Been a long time coming (graflex 3cell end cap reveal)

[Solos blaster]

Been a long time. 21 years ago I bought my first Graflex 3 cell with the intent to turn it into my favorite lightsaber - Luke’s ESB version.

I bought it for the at the time, going rate of $220, it came with two buttons and two flash bulb covers. During this time everyone was looking for perfect symmetry in how the grips were lined up and a 3 cell, was a 3 cell. No real concern about the patent or Folmer production during those days.

John at Blast-tech, also known as “Yodashouse” had the best conversion kits at the time. One of the items in the kit was a chrome disc that could cover the bottom of the flash gun and all marks of patent(or lack of). Since this was going to be “my lightsaber” and not a “replica of the prop”, I opted to add the chrome cover.

After all this time I’ve decided to take it off no share with you all on this discovery...well, actually a reveal I guess.

Removed the kobold replica

One more tease, err pic of the bottom with the chrome/silver tape cover.

What have we herer...

A closer look.

So, I’ve got a Folmer, Rochester, NY with patent numbered 3 cell. Ok graflex archeologists, what have I got here? Lol
Did I do good or bad making this an ESB?

Feels weird taking this off and looking back that far in my prop history. Anyways, thanks for sharing this with me.

 

[Ron]

As long as you're happy with it, you did good .

I'll leave it to the experts but I believe the Ranch saber, which funny enough you used the same textured chrome tape as, was a Folmer/patent as well. So yup, ESB

 

[Halliwax]

Thin lip too! Very very nice!

Perfect for the ranch saber!

 

[Solos blaster]

As long as you're happy with it, you did good .

I'll leave it to the experts but I believe the Ranch saber, which funny enough you used the same textured chrome tape as, was a Folmer/patent as well. So yup, ESB

Oh for sure! I was just curious the other day almost thinking it was kind of "a time capsule" of sorts for myself and to see how my graflex matched up after another two decades of research, new information with pics, etc.
Yea, back then the textured tape was a distinct feature of the ESB saber. Now it's practically defunct minus the ranch.

Thin lip too! Very very nice!

Perfect for the ranch saber!

Thanks Danny, what part refers to the thin lip? lol



Oh and what else brought this on, you might ask? I have a spare RE bottom from the graflex sales that I had intended on doing up to a more accurate ESB grip/kobold positions. My original one is horrid lol. I don't know how we missed it so badly, the grips don't even run to the edge of the flashgun. It would almost look more like the ST graflex with a second button and 180'd top.

I'll use one of Roy's kits on the flash handle replica, and the spare handle will likely be kept near the saber so I can swap them out when I feel the itch, because frankly, I don't know if I could keep it without its original bottom on.

Thanks for your input guys.