I'd like to get into some older sets, but I've been worried about wasting my money, for a set that could be potentially faked.
First of all, I'd like to know if these were commonly faked? If so, how do I spot a fake 102/202?
Thank you,
Ben
I have not seen many 'fake' 102/202. There are those modern push button ones, but that is obvious.
K
Quote from: Kenton K on August 18, 2014, 09:18:39 PM
many
When you say "many" do you mean, the ones that are push button, or close look-alikes?
Ben
Quote from: WesternElectricBen on August 18, 2014, 09:29:40 PM
Quote from: Kenton K on August 18, 2014, 09:18:39 PM
many
When you say "many" do you mean, the ones that are push button, or close look-alikes?
Ben
Other than those cheaply built Crosleys, I haven't seen any other 102/202 fakes out there. It's pretty easy to tell a Crosley from a WE.
Quote from: WEBellSystemChristian on August 18, 2014, 09:33:15 PM
Quote from: WesternElectricBen on August 18, 2014, 09:29:40 PM
Quote from: Kenton K on August 18, 2014, 09:18:39 PM
many
When you say "many" do you mean, the ones that are push button, or close look-alikes?
Ben
Other than those cheaply built Crosleys, I haven't seen any other 102/202 fakes out there. It's pretty easy to tell a Crosley from a WE.
lol... I figured that out.
Ben
So.. What I gather, is I really shouldn't worry about buying a re-pro.
Ben
Ben,
There are probably some phones out there that could confuse non-collectors who wouldn't look for the B1 or D1 marking.
One of my favorites is the Teleconcepts "Circa 1926" -- second one down on this page:
http://www.paul-f.com/deskdial.htm (http://www.paul-f.com/deskdial.htm)
Seen in person, most of us would quickly notice it's made of plastic and has a pushbutton dial, etc. I've been tempted to try to mount a rotary dial and E handset on one and see how it looks.
I wouldn't be surprised to learn that there are better copies made in India or elsewhere.
A bigger risk is buying a phone quickly without giving it a thorough check to make sure the markings and parts are correct and that the switch pileups and other components are present inside and in good working condition. Unscrewing the handset caps will quickly tell you that they can easily come off (or not) and that the proper elements are inside (or not).
Over the years, I have ended up with a few sets that have needed serious restoration. I've had to cut handset caps off a few to get inside to replace cords -- then replace the caps.
Fortunately, most in that category have been part of large lot buys or bargains that were priced below parts value.
A little extra time examining a prospective phone will weed out a lot of potential surprises.
Have fun looking.
Quote from: paul-f on August 18, 2014, 10:23:44 PM
I wouldn't be surprised to learn that there are better copies made in India or elsewhere.
Thank you,
Actually, that's basically what I was wondering about. As I've heard about the Korean re-made candlesticks.
Ben
Most of the repro B1/D1 style mountings are plastic. However, there's one that looks like brass:
http://phonecoinc.com/topic.asp?map=1&hhrl=home&gorl=group&group=main&category=Art&topic=01029
Quote from: poplar1 on August 18, 2014, 11:41:24 PM
Most of the repro B1/D1 style mountings are plastic. However, there's one that looks like brass:
http://phonecoinc.com/topic.asp?map=1&hhrl=home&gorl=group&group=main&category=Art&topic=01029
Ah, that makes sense.
Thanks David,
Ben
I have several B-1s and D-1s ranging in price from free to $$$ if you need one, I am in the process of downsizing the collection. LMK
Quote from: Sargeguy on August 20, 2014, 09:05:39 PM
I have several B-1s and D-1s ranging in price from free to $$$ if you need one, I am in the process of downsizing the collection. LMK
Sarge, I'd be interested, did you get my PM from a bit ago?
Ben
Quote from: Sargeguy on August 20, 2014, 09:05:39 PM
I have several B-1s and D-1s ranging in price from free to $$$ if you need one, I am in the process of downsizing the collection. LMK
I may be interested as well, I am looking for a b1 for my humble collection.
Thanks-Ken
Here are a couple of the phonecoinc fake "102s." Also, an original WE with 2H dial for comparison.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/111454877673
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261580342134
http://www.ebay.com/itm/201162180225