fakeusa: Fake Detrola 274 split grille

What a temptation to use this Halliwell Timer case to produce a decorative eyecatching variant of a Detrola 281 or 274!

The cut off Catalin pieces from the grille and dial openings are used to get matching fillings for the three original holes. The trim parts could even be bought (if not self made).

And the work will be rewarded by an astronomical auction price, paid from an uninformed buyer....

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When you click the model "Fake Detrola 274 split grille", then you see a photo of the set which was sold for $ 1825 by eBay seller mattjjohnson007 / item number 261148953343. You can compare with the original model here.
The seller did write:
 "VINTAGE '40s 274 SPLIT-GRILLE DETROLA BAKELITE RADIO MID-CENTURY DECCO RESTORED", but you see the former holes from the Halliwell Solar Timer - and in the description the seller tells: "You are bidding on a Rare Vintage Detrola Red Marbleized Halliwell Solar Timer Catalin Model #274 Split-Grille Tube Radio." Not really wrong doing, because (only) a careful reader with knowledge can know that it is a fake. Al least the next buyer will be trapped with an expensive fake.

Konrad is showing the picture which chriswch2003 at antiqueradios.com (ARF) has brought and allowed that we may use. It shows the original Halliwell Timer. I like to thank chriswch2003.

If you look careful, you see on the fake model picture the round fillings. We copied the picture from chriswch2003 because it shows clearly what happened and interesting collectors have the chance to find out. But there are also many other fakes ...

Please tell us and we will again create a "false model", link it to the ordinary one and sometimes write a sticky forum article (sticky to the model page). As a guest you can use the Contact form which you find on all pages as bottom link "Contact". With this you help other collectors!

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Our member Chris has given us the following pictures he once collected from sales:

This one (red with blue) was sold by Catalinradio.com as Detrola 283 Split Grill as SKU: 8029564.
The model 283 looks quite different, but this looks like a model 284 and one can only see the former holes slightly.

 

Tis one was sold by eBay live auction mastroauctionsinc in August 2008 as "1940s Detrola Red/Blue Custom Catalin Radio" for $ 850. The word "custom" gave a hint that it is not original - see the price difference to the one further below ...

 

This was sold at Joel's "Classic Radio Auction" September 2010 as "Radio, Detrola Split Grille, circa 1939, marbleised maroon case with green split grille and green knobs" for $ 2880.

Only very good connoisseurs (experts) for Detrola split grille models can immediately see the differences to an original model. We try to get some transparency for forgeries.
Thank you Chris for those examples.

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