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How to Spot a Fake 102/202

Started by WesternElectricBen, August 18, 2014, 09:15:19 PM

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WesternElectricBen

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

Kenton K

I have not seen many 'fake' 102/202. There are those modern push button ones, but that is obvious.

K

WesternElectricBen

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

WEBellSystemChristian

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.
Christian Petterson

"Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right" -Henry Ford

WesternElectricBen

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

WesternElectricBen

So.. What I gather, is I really shouldn't worry about buying a re-pro.

Ben

paul-f

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

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.
Visit: paul-f.com         WE  500  Design_Line

.

WesternElectricBen

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

poplar1

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
"C'est pas une restauration, c'est une rénovation."--François Martin.

WesternElectricBen

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

Sargeguy

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
Greg Sargeant
Providence, RI
TCI /ATCA #4409

WesternElectricBen

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

Kenton K

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

poplar1

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
"C'est pas une restauration, c'est une rénovation."--François Martin.