Why so many old brands showing up?

[WestKentucky]

In the last 6 months I have seen several old names I thought were long dead in the firearms industry. Most notably was a beautiful iver Johnson officers 1911-9mm. Today I saw a new webley shotgun. Why would brands be marketing so many guns under names from decades past. The guns seem to be mid-low quality for the most part and are the same exact gun as others just with a different name laser etched on the side.

 

[WestKentucky]

I'm almost certain the webley I saw is the same as an Akkar.

 

[rcmodel]

Brand name recognition.
All those trademarks and company's are long gone.

So grab one and stick on what you are trying to sell.

Somebody who doesn't know any better will think he is getting the real deal!

'Build it, call it a famous name you can get away with, and they will come!'

You don't see anyone stamping Colt, S&W, or Ruger on new guns except them do you?

rc

 

[Hurryin' Hoosier]

It might be like putting lipstick on a pig.

 

[PapaG]

I think Umarex has been putting the Colt name on some 1911 22s, I assume with Colt's approval.

 

[Drail]

Those names are showing up because guys with marketing degrees know that the name will sell the product even if the product is a cheap imitation of the original. And most of those names can be had for a price.

 

[WestKentucky]

I do at least remember the IJ 1911. I kinda want one because it looks and feels so good.

 

[bannockburn]

Very common commercial practice; even more so in the electronics industry where old brand names like Emerson and RCA got a new lease on life thanks to foreign manufacturers.