Yes, there are several ways to identify the original CX-10 sticks:The orange-painted ring around the bottom of the stick does not contain the word "TOP".
The metal "hex disc" saying "ATARI" or "SEARS" (if present - the Atari ones are rare and Sears ones are extremely rare).
If the hex disc is missing, there is an intentation with a raised rim on top of the rubber boot where it is supposed to be.
There is no plastic ring around the base of the rubber boot; the boot itself has tabs which fit into slots in the case top.
The fire button sticks up higher, and when pressed has very long travel.
The stick is spring-loaded and does not give any "feel" for when contact has been made in a given direction -- the stick can be pushed quite a bit farther after contact.
The directional springs are often noisy, making metallic "ping" sounds as the stick is moved.
The screw heads on the bottom of the stick are very near the surface, not deeply recessed.
There were at least three different styles of AC adapter which came with heavy sixers, different from the common later style, and only one of them was gray.
thanks for the info -- very thorough
just like my pics, thanks