Hello:
I would like to be enlighten of the significant characteristics that differ between these masks. On the contrary, all I know regarding these masks is that one variant is called the “4 Stamp”.
Thanks.
Size seems to be a big factor. The original runs were smaller (around 23" what what I’ve read) and so without the enlarging they hold a better more true to the mask it was cast from shape and details. The 4 stamp ones were a limited first set and so many will say they are just a bit better than other original run stamped versions because they were pulled from the mold earlier and so there’s less wear on the mold (I have no idea how many original run stamped masks there are though (I think the first set was 4 stamps, then 2, then 1). When the mask came back for the NMM78 Returns they were enlarged to 24.5" or so, so the shape of the mask is a little bit different (not as rounded, more oval) and there’s some detail loss but it’s still very nice).
For the most part, the 2002 NMM78 (4-stamp) came from Billy’s 75 kirk. The more recent/available NMM78-R is from a different mold. The returns i have had were nice and a little bigger than the 4-stamp.