Article Summary: An analysis of the distinctions between replica and original props, with a discussion of issues and opinions.
Original & Replica Props: The Dynamics of Two Hobbies
I’ve always been especially interested in the ways in which the Original Prop Hobby and the Replica Prop Hobby interrelate. It’s a fairly complex set of interrelationships – more so than can be covered by this one article – but perhaps making note of some personal observations can lead to some interesting discussions.
Defining Two Hobbies
I suppose the first step in this analysis should be to loosely define the two hobbies by emphasizing the biggest differences.
As noted throughout this blog, the Original Prop Hobby is the collection of “original” artifacts from film and television (see article What is “Original”?).
The Replica Prop Hobby, obviously, is the collection of replica props and wardrobe, with “replica” being much more loosely defined.
Replica “props” (we’ll consider “props” to encompass both props and wardrobe for the remainder of this article) include pieces found “off the shelf” that match or resemble pieces used in film and television, fan made/constructed pieces, officially licensed pieces, props made post production by individuals associated with the actual production, etc.
Essentially, generally speaking, any prop that resembles what is seen in film and television that is not “original” could be considered a replica. In other words, any prop that fails the “original” test is by default a replica prop.
Of course, what constitutes a “good” replica is entirely subjective, and I know many serious replica hobbyists are extremely detail-oriented.
Shared Hobbies
Speaking from personal experience, and I don’t think this is uncommon, I began collecting replica props before I pursued original props. For me, it was simply a matter of economics. I was a huge fan of film and television, Star Wars in particular, and had seen replica lightsabers and thought that they would be an incredible thing to own. Going back some years, I first became aware of such things in seeing the (now long defunct) Icons booth at a San Diego Comic Con. At the time, as a starving graduate student, a $400 or so “toy” was not something I had the extra funds to buy. But the seed had been planted.
Fast forward many years, and I had learned of Master Replicas and their forthcoming initial offerings, including a replica of Luke’s lightsaber from Return of the Jedi. I allowed myself the opportunity to buy “just one” of these replicas. Once I had it, I was hooked, and proceeded to acquire pretty much all of the Star Wars Master Replica pieces as well as some unlicensed ones, and found my way to the Replica Prop Forum.
However, in collecting these replicas, which always reference back to the original pieces upon which they are based, my curiosity about the originals grew. I did more and more research into original prop collecting, and while I couldn’t afford the “original” counterpart to one of my lightsabers, I learned that original props from less popular films could be had for sums that were equivalent to the cost of replicas from classic films.
I eventually acquired my first few original props, from the film Mystery Men, and as exciting as it was to obtain that first replica, the thrill of holding and owning a piece that was actually used in the movie itself far surpassed any excitement I had in any replica acquisition.
In short order, I liquidated my replica collection and reinvested those funds into original props. I never looked back.
As I said, I don’t think this is an uncommon shift. I think many collect both replicas and originals. Some shift from one to the other, as I did. But there is definitely at least some crossover, in that the pure objects of attraction in both hobbies is that same – it comes down to preferences and economics in many cases.
As a result, many of the same hobbyists have a presence in both hobbies (though likely different in each, as reflected by interest and participation). Also funny is witnessing the crossover from one “side” to the other. Sometimes it takes years.
I know for some, collecting is about iconography more than originality. Some want a representation of those iconic pieces from important/favorite/classic films, and it is not realistic to acquire something like a Darth Vader helmet that is an original. For others, the drive is to have something literally from the film, even if the piece itself is not widely recognizable to non-collectors. Others strike a balance somewhere in-between.
Viewpoint
One interesting facet of these two parallel hobbies is how one “side” views the other.
I think I’m a bit too out of touch of the replica scene to know or articulate the various prevailing viewpoints regarding original props and original prop collectors.
The views of original prop collectors concerning replicas and the replica hobby is varied.
In terms of discussion on the Movie Prop Forum, there is a very vocal cross section of members that are not tolerant of any “replica talk” whatsoever.
Some partake in both hobbies.
Some honestly don’t care.
Of interest are the less tolerant faction, and the issues that feed those reactions.
The Issues
There are several issues related to replica props that affect the original prop hobby.
One of the bigger issues involves replica-related activities that actually impact or potentially impact the authenticity of original props.
