Dale - The shop is A Bicycle Odyssey in S.F. Here is a letter forwarded to my friend from them:
Bikodyssey@aol.com wrote:
I don't know what to say. We have talked to Ron Cooper's distributor, and apparently the bikes in the pictures you forwarded were built by Ron Cooper under contract for Hetchins. We are currently trying to figure out who really owns the name. The frames we have were built by Ron, according to the distributor. According to Ron there are 4 or 5 models being sold in England as Hetchins. Very confusing to say the least. Shane A Bicycle Odyssey
Sounds like they are not getting the straight story from England either. I know they have sold Ron Cooper frames for many years, and are a totally up-and-up shop, so whatever they have they must have thought it was legitimate.
And about the winnaaah: The Japanese collectors are indeed keen on Campy and other items. I recently sold a Gran Sport front derailleur for $124 and a Zeus 2000 rear derailleur for $232. Remember when Zeus was considered a poor Campy Copy? I also sold an empty Campy grease box, the squareish 1kg plastic box. I did say it was empty and clean. But at least it is useful! You can put stuff in it, like small parts, or even - grease! I certainly didn't get the price of that hub box though.
Bob Freeman