Matthijs,
you should be able to tell from the weight of the star whether it is a replica. A genuine Hero Star (without suspension) weighs more than 15 grams, a replica star weighs only about 8 grams. I put the award on the scale and hold the suspension in such a way that the connecting ring does not touch the loop of the star.
I have never seen a highly polished replica because they are gold-plated brass and cannot be buffed to the same high sheen as a 14-karat gold star.
I wonder what test a jeweler would perform to differentiate gold-plated metal from solid gold. The density (or weight) of the award is the only sure method. I have one of the first-type Hero Stars (with an elevated rim on the reverse) that has scratch marks on the back where someone was trying to determine wether the gold is just a thin plating. This cannot be recommended as test method because it leaves ugly permanent damage.
you should be able to tell from the weight of the star whether it is a replica. A genuine Hero Star (without suspension) weighs more than 15 grams, a replica star weighs only about 8 grams. I put the award on the scale and hold the suspension in such a way that the connecting ring does not touch the loop of the star.
I have never seen a highly polished replica because they are gold-plated brass and cannot be buffed to the same high sheen as a 14-karat gold star.
I wonder what test a jeweler would perform to differentiate gold-plated metal from solid gold. The density (or weight) of the award is the only sure method. I have one of the first-type Hero Stars (with an elevated rim on the reverse) that has scratch marks on the back where someone was trying to determine wether the gold is just a thin plating. This cannot be recommended as test method because it leaves ugly permanent damage.
Dietrich
