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I wouldn't necessarily agree that it's cheaper and simpler to make new with the subject in hand Rob, and that was to unpick a damaged No32 and graft on a new/No42/53 tube. I have grafted on 50+ new ocular ends from the rear cradle rearwards and a far lesser amount from the erector cell segment cover rearwards including machining down the tube wall thickness and re-engraving. Plus quite a few, including a Mk3 on the go at the moment with a new/No42 OG end. It does mean that you have to destroy your No42/53 but that's the very reason you have it as a spare in the first place. And with a bit of luck, you still have the remaining lenses left too!
It's several hours work but still doesn't add up to the cost of a repro or a good No32. As for whether it's still original, well that doesn't bother me as they're not mine. We wouldn't do it for an Army telescope of course - it's be straight into the scrap bin. But I look at it as the same as putting new wings, bonnet and crossmember on your MGBGT. It's still the same car
Just my 2c's worth
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Agree entirely where repairing an existing No32 is concerned Peter. Making up replicas based on No42 tubes...can't see it myself; but anything's possible.
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Ah, yes, making anew from a No42/53 is a different kettle of fish. Not to be undertaken lightly.
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I think that London dealer who had about 450 came to realise that too Peter. Mind you it did not stop him trying to off-load them on to me some years ago for 68,000 pounds or some such. I was offered the batch of No42's before he got them & turned them down at 6 quid apiece! How times have changed.
ATB
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£68,000............. jeeeees! It's only the lenses that you need and you'd get a LOT of them ground for that! I wonder what he'd let them go for now.
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I'm not brave enough to ask!
Many years ago I'm sure I got offered the same batch (there were originally 500 of them, but the dealer has let a few go over the years. I believe he let PB have a few at a reasonable price when he turned up all the No32's from India) - I think they were originally offered by the guy from quicktest, tho' don't quote me on it as my memory is not great at the best of times - but I thought at the time; '50 No42's yes, but who wants 500?' And it was buy all or none.....so I didn't buy them & Mr London dealer did.
The retrospectoscope has 20/20 vision!
