Are "Copies" OK IF KNOWN?

[deValcourt]

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.)

Cheap(er), though still well-made uniform copies are excellent ways to display real orders/medals/badges because you can punch holes as you see fit. The same holds true of well-made copies of orders/medals/badges to replace missing ones on original uniforms that already have holes just waiting for something to replace the original awards. Doug has some excellent posts about bringing old uniforms back into excellent shape for display and used good copies of awards - especially early screw back versions of OLs, ORBs, etc. I believe these posts can still be found here on the forum.

I have what I believe to be an Ukrainian made KGB general's parade uniform that I can display many of my best/rarest orders, medals and badges on in one nicely ordered area. I go back and forth between displaying items on uniforms (on mannequins) and in display cases.

I still have a couple of good copies as "placeholders" in my large, full display of orders and medals of the USSR - one of the orders I never expect to be able to afford, but there is still hope for the other three that are still copies - one day, perhaps.

Phillip

[claretbaron]

some expensive items maybe never buy,but cheap and good copy sure want buy one.

[medals73]

But shouldn't such copies not be serial numbered and clearly marked as a "COPY"? Not to do so suggests an intent to defraud or deceive.

[Tommy]

When it comes down to buying a copy of an order of Victory to try and fill a hole that doesn't really need filling or buying a real Bravery Medal awarded to Private X from the Urals, i know which i would pick every time.

BUT as with everything in life, it's personal preference

Sidenote: Copies should indeed be marked COPY, but unfortuatley, we're all grown up enough to know that the world is full of expolitative people out to try and take advatage of honest people and it would never happen across the board.

It's a shame, but as long as we as a community of collectors keep sharing knowledge and helping each other, then maybe one day the fakers will get bored of medals and start making Fake iPhones instead.

[Lapa]

...It's a shame, but as long as we as a community of collectors keep sharing knowledge and helping each other, then maybe one day the fakers will get bored of medals and start making Fake iPhones instead.

Tommy,

They already do

Marc

[Tommy]

Will their talents ever cease?

:dissapoint

[CtahhR]

Fake collectors.

They're great at pushing up the prices.

[Lapa]

Take a wild guess

Marc

[Bundtrock]

I just today got in a FAKE Hero Of The Soviet Union badge, got it from an ebay seller, $30. As a NOVICE / BEGINNER collector, even I can CLEARLY tell that it is a fake, zero chance of it ever fooling anyone for a second.

But I like it, looking at it, holding it, it gives me some idea of what a real one looks like, feels like. Maybe when we get an inheritance, win a lottery, I can think about getting a real one, but that's about it. lol

It is my strong intention to only buy FAKES of orders / medals / badges that are totally out of my buying ability, realistically in this life time. If it takes me 10 years to save up, OK, I will happily do that to have a real one.

I found a Hero Of The Soviet Union, REAL, on a well known website that I have purchased from, $24,000.00, that is honestly out of my range, I am going to set aside at least one hour to have a real good, strong bawling session over this one too!

[CtahhR]

When it comes to Hero stars I only have Bulgarian and DPRK Labour ones. But I can tell you very honestly that there is nothing like holding and experiencing the real thing. The DPRK "Hero Of Labour" is a nice early numbered (<150) Soviet made piece and the quality and meaning of it expands far beyond a piece of metal.

The copies just can't offer you the same sensation as the real thing. It could be equated to non-alcoholic beer. It might look like beer, taste like beer, quench thirst like beer but you're not going to get merry no matter how much you throw down.

http://soviet-awards.com/forum/soviet-bl...abour.html

Actually awarded rather than just "made". Either to a Korean for Labour effort or a Chinese soldier for heroics on the battlefield during the Korean War. Not yet researchable but maybe one day.