However the retros are different to the originals in several aspects.
Firstly the "edge" of patent leather is black (it's white in the original).
Secondly, the carbon fibre plate is "smoother" than the originals. The retros carbon fibre shank plate is smoother and better finished. I guess it's improvement in manufacturing technology.
Watch out for fraudsters trying to pass the retros as originals!! And as of Feb 2003, there are many eBay fakes popping up. Most fake sellers are from China and Hong Kong. It's hard to tell from the outside just by looking at the photos. The carbon fibre shank plate is the most obvious giveaway sign. The fake ones are poorly shaped and are usually a black piece of plastic. But please don't quote me, the fakes are improving and by the time you read this, they would've fixed this defect. Just follow your instincts, if it too good to be true, then it's a FAKE. The current market value of real retros AJ 11 are around US$270 to $360. If you see one on sale for US$75, then it's a FAKE. Caveat Emptor...
Photos from www.ebay.com.
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