Recently came across a complete set of 442 emblems in GM boxes and trying to determine if they are NOS. There was a receipt in the box from an Olds vendor but it doesn't specify. The labeling on the boxes and other packaging looks like other NOS emblems that I see for sale on Ebay. Coming from and Olds vendor I would say reproduction but the invoice is dated 1992. The 70-72's were only slightly over 20 years old at that time. Were they even making reproductions are that point or would a vendor have been selling NOS GM parts? Is there any definitive way to make this determination? Sadly, I don't currently own an Olds so I'll probably sell these but don't know how to list them. Guess I could call the vendor but what are the chances that whoever I talk to is going to know what was going on there 25 years ago?

 

Most, if not all the 1970-1972 Cutlass and 442 emblems were still available in 1992. Vendors could buy in quantity from a friendly Olds dealer, sell them at GM list price, and still make a nice profit.

 

If they are NOS they will have a casting number on the back of each number and the backside is recessed - not flat. All the repros I've seen do not have that, they're just flat on the back.

 

Some of the original 442 emblems are flat on the back.

 

 

My NOS 442 emblems are flat on the backside.

 

Interesting about the flat backs. I wonder why I have 442 emblems (NOS) that aren't flat and have a casting number??