Oh very easy to tell from the ground. The acrylic appear more cloudy and have a different patern but the same shape as the glass. I have one, I'll get a photo of it when I get a chance.
Best way to tell if it's original, if you have a high optical zoom camera (like 12x or more) or you can use camcorder or binoculars or even telescope and see if there's a "W" logo in the middle (right direct in the middle) of the refractor....if it's there its a Westy refractor...if not there, its newer...