As an example, some replica hobbyists have such a drive to replicate every last detail of a prop, they even copy specific marks and damage represented in an original that happened long after the film was shot, making it not a replica of what is seen on screen, but a replica of what has survived the production and its current state of condition.
The most extreme instance of this that I am aware of involved an original Stormtrooper helmet that was auctioned via Christies, and, subsequently, Profiles in History. Of particular note was that, in addition to scuffs and marks and other “ordinary” post production damage, a prior owner had glued a fabric patch on the back that read “Star Wars”. Well, a replica prop maker not only replicated the helmet, including the post production damage, but added the ridiculous patch to the back of the replica as well.
While this had some entertainment value, it is an example of how such dedication is inherently problematic. Such a replica could potentially be passed off as real, and defraud an unsuspecting buyer out of tens of thousands of dollars. While this may be the last thing on the mind of the person who so diligently and accurately replicated the original, if that replica ever left his custody, he has no control over what is done with it.
Another related concern is in regards to specifics about props, and “tells”. Some original props are very simple, and can be easily replicated by making a mold and making copies from that, and detailing/finishing them to appear as if original. Sometimes, inside knowledge about specifics (method of construction, materials used, special marks, etc.) are the only things that can separate an original from a replica.
Well, replica collectors/makers are very diligent and resourceful, so this dynamic makes original prop collectors a bit apprehensive about sharing, regardless of the intent of the person asking the questions.
I often receive “YourProps.com” private messages asking specific details about certain pieces I’ve displayed on the site, such as “can you e-mail me a photo of your prop next to a ruler – I’d like to buy it”…
Of course, some original prop collectors are just a little more simplistic about it – they just view originals and replicas as worlds apart, and replicas as nothing more than “toys”.
My Opinions
I have an appreciation for the replica prop hobby and the spirit with which hobbyists are excited about films and television.
My only real issues are in regards to activities in the replica hobby that negatively or potentially negatively impact or affect original props.
I have no issues whatsoever with a replica version or versions of some piece I own being “out there”, so long as it doesn’t undermine my own piece.
However, if you’ve read most of the content of this blog, you’ll learn that provenance and authenticity is extremely important to me, so it would require some special circumstances to undermine my most valued pieces, as I feel the building blocks of provenance and authenticity are very strong.
As an example, I have my shotgun from T2. Would I care if someone purchased a vintage Winchester and altered it in the same ways as my original? Not particularly, because I have significant paperwork and records which authenticate the piece without question – no replica could take that away. But, if someone learned what the serial numbers were, and attempted to use those numbers and stamp them on such an altered, non-original piece, I would find that extremely alarming, because it goes above and beyond replicating for appearance, and into the territory of replicating authenticity. Just as with the patch on the Stormtrooper helmet.
Along those lines, some props are very easy to make exact replicas of. As an example, the stunt I, Robot pistols – essentially black rubber castings. I remember when the film was released, and original stunt copies were made available, replicas came into the marketplace in short order from multiple “entrepreneurs”. These were virtually indistinguishable from the original stunts. This, in my opinion, made the original stunts essentially undesirable, in that the authenticity was permanently undermined. Even with a studio or reputable COA accompanying it, one could never be completely sure of the authenticity, as nothing could prevent someone from pairing a legitimate COA with a replica piece (which has happened before).
So do replica collectors not have the right to make a copy of an original? Well, I’m sure legally they aren’t supposed to, but the likelihood of someone enforcing that is slim to none (unless they are making a lot of money at it). So, in practical terms, really, there is nothing to stop them. It is what it is.
As a consequence, that does affect the type of pieces I collect, to some degree. I’m generally not particularly interested in stunt pieces, or pieces easily replicated, because of the likelihood they will be replicated (as well as the fact that I’d rather have one hero piece over 100 stunts).
But I have become one of those more “protective” collectors, in that I don’t see a lot of upside to sharing information with replica collectors other than perhaps some good will. I do post photos of my props, but I would never let one be molded, nor share any specific tells which could undermine the original.
The Other Side
I would be interested in hearing the views of pure replica hobbyists, and their opinion and take on these issues as well as their thoughts on original prop collecting overall.
In what ways to you view original props?
Have you ever considered collecting original props?
What do you think of the Original Prop Hobby?
Jason De Bord