I would guess original because the champagne sparkle wrap looks more like the original color with some fading from age versus the new stuff they have put out after it was discontinued. Hard to say for sure from the pics but my money is on original.

Good feedback all, and thanks. One other hint that maybe can help decipher - the backing on the wrap looks like the front. (See snare pic where I have it pulled up.) In other words, it's not what I would have expected for a backing. I would have thought it would be solid, but I've also never seen any backing of any wrap before. Anyone have experience with re-wrap or re-gluing original Gretsch - what does the back side of the wrap usually look like?

I'll take some pics during the day so I've got better light. One other thing that has me a bit nervous is there's hardly any rash on any of the drums. I think the guy said he was only the 2nd owner and the first owner was a jazz drummer who got old and arthritis. The 2nd owner wasn't a pro, so it could be the drums were just always REALLY well taken care of.

Still wonder if anyone knows the secret of what to look for as the tell-tale, definitive sign of original or crispy.

Looks original to me. The available champagne rewrap material that was available was never that golden/copperish looking. The seam lift, edges and different shade hoop inlay are all typical Gretsch from that era. I'm not certain, but if I had to bet, I'd go with original wrap and edges.