All Star v Batson?

[tlapinski]

I have a blank simply labeled SW1208-M. Same matte finish as my All Star 1208, same basic feel. Any way to tell for sure what maker it is?

[Mike P]

SW is Batson/Rainshadow. The -M after the 1208 means matte finish (they also made a gloss finish). Probably an older one and American made. An All Star would be labeled GSW.

I'm pretty sure that the first Rainshadows were labeled like that--SW 1208-M, with no manufacturer ID or country of manufacture.

The SW 1208 from Rainshadow isn't all that similar to All Stars--they're more like the old Sabre and Pac Bay 1208.

Rainshadow's SU series are supposedly the ones modeled on the All Stars.

[tlapinski]

Thanks Mike.