Some frames have surfaced which appear to have been made from at least some original Hetchins components or from more accurately reproduced components. A number were sold by Harry Butler of Yorkshire in the 1980s and 1990s and passed off as genuine Hetchins. They are often over-elaborate and mix up design elements from different models &/or periods. An email correspondent reported that he visited Butler in 1998 and saw at least six 'Hetchins' hanging in Butler's attic. These skeletons will no doubt come to light some day, so continued caution is advised.

Click here for Magnum Bogus nr. H25447
Click here for Magnum Bogus MO2
Click here for Magnum Bogus curly-hellenic
Click here for Magnum Bogus nr. 6186
Click here for Magnum Bogus nr. H12120
Click here for Magnum Bogus nr. G27151
Click here for Magnum Bogus no-nr. curly-hellenic
Click here for Magnum Bogus nr. 1147, nr. 4749
Click here for Magnum Bogus nr. 33814, nr. 44824
Click here for Magnum Bogus nr. H13102
Click here for Magnum Bogus nr. H6065
Click here for Magnum Bogus nr. H2757
Click here for Magnum Bogus nr. H27635
Click here for Magnum Bogus nr. H27632
Click here for Magnum Bogus nr. H26453
Click here for Magnum Bogus nr. H27131
Click here for Magnum Bogus nr. H123405
Click here for Flying Farrago nr. H4739
Click here for Magnum Bogus nr. H12899
Click here for Bilenky 'Tribute' details.
Click here for Rickett Tribute details.
Click here for D.J. Vines Tribute details.

Below is an example of Butler's work: note the over-elaboration.

  

Below is a genuine MO ii for comparison:

Below is a frame from an unknown builder.
Not Hetchins: wrong curl on the stays, wrong lug work.

  

Anyone may build a frame with fancy lugs and curly stays. The patent on the curly stays expired some time ago. However, the Hetchins name, logos, badges and transfers are protected by copyright. Putting any of them on a frame not built by Hetchins is a violation of law: "pasing off" counterfeit goods for genuine ones, just like passing off some other watch for a Rolex or some other purse for a Gucci.

The original company Harry Hetchin founded has been in continuous production since 1934; it is now called Hetchins Lightweights. It is managed by David Miller. For new production:

Click here for a definition, what constitutes a genuine Hetchins.

Click here for a detailed autopsy of an attempted fraud involving fake Hetchins for sale.

Due diligence is advised for any high-budget purchase; Hetchins is no exception. Mercians are also known to have been forged. It is easy to verify authenticity of a Hetchins, as we are in possession of detailed records going back to 1935, listing frame numbers and dates of sale. Plug "fake hetchins" into any search engine, and you will land on this web site; we [the editorial 'we'] are happy to assist. Be suspicious of any purported Hetchins which has no frame numbers.

If in doubt about the authenticity of a Hetchins frame, contact the Editor:

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