E&J 466 headlight question

[DNolting]

I have a question, how do you tell the difference between original E&J 466 headlights and reproduction ones?
Thanks
Dave

[JTT3]

Depending what decade the reproductions were made and the company that reproduced them. Some of the reproductions have smaller vent holes in the bonnet some only have 4 or five round holes, the round holes may not have a raised shoulder like the original later round hole lights. The brass oval tag is not as heavy nor is the engraving very deep. Generally speaking most of the tags have a fancy cursive engraving on them. The reproduction will not be as deep. So you’re aware, some of the earlier 466 had oval holes in the smoke bonnet and the engraving on the tag was not in cursive writing. If you see a preponderance of solder holding the reflector and lens in it’s probably original. Also check the bolts that hold the light on the forks, they should be on the inside of the body for the early ones. Unless you have had a fire you probably wouldn’t know the original smoke bonnets are one piece the reproductions are 3 pieces soldered together. In a fire it will be evident, the front and back piece will fall off leaving the 1 piece bonnet minus the front and back. Trust me on that tidbit. Lastly but certainly not exhausting the lesser differences there will not be a polished piece of aluminum attached to the inside of the back cap. Let me know how I can help.

[DNolting]

Thank you John,
I will look at mine closer and see if i can figure them out.

[JTT3]

Some of the other knockoffs.

[DNolting]

Here are a couple photos of mine. They have mirrors and the retainers are soldered in. attachment=2]20240310_131709.jpg[/attachment]

[JTT3]

Your Legit

[DNolting]

Thank you for your help.

They were on my 1911 and I replaced them. I would like to sell them but wanted to know exactly what they were first.

Thanks again
Dave