Star Trek TOS Communicator origin?

[USS Spaniard]

I've been trying to determine the 'tells' in the casting - the control plate in particular. Very recessed, with dimples at control points, also one dimple mid back. I remember old convention communicators with one lone screw mid back as well.. could this be cast from that? Metal lid and in extremely good condition. Got it for a really good price.

 

[phez]

Removed coped post.

 

[phez]

Those look like knock off or an older version of HMS shells without the two screw dimples. I have an older HMS that looks a lot like that. HMS is about the only comm I have seen with that recessed area under the control plate.

 

[USS Spaniard]

Thanks Phez, yes - it was that recessed control plate that I had not seen. I wonder what their intention was going to be? Over at TPZ they have a pic of a Horch/Rodd that pretty well matches up.