Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+ Are Fan Made Items Better than Licensed Replicas?

[Mrmovieprop]

People buy licensed replicas for many reasons. Among them are nice shiny certificates of authenticity, nice display cases, and a feeling of prestige. But what really is the difference between a licensed replica and a fan made replica?

[HorrorPropKing]

In my opinion, there isn't much difference, or at least it's heading there. The only major difference between the two is that the licensed replica tends to be more "recognized". For some collectors, that's still a big deal. But I think it depends also on the source. ICONS props seem to be well sought after. I own the signature editions of the Skywalker and the Vador lightsaber and the MIB Noisy Cricket. I still have the original receipts. I paid something like $375 for each lightsaber yet I see them at various places for up to $850 or more. So, some licensed replicas do seem to turn into something more but today, with so many jumping on the "lisenced" band-wagon, I see the hoopla dying down.

HPK

[Mrmovieprop]

In the old days till a little bit recently licensed replica meant cheap and mass produced.
If Don Post did not make a stormtrooper helmet in the 1990's you would have to buy one from some small fan/hobbyist that made them in small quantities and that was reflected in the price.
Now you have licensed pieces selling for more if they are signature editions, artist proofs, and other such things, I really don't understand.
Now many licensed replicas do have nice plaques and display cases and such.
I often look to see what was done to consider using such for any screen used displays I may be setting up. It is ironic but the average owner of an Icons Xena throwing Chakrum for example I would wager has a nicer display stand and plaque than the average owner of a screen used version.
I have never bought one single framed screen used prop weapon, but nice frames and cases are the norm with licensed replicas in many cases.

[HorrorPropKing]

I agree and that's the nice thing about some of the prop replica makers. They really make nice displays for these items without overblowing the price in most cases. Still, I'd rather spend the extra money making a nice case for a screen-used prop. I just had this done for my Scream knife. The display is on the Scream page of my site. Turned out great!!

-HorrorPropKing

[starfighter66]

Having seen a number of screen used items, it is almost always the Hero prop that gets all the detail and the rest well recieve less detail. In general and this does vary from person to person depending on their level of skill fan made usually looks better and is better made than alot of the screen used. As an example, many of the Star Trek PADD's were poorly made and much of the detail was car pin striping and cheap stick on decals, on a few PADD fan made kits I have seen have been Laser cut, the detail lines laser cut and quality graphics and silk screened detailing.

I have a couple of screen used items and mostly it is because I could not find a fan made version, some of the mass produced licensed items are of great quality but at a price that makes me cringe. I guess it all boils down to what the individual wants as part of their collection.

[Screamfan101]

I agree and that's the nice thing about some of the prop replica makers.  They really make nice displays for these items without overblowing the price in most cases.  Still, I'd rather spend the extra money making a nice case for a screen-used prop.  I just had this done for my Scream knife.  The display is on the Scream page of my site.  Turned out great!!

-HorrorPropKing

What is the name of ur site

[Mrmovieprop]

HorrorPropKing discusses his collection more at http://www.moviepropforum.com/index.php?showtopic=37

His site url is http://www.freewebs.com/1428crystallake