41 and 42 byf grips?
 

What are the chances of finding a set of original black bakelite grips for a 41-42 byf? And what would a set go for if I found one?

My recent purchase of a 42 byf with numbers matching wooden grip has peaked my interest ( I was pleasently surprised to find the very lightly stamped wooden grips)

I realise they have reproduced the black grips so are there telltale signs to tell the difference?

Thanks...............Levi

They are available and usually sell for around $350 as I recall. Telling real from knock-offs is another problem. There are several lengthy threads around this forum that go into depth, and usually after lots of photos some members can say, to some degree of certainty, if grips are real or not. But it is not easy nor is it, in my opinion, certain.
dju

As David says, there are some really good copies out there. The originals are bakelite, so the smooth texture, lack of bubbles, ripples, surface imperfections will help you tell that they are genuine. Copies have usually been cast from a mold taken from original grips, so they will be slightly oversized. They will lack sharp details such as well defined diamonds in the checkering and crisp, sharp edges everywhere. Originals each have a threaded hole where the grip screw is meant to be kept so you don't lose it. The holes should be sharp, with really fine, crisp threads. If the seller will allow it, you can heat a pin and stick it into the back surface of the grip. Bakelite will smoke and let off a distintive smell. Plastic will bubble and curl away from the heated pin.
These are some of the indications.

Thanks for your input guys.

I haven't decided if I want to search for an original pair or not but now I have more info incase I come across a set.

Levi

Good Luck!

Also, bakelite will tend to "clack" if You tap the grips against each other, versus "click" for plastic ones.