Houston,
I think I understand your hollowback question, it would have to be done with either an original 2 piece mold, or by taking an original bird and makeing 2 half cast's to manufacture a 2 piece mold, which would also explain why a lot of the hollow backs show more casting flaw's notably to the rear where the detail was less to begin with. Most likely a non original mold.
A hollow cast does not have to be that expensive, I gave the guy guidelines, to try and pinpoint the process. This is where the cost was. But it would show in the quality if you took shortcuts. Which is basically what we are looking at with these reproductions.
Kris
