Check the top-down pic of what is the right end of the lid with the lock facing you. Compared to the origianl, it has the same blemishes. Pretty damn cool!
I love the prop, Rob! Fantastic buy, even at full price. One of the better if not best POTC MR props!
In the comp pics, the original seems to have richer colors. And yes - it does have a beter paint job. BUT keep in mind that the flash in my pics is washing out the colors a bit too.