Difference between original and replica costumes.

[MoviePropCollector]

I thought this might be an interesting thread to start.

I mainly collect original props, and sometimes the replica craftsmanship is so close to the original.

Is it harder, easier, or the same to tell the difference between replica and original costumes?

 

[DL 44 Blaster]

Depending on what's being replicated I would think it could be difficult....depending on the maker/artist . It's such a subjective thing.....the variables are infinite. Not to mention the degree of pedigree that MUST accompany a prop that is claimed to be original for the ease of which some are made....say a camera flash saber.

Tough call really :confused

 

[GINO]

Totally depends on the piece as well as how much one knows about how the originals were made. Especially when you are dealing with castings that are made from original molds or derived from an original piece.
Some pieces inherently make it impossible to tell an original or production made piece vs. a repro. and there is just nothing that can be done about it.

Solely relying on the word of people tied to the production is not wise either.
It has to be a combination of the source, as well as distinguishing characteristics that couldn't possibly have been replicated, or at the very least EXTREMELY difficult to replicate.

It's the responsibility of replica prop makers (like myself) who know what these distinguishing features are to keep them out of the public domain to prevent the probability of a replica being passed off as real.
Unfortunately, in replica circles, that can sometimes make you unpopular.

.

 

[Kwally89]

This is why you don't buy "originals" on eBay...

 

[SithLord]

Easier, harder, or the same compared to what?

If you are talking about entire costumes, it seems at least for many here that it is not too difficult to tell if something is a replica, even with lofty claims through reputable auction houses.

 

[JoeR]

Entirely depends on the costume....

 

[Guardian Devil]

I love collecting and putting together replica costumes, but my collection mainly consists of screen used ones these days. I often find that a little research goes a long way, never just jump in head first because it seems like it's a great deal. I've dodged a bullet a couple of times by making sure I know the facts not just trusting the ''Original Hero Prop/Costume!!'' thing Even if the person you're buying from seems very honest and has a great story to tell, it could be them that was fooled when they bought it and they genuinely believe it to be true....remember that to most people, it's not worth the cost of the materials without the certification to prove it's authenticity.

 

[Goodwolf]

It's the responsibility of replica prop makers (like myself) who know what these distinguishing features are to keep them out of the public domain to prevent the probability of a replica being passed off as real.
Unfortunately, in replica circles, that can sometimes make you unpopular.

On the other hand though, it can also be argued that by not sharing these supah sekrit distinguising features, more people get duped in.

Knowing is half the battle, after all.

 

[Apollo]

Entirely depends on the costume....

Ditto!

 

[DL 44 Blaster]

On the other hand though, it can also be argued that by not sharing these supah sekrit distinguising features, more people get duped in.

Knowing is half the battle, after all.

Keeping with the spirit of "distinguishing features" ...if everyone knows them then they aren't distinguished anymore and just one more thing to replicate to try to validate a pieces authenticity. Sometimes keeping information close to the chest is a good thing.

It's kind of the reason I doubt that I'd ever want a high end high profile original piece, as in anything from the Star Wars industry. The stakes to rip folks off is always worth the risk as the payoff if it works is astronomical. Granted I'd have loved to have had the funds to purchase one of the Sandtrooper helmets that came up for auction a few years back, but naturally I didn't and wouldn't want to risk so much for technically so little......

 

[Goodwolf]

Keeping with the spirit of "distinguishing features" ...if everyone knows them then they aren't distinguished anymore and just one more thing to replicate to try to validate a pieces authenticity. Sometimes keeping information close to the chest is a good thing.

Oh I know, and agree with what you're saying. I've even defended Gino in the past for doing it. I was just offering sort of a "Devil's Advocate" position.

:thumbsup