> The rear hub, which
> seems of identical vintage, almost certainly its
> original mate, still
> has the "Phil" label, but the engraving seems very
> much shallower than
> my recent one piece Phil hubs. The old rear "Phil"
> label does not
> appear to be a decal, but compared to the more
> deeply engraved newer
> hub, the label amost looks as if it were just
> painted on rather than
> engraved.
I also have a pair of old Phil's. The "Phil" signature is definately not like the recent product's engraving. The older does appears to be painted on rather than engraved.
I can see how these labels could have worn off with repeated polishing. That could be a problem because you always want your Phil's looking their best, kind of like a pair of fine italian dress shoes, or maybe just anything from italy! Maybe the label's falling off caused them to switch?
Personally I think the new engraving appears hap-hazardly done. Almost cheap.
-jason