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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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The Following 4 Members Say Thank You to Peter Laidler For This Useful Post:
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06-24-2012 06:46 AM
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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.
“There are invisible rulers who control the destinies of millions. It is not generally realized to what extent the words and actions of our most influential public men are dictated by shrewd persons operating behind the scenes.”
Edward Bernays, 1928
Much changes, much remains the same. 
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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!
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