Imperial Russian Orders for sale ... but made yesterday!

[Christophe]

I have a couple of basic questions for our Members living in Russia or often travelling there.

In many shops (specifically in Moscow, but maybe not only there...) you can find repros of Imperial Russia's Orders and Medals.

These are sold as new, no doubt about this, and are not destined to fool anyone.
They are made in what I would call semi-precious materials...

My questions :
1. Why manufacture such copies ?
2. Where and by whom are they manufactured ?
3. In your opinion, who buys them ? And for what reason ?
4. Are they only "souvenirs" for foreigners (some museum shops sell them...) ?

I would be interested in knowing more about these...

Cheers.

Ch.

Pic : © Christophe – ChR Collection