios is one of my central
activities,  I could pass on my observations about the subject,  which is
somewhat controversial,  even among collectors who represent the best of the
lot.  I once heard  the following definitions

Replica, a duplicate of a radio or item that embodies the essential
functional characteristics and appearance but is obviously not an original

Reproduction, a duplicate of a radio or item that is in detail and materials
the same as the original.  It might even be made using the original
production method.

Copy, a duplicate of a radio or item that looks the same as the original.

I'm sure these could be discussed ad infinitum but the point is that it
brings up some of the features and pitfalls of trying to duplicate old radio
items as part of restoration or obtaining a particular item.  Generally
collectors seem to like originals better than copies,  replicas or
reproductions.  Sometimes originals are not readily available,  and
reproduction parts sometimes are the only option in restoring a particular
radio.  Some collectors like to have an old radio look like the day it came
off the production line; for them a quality reproduction might be better
than a marred original.  The only items that I've personally examined as
true reproductions were of the first microphones and cylinder recording
machines copied from items in the Smithsonian right down to the extra,
first trial, layout holes in the cast iron base. 

A small industry developed in making replica Atwater Kent breadboard radios
in the 50's, 60's and 70's.  At first this was done with authentic parts and
replica boards, because these were available and the assembled set was worth
more than the parts.  Then some enterprising plastic molders refined the
technique of casting in boat resin the phenolic parts of some of the more
difficult to obtain components.   For the better examples, it is very
difficult to visually detect a reproduction part compared to an original but
not impossible because the material is not the same.  I have seen a replica
done so well that it would pass 90% of collectors and certainly would not
show up as such in an eBay photo.  The only thing a buyer can do is trust
the seller to know and tell what he's selling or just not bid on such stuff
as original if there's any doubt.  

So what is a "cardboard" LS 206/A  -  it's a copy in the terminology used
above.  What are the ethics of selling such an item? I would assume the
seller would be forthright in representing exactly what he is selling
including that it was not metal,  if that is the case and the original was
metal.  I personally have little interest in having this item, though I've
built replica's, copies and reproductions of radio items for various
reasons.  I've often wondered when the time comes to sell/get rid of them,
will I be tempted to exaggerate or leave the buyer to his own resources to
figure out what he getting.  I think not,  mainly because there are some
buyers out there that will value them for exactly what they are and I'll get
what I deserve for my efforts in making them.   Judging from the appearance
of the LS 206/A,  I would not want to try to make one for $300,  even out of
cardboard.  The mere fact that someone bothered and was able to make such a
copy is impressive in itself,  aside from the apparent dissatisfaction of
one of the buyers.    Dan.