Date   : Wed, 20 Apr 2011 16:04:55 +0100
From   : paul2004v@... (Paul Vernon)
Subject: making replica acorn cards

> > Yes, I can see how the two parallel each other. So we just mark the
> > system that use replica boards as "restored" not original.
> 
> But doesn't "restored" mean just that, restored back to how it was 
> originally? You would need to use "remanufactured" if using replica boards 
> wouldn't you?
> 

In the furniture trade it's always been self evident in these cases, you
have the original antiques and you have "reproduction". For the purposes
of clarity I'd imagine that would be the best terminology in the vintage
computer world too.

Drawing the parallel further, when you look at many of the issues that stately 
homes encounter when trying to preserve or restore furniture or architectural 
items, many times the skills have all but been lost and the parts are either 
scarce or unavailable. In those situations, compromise has to be made and 
the "spirit" of the item is then the thing that is preserved rather than 
it's original nature. I see no difference between a half moon table and 
a vintage computer in this case as it's about being pragmatic. If you want 
a working example and the parts are non-existant or prohibitively expensive,
I see no reason to use a modern day equivalent that perform the same functions
and keeps the system alive. 

IMO, the addition of new hardware parts to keep an old computer alive, tells 
the story of that computers life and as such adds to its history, just like 
a good restoration or repair keeps an antique alive and adds to its story. 
Over time, these fixes and modifications become vintage in their own right 
so who is to say that in 30, 60  or 90 years time there aren't some people
interested in preserving working versions of these machines and *all* the
original parts are no longer available. At that point, reproduction would
be the only way to go.

Paul