[R-390] Reproductions/radios

[Jim]

Dan, good definitions. I also believe the cost for the item is close
to its value. The issue is the disclosure of what you are getting and
we do not know what was stated. I think a cardboard enclosure is the
last thing I would expect to see on any level of reproduction. Painted
cardboard seems to me a big fire hazard to place in a rack.

Jim

On 1/11/06, Dan Merz <mdmerz at verizon.net> wrote:
> 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.
>
>
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--
73 De Jim N5TJZ

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