I was told by 2088's prior owner that at some point in it's prior life, a hanger fire destroyed the original empennage, and a later model tail was used to replace it.
Fairchild modified 24 the vertical tail with the introduction of the 24 J model in October of 1937. The new tail was somewhat larger and the rudder a bit more effective, and it was used on the 24 series thru the last model in 1946.
To quote Joseph Juptner: " The amiable "24" was always a nice flying airplane, but many were saying the 24 J had a very nice feel to it, flying perhaps easier and even better. Stability was improved with a change in the CG and a larger tail group, but responsiveness was not at all affected. The 24 J would "spin" they say, if deliberately aggravated into it, but recovery often required less than a full turn; that's downright decent. They tell too that this airplane was designed primarily for inexperienced or low-time pilots, but even the high-time pilots were enjoying it. " -- US Civil Aircraft, Vol. 7, pg 221
In the eight years I've owned 2088, only one individual has noticed the "inauthentic" tail group. This is not surprising, as the vast of the 24's built have this tail. (OK, it still bugs me, but it flies better and looks great)