Vintage Kobold Clip - HELP NEEDED

[The Ninja]

I recently purchased this vintage Kobold Flash on Evil Bay.

The listing photos appeared to show the Kobold in nice condition with no visible damage & the description did not identify any issues.

Now here is where I need help from some of the more senior experienced members, once received on closer inspection to ensure the Kobold was complete & without damage or the Clip had not been replaced with a replica part, it was discovered that the Clip had been hacked into by what looks like a grinder removing approx 1/64 & leaving the brass exposed.

I had never seen this before so I asked a few members who also had never seen this type of modification nor did they know why it would be done, obviously the modification makes the Clip worthless for a Graflex ESB Saber build and substantially reduces the value of the vintage Kobold Flash.

My question is, has anyone seen this type of modification to a vintage Kobold Clip either out of the factory or by persons and why would such modification be done?

Thanks...

Clip Photos:

 

[teecrooz]

I have one just like that!

 

[teecrooz]

Looks like you need to build a ranch saber now.

I put mine on either my Luke or Han droid caller display Kobold since it will never be seen.

 

[The Ninja]

I have one just like that!

Looks like you need to build a ranch saber now.

I put mine on either my Luke or Han droid caller display Kobold since it will never be seen.

Thanks Chris for the confirmation you have one, I was thinking I got scammed, another point to add to the check list

 

[laszlo]

Yes I've had one like that before!

 

[The Ninja]

Yes I've had one like that before!

Thanks for the confirmation

 

[PrinceZip]

Very interesting! Do vintage Kobold clips also have slightly different lengths?

 

[Halliwax]

Very interesting! Do vintage Kobold clips also have slightly different lengths?

I think so

 

[thd9791]

Yes, still valuable for a Ranch saber or a Droid Caller prop. My guess would be that they thought it was stuck closed, and removed material so the flash could slide open easier or something.

 

[The Ninja]

Yes, still valuable for a Ranch saber or a Droid Caller prop. My guess would be that they thought it was stuck closed, and removed material so the flash could slide open easier or something.

I guess that makes sense, still hurt to see I now plan to use this Clip on my Han ANH Droid Caller.

 

[mugatu]

Yes. I have a Linhof that is just like that. Well, it was before further hacking by yours truly pushed the clip even further into the anxiety field.

 

[cwoodreplicas]

Mines like that too! Guess they just sanded some off to make it slide out easier. Tempted to have it replated?

 

[thd9791]

Actually, a little Silver Rub n Buff wouldn't hurt. It's wax, and a little coating of wax would make me feel better about the exposed layer

 

[newmagrathea]

Oh man that is super weird. I need to check my kobold when I get home.

 

[The Ninja]

Oh man that is super weird. I need to check my kobold when I get home.

Yeah I checked all my Kobolds thankfully this is the only one.

 

[Chase Butler]

This one was on my recently acquired flash :'(

Kinda tempted to just use some silver pen on it and see how it turns out...

 

[thd9791]

I recommend silver rub n buff, super metallic-y and the wax will help seal the open surface!

 

[Halliwax]

This one was on my recently acquired flash :'(

Kinda tempted to just use some silver pen on it and see how it turns out...

View attachment 1043842View attachment 1043843

These make great use for “ranch saber” replicas, where the clip is upside down

I’ve been looking for one like this, for this exact reason

 

[Chase Butler]

These make great use for “ranch saber” replicas, where the clip is upside down

I’ve been looking for one like this, for this exact reason

I mean if you have a normal one and are willing to trade with a little cash on my end I’d be open to the idea of a trade

 

[Halliwax]

I mean if you have a normal one and are willing to trade with a little cash on my end I’d be open to the idea of a trade

Naaah I don’t have a normal one. I am hoping to one day grab one of these in the junkyard though for a future build

I just wanted to make sure you know that clip isn’t useless