Are "Copies" OK IF KNOWN?

[Bundtrock]

I often wonder if getting quality reproductions are ever OK?

For example, Hero Of The Soviet Union, an original is not only rare but horribly expensive and most collectors will never be fortunate to own one.

Same for like Friendship Of Nations, Order Of Lenin, etc.

I am not saying to try to pass off as original, that would be fraud, I mean simply to have to look at and wish for? lol

How do you folks feel about this?

[CtahhR]

I suppose it all depends on purpose.
If you want to "fill a hole" in a personal or public display that is all perfectly legitimate. Of course if you are the recipient of the award you may wish to wear copies and keep the originals for best (as many service personnel I know do).
Marrying them to original documents or trying to sell them as legit (or "from the recipient's chest") is a completely different story.

The copies are also fine if you want to play dress up (for theatrical or other reasons) as you don't really want to be giving the originals unnecessary abuse.
Running about with a giant bar of someone else's original awards on your chest is only going to be unnecessarily damaging them. If you smash a fake or copy there are hundreds lining up to replace it - there is only 1 original.

[Bundtrock]

I agree with all that.

I love the colors, detail. Here is an example of one that has a whole lot of what I find attractive, a badge, very inexpensive, around $50 to $70 I think, Active In Trade Unions.

In fact, after posting the above pic, I couldn't resist, just purchased it! lol

I do want to clarify for everyone, I am NOT wealthy by any stretch of the means, I buy in spurts, I have been purchasing over the last week, pretty well through now, hadn't purchased anything for my collection in about 15 months. It will probably be 6 to 12 months before I purchase anything else.

[CtahhR]

It is impossible to live a true collector's lifestyle and be wealthy. You can be one or the other but not both.

You just have to chose which you want, the cash or the goods.

[medals73]

I also find copies to be useful (necessary) for uniforms, where I'd never put someone else's real awards (even if I could afford them). I also never add awards uinless there are already the holes (what I think of as "decoration spoor"). I do obliterate the fake serial numbers added on the back by the fakers, though, and add "COPY" to the reverse. (Thank you, Dremel.) No reason for these to have serial numbers other than to intend to mislead. (And looking at it, this tunic needs a bit of a spot pressing/steaming to make the pocket flap lie flat.)

[Bill Garvy]

"Speed costs money; how fast do you want to go?"

[CtahhR]

"Money is like the wind, you only feel it when it's moving"

[Bundtrock]

You guys make me feel a lot better, I would rather have my collection than the cash. When I look at what I have, small as my collection is, it just makes me feel good.

[CtahhR]

No matter what size the collection is there is always room for expansion.

Many times the option is eat or buy. It's a great way to lose weight.

There are times when there are deals that just can't be passed by so don't pass them by. I found uniforms for £1 each so I bought all the uniforms. I found Medals for £1 each so I bought all the Medals. Makes sense to me.

Knowledge, contacts, luck and being in the right place at the right time all help expand collections. Extortionate prices, dodgy dealers and fakes do not.

[EricFG]

I often wonder if getting quality reproductions are ever OK?

Sure, why not? If it makes you feel good than do it.
Ive got a couple fakes in my collection and to be honest, when I look at them, I'm not happy. Yes, they fill a hole...but I know they ain't real and they have no history behind them (aside from greed and deceit).

It's a fine line... I've done repro tunics for reenacting, and been proud of my work at making a fake uniform. But after some time I look at it and think 'this is just fake crap and there's nothing but vanity behind it.'

It's all, basically, whatever floats your boat.