This is an interesting little thread!

I think a great case can be made for what Checker and Ludwig-D and others propose. Walberg seemed to have made and supplied the same pedal for many. With the quantity that Frank’s ordered (clout, heck there is a whole book written about Frank’s) on a regular basis, and back then, it could have been a special thing for Frank’s as well as a way to keep track of that models destination during production and packing (I understand Frank’s could be demanding on manufacturers). A good way not to get the orders for this same pedal for other companies mixed.

Kevins, it would be pretty easy for the manufacturer to do as you suggested instead of the retailer; stamp the mold and produce many with raised letters, as to not ship to Gretch, Camco and others.

The foundry proess for aluminum is simple. I learned it in high school. All one needs is a design made from any material, wood that is carved, or metal that is lathed and drilled, it is really easy to do. The master is packed in oil-sand and then removed and the molten metal is poured into the mold. (of course this is overly simplified) Within a very few moments it is over and the sand mold is broken with the part ready for finishing. Anybody can do this with only a minor bit of training. So yes, it would be very easy, and probably in those days was encouraged as a profit center. Anyone with the extra duckets would have been offered this option if they were willing to pay the premium. Remember, they let 14 year olds do this in schools all around this great nation.

If I had the money, I could have an entire line of hardware ready to ship in a few weeks with my own logo on it. I have a contact that makes all this stuff in China and he is bugging me to order. I just don't have it all set up for import and all the extras it would cost to launch the enterprise. And the end cost for a decent quality set of hardware would make you guys roll over knowing how much profit the big boys are getting (obscene). am I slamming profit?....not at all, but my goodness, give the world a break.