Well, I have never seen one wrapped in Duct tape, but I have seen one with green Elephant ear leather and shrunk to fit tight, and my Farquharson is certainly original and perfectly fitted, with blacked steel plates and timed screws all round, you really need to see a real original one to appreciate the workmanship and skill that goes into getting a perfect fit,very many hours to get it right, far more than most people would afford to pay.