Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion Skychief Globe Authenticity

Just picked up a Sky Chief globe from a collector that has had it for over 20 years. The seller purchased the globe as an original, but could not 100% confirm it's authenticity. The Capco housing is indeed original. Are there any markings to look for on the lens that would confirm whether they are original?

Thanks,
Clayton

shouldnt say reproduction or have a date at the bottom . If i remember correctly these do not have makers markings. The back of the lenses should tell the story the most.

If you can't tell if the lenses are real, how were you able to determine if the Capco body was real??

No markings on the lenses but if you provide a picture of the back of the lenses, we can probably tell you.
The old lenses were made with a different process that left a different look to the backs of the lenses.

The body is obviously old and has Capco markings near base.

CAPCO are still being made from Original Molds

If it can be put into words, what is it on the backs that should be looked for to help prove authenticity?

The back of original lenses were manufactured at a time when the process was less refined. Usually the finish is rough to the touch. Repro lenses have a smooth feel. Although this is not always 100% accurate, it has proven to be very helpful in determining correctness in most cases. Paul www.severngaspumps.com

Original capcos have 2 alignment humps on each half, while the repops will only have one per each half.

Here is a side by side shot of the Capco bodies... Reproduction Skychief lenses the green is a different shade than the originals most of the time. The green is a bit darker . At least on the 1984 dated repro I have. Also most repros have black around the T in the Texaco emblem.

Iceman.
You had seven replies to your request, but you never supplied any pictures???

Jack Sim

Just so I understand this.
The original will have tabs at both 3 & 9 o'clock on both sides and the repop only a tab at 9 o'clock? And of course the lenses will have this same configuration?

The repro lenses also have cut outs at 3 and 9 just like originals ....the repro bodies only have one notch per side. As seen in the photo....... I agree with Jack, Posting photos of the globe in question would help.

Sorry guys, I have been out of town for a couple of days, I will post some pics of the globe very soon.

Well this is interesting...There is actually NO tabs at all on this body. It also has an unusual "lip" near the bottom on one side. The inside of the lens feels a bit textured or rough. There is also a couple of tiny "pimples" in the glass. Hope this helps!

Lenses look original to me......
Darin