Here's my response in regards to graflex based sabers that I posted on the MPF:
Regardless of anyone's connection to the original films, anyone who claims a naked found item such as a graflex is an original cannot do so with any certainty.
It would need to have a good number of the correct greebiles/accessories intact AS WELL AS come from someone clearly involved with the production to even begin to make a case for it being production used/made.
In the case of found part based props especially, I believe you need both.
Even then you cannot be 100% sure without a screen match.
Case in point, lets use my replica Luke ANH graflex based saber as an example. It has all the correct found piece greeblies/accessories. Even to someone who owns a true original, it would indistinguishable from the screen used piece.
If my saber (or any other that has been converted correctly) ever came to market through someone even loosely tied to the films, the unknowing buyer would have no clue, nor would they be able to authenticate it based on it's physical properties. Everything would "check out".
Found part based props especially from SW without a screen match are generally not safe bets.
original saber:
my replica:
.
D :rolleyes
