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Is there any way to tell the difference between an original concert V and a reproduction? Thanks.

I don't know if there have been other reproductions made besides those by Mirek Stehlik (which are stunningly precise). His can be identifed by an "R" (for replica) stamped on the back side.

Happy to look at a photo if you post one. Should be able to tell from that. Unfortunately, this also comes down to experience. Just as the Depression glass people will tell you they can tell reproductions just by how heavy the glass is, you simply have to see enough original reproducers and enough reproductions.

Mirek's reproducers command a premium now, because they are no longer made. The lines/edges are extremely crisp, which originals are smoother. The screws that attatch the needle bar to the reproducer are also new looking with round heads. Original are more cylindrical with rounded heads. Original mica is almost always cracked. The labels are usually quite dirty and faded. There is a grey foil type label that is actually correct, but can make one think that it is reproduction. On reproductions the pin thet keep the reprodcuer in place on the traveling arm is usually longer and sharply rounded at the top, where originals the pin seems slightly shoerter with a more generous amount of rounding. Originals all have some nickel loss and pitting. If the nickel is pristine, it is probably not original.

Hope this helps.

Jeff
Wisconsin

Whitedogfive,

I agree with Vic b, the repro's are usually easily spotted. But it kind of comes down to experience, if you've seen enough originals, you kind of get a feel for what looks right.

I've included pictures of some originals and some repro's, hope it helps.

Bob S.

Not very much difference between the two... If you had a repro that was scuffed up a little and dirty, it would be hard to determine... Original #1 looks like Repro #2.

Thanks Zwebie for the pics of both types. Here are a few pics of my Concert V. There is a piece of blue paper within the mica, how it got there, who knows.

A few more.

More.

Final pics.

Whitedogfive,

Bad News & Good News!

Bad News:
Your reproducer appears to be an older reproduction, showing some age. (The dead give away is the modern spring tension screws).

Good News:
These reproductions are currently going as high as $350.00, and you have a great useable reproducer for your machine until an original comes along.

Bob S.