915 shift knob - please help identify original vs. repop

[damsroy]

How do you tell the difference between an original and a Reproduction?
The one pictured below is in Bakelite but has the bottom squared off when the NOS one I once had had a more rounded bottom? Been told it came from a 74. Is there a difference for shift knob between 72/73 and 74 onward?

[DOUGS73E]

As a point of reference, here's my original ('73MY) patina knob . . .

[damsroy]

Thanks Doug. Does it have a rounded bottom or more of a squared off bottom? Looks square but Hard to tell on the pictures.

[mfitton]

I would bet that Doug's original has a rounded bottom rim, also your numbers 3 & 5 and the letter "R" are completely different. You should be able to see an equator line around the grip/round top, like Doug's has. Flat rim is only on Repro's in my opinion, I would bet it is not Bakelite material either.


Side by side below:

[DOUGS73E]

Based on Mike's side by side comparison - the fonts are definitely different.

Here is a couple more shots of the bottom, hope you can determine from these . . . focus is poor.

[mfitton]

Based on Mike's side by side comparison - the fonts are definitely different.

Here is a couple more shots of the bottom, hope you can determine from these . . . focus is poor.

Yep it is rounded, also see the faint equator line in this picture of Doug's. It is always there on original knobs.

[damsroy]

I added a pic of an NOS one to compare the font. The font on NOS looks similar to Doug's.