Feliz Navidad to all.
Regarding; "When is a Hetchins, not a Hetchins?" IMHO. It is Apples and Oranges to compare a mass production item to an artisan item. A handmade frame is an artisan product. A Dawes made by the Dutch conglomerate that bought Dawes is still a Dawes. A Hetchins not produced by the artisan is a Hetchins to me, only if the same artisan standard of the original maker is maintained. I realize this is a tendancy to split hairs. I do not choose the path to wonder if varying quality of the "original" denegrates the name. That is not the discussion. Conclusion: Once Hetchins is out of the business and the quality of the original disappears it is not a Hetchins. A Hetchins by Bob Jackson may still be a Hetchins if; it is produced faithfully by the successor to the original. I know a Van Gogh print is still a Van Gogh print if printed in his lifetime. if it is a late print it is still a Van Gogh print if from the same plates. The difference is that the later print is of a somewhat lesser value because of the lack of physical conection to the actual artist. Finally; If you have a Bob Jackson/ Hetchins it is a Hetchins. It may command a lesser value because of the provenance. It is worth what the "informed" buyer will pay.
On another note regarding Bob Jacklson. I used to periodically see three-wheelers by Jackson and Calude Butler etc. I have not seen one in years. I certainly can acceed that they are not produced and have gone out of fashion. My question is; Where are all the old ones? I have never seen one for sale in years. Maybe I am not looking in the right place.
I have a second question. How do you identify a Lambert "death fork?" If I successfully find out I probably will have one to offer for shipping plus about $10 that it will cost me if someone wants it.
Thank you to all who help others in their quests for the esoteric and the commonplace.
john strizek
sacratomato california USA