Theodore Bargman on ebay

[ModernMe]

Just a comment about a Bargman L-66 handle and lock that I bought off ebay a while ago. It was a lesson in buyer beware and seeing what you want to see. The seller didn't actually say anything wrong, I just didn't read close enough.

I thought that I was buying NOS (new old stock) still in the box. What I believe I purchased is actually a brand new Chinese reproduction. It's not all bad, the lock looks great, and my original is worthless, so I am in better shape. But I doubt that I would have bit the bullet and paid $250 for new Chinese materials. Weren't the original Theodore Bargman locks made in Indiana?

Here is a link to one that the seller currently has listed.
www.ebay.com/itm/Bargman-RV-Door-Lock-L-66-Brand-New-FREE-SHIPPING-/110795463893?pt=Motors_RV_Trailer_Camper_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item19cbec9cd5

[kevschofield]

I just sent him this..

Hello~
I'm currently restoring a Shasta Airflyte camper and I'm wondering if this is an actual New Old Stock Bargman assembly, or is it a reproduction part?
Thanks,
Kev

I am curious tio see what his response will be.. The ad certainly makes it appear you are buying a brand new Bargman L66..

He has the 'brand' listed as Bargman, and he lists the bargman part number..

[ModernMe]

Nice.... I'm curious to see his response.

[kevschofield]

Dear turbokev,

The item is brand new from bargman in the orohinal box. This item is not a reproduction. Thank you

- weldingguy52

[universalexports]

out of your curiosity and mine, I went and grabbed my old one, that I am sure is original given all the pitting and age,

mine original says "Theodore Bargman Co, Detroit Mich"

the NOS one a bought about 6 months ago does not say this (I paid more than you).


my Original





the only difference I can see if the Original has a beveled edge all the way around, the NOS one does not. and the corners on all the raised pieces are sharper or more crisp.

but who knows, different Shasta factories may have sourced parts from different locations.

mine works and looks great so I'm not concerned any farther than that. and I have never heard of a Chinese knock off, I really cant see that being profitable enough to justify the machinery, tooling and plans to make them, given the limited demand. compared to something like wheels or rifle scopes.

[ModernMe]

Either way, I am glad to have a handle and lock that work. So, I'm not bent out of shape, I just think that I learned to ask more questions next time I go to replace parts. Here's a picture of the handle and the box it came in. "Made In China" leads me to think it isn't original, but who knows?

@kev-thanks for inquiring.
@universal-I haven't been able to compare it with my original yet. I will in a couple weeks when I head back out to the ranch where it is being stored. And, no where on the new one does it have 'THEODORE BARGMAN DETROIT MICHIGAN' embossed or engraved.

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[jeajsa]

I sold one recently that was made in China. Bargman found that it was a heck of alot cheaper to have the chinese make them than have them made in the US. Just like evertything we buy these days unfortunately. It is a Bargman lock, just not made in the USA. I think Bargman stop producing them in the US around the 70's. Notice that the key cylinder is different than the ones made in the USA. If you have a older US model (50's and 60's) the lock cylinder can be removed and replaced. On the chinese made ones you can't. That is why you see lock cylinders for sale on ebay and Vintage trailer supply.

[vikx]

Really an unhappy thought to pay 300 bucks but I guess if you need one...

[ModernMe]

Sorry for my delay.....

Thanks for all of the info. I guess that I do feel a little better, it just never occurred to me that they would have switched to making them in China. I should have known better

Anyway, like I said, I needed it, I got it, I'm happy.