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Collectibles => Vintage Kenner => Topic started by: aka DaBigKahuna on June 25, 2003, 10:15 PM

Title: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: aka DaBigKahuna on June 25, 2003, 10:15 PM
Anyone know or have any tips?


-Fish-
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repo. weapon.
Post by: DSJ™ on June 25, 2003, 10:40 PM
Well theres a few of ways to tell. One would be to drop the weapon on a hard surface. The sound will be different. A repro will kinda make a ping sound where a real one would make a thump sound. The other way to to try & bend them. If they are stiff then it maybe a repro. If it bends then that is good. Also there is a glossy shine to the repro weapons as apossed to the dull coat of the vintage.

There maybe other ways to tell. Anyone else have thoughts on telling them apart?
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repo. weapon.
Post by: Hung Solow on June 26, 2003, 10:49 AM
I use the "ping' and "bend" tests.  The "ping" test works good on the guns, but I'm not sure about sabers, bows, spears, etc.  Alot of repro weapons tend to be made out of the same type plastic as model kits.  Originals aren't like this.  There's another thread about it here, and a few on the OTHER site.   ;)
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repo. weapon.
Post by: Scott on June 27, 2003, 10:20 AM
I too recommend the drop and sound tests, once you hear the difference it is very easy to tell :-*
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repo. weapon.
Post by: Morgbug on June 28, 2003, 10:49 PM
auction clicky (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3136299728&category=2475)

Can you tell if these are real or not just by looking?  There is another auction currently on for repro weapons, but it is openly admitted.  I am curious about this one.
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repo. weapon.
Post by: DSJ™ on June 28, 2003, 11:09 PM
They do seem to look OK. Won't be able to tell till there actually in hand. Though I have no idea what the heck that big gun on top & the 2 bottom right hand guns are. They maybe from GI Joe?
What gets me is there is around 22 hrs left in the auction & around 124 hits on his view counter & no bids. With 51 vintage weapons I found on eBay, I find that strange.

Weapons Clicky (http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2F&MfcISAPICommand=GetResult&query=weapons&categoryid=&ht=1&st=2&category3=2475&SortProperty=MetaEndSort&BasicSearch=&from=R2&catref=C3)  
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repo. weapon.
Post by: Morgbug on June 28, 2003, 11:35 PM
I dunno why, maybe 9 SW weapons for $10.00 is too much?  Maybe that first one ticks off everybody else.  

Look at the bottom two guns (scout trooper?) see the glare off the one on the right?  Might be the lighting but it looks different from its sibling to the left of it. ???
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repo. weapon.
Post by: aka DaBigKahuna on June 28, 2003, 11:41 PM
Go with your gut, see my post on help from today.  

Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repo. weapon.
Post by: DSJ™ on June 28, 2003, 11:53 PM
It could be reflection from the light. There is the odd one that has a spot of a shine to them.
Nope, those 2 guns are not SW.

Figures Weapons Guide Clicky (http://www.geocities.com/smith999/starwars/5starwhp.html)
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repo. weapon.
Post by: Morgbug on June 29, 2003, 12:37 AM
Figures weapons clicky guide is most helpful, gracias.  

So three of 10 then not SW, maybe that's why no bids.  I was just curious really.  Still trying to just buy complete stuff.  Really only accomplishing making sellers happy and other bidders pay more though.  Latest miss was on 5 Yodas last night.  No, I don't know what I would do with 5 Yodas, but hey, the price was in my ballpark, so what the heck.   ;D
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repo. weapon.
Post by: aka DaBigKahuna on July 2, 2003, 02:25 AM
Hey guys does the Nien Numb gun come in grey and black?

Same question on the bespin gun grey and black?

B-Wing grey and black?

Lastly Han Hoth, grey and blue?


Thanks!
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repo. weapon.
Post by: DSJ™ on July 2, 2003, 08:53 AM
Looks like most of these have been answered at RS.

Bendy Weapons Test. (http://forums.rebelscum.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=009514)

The Han Hoth gun is interesting. I have seen it in both Black & Blue. It might be from the release on 2 different cards. ESB & ROTJ cards. The Grey gun is fake! Just like a Grey Jawa Blaster!
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repo. weapon.
Post by: aka DaBigKahuna on July 2, 2003, 10:11 AM
Dale the Bespin, Han, or Nien gun that is grey is fake?  
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repo. weapon.
Post by: JediMAC on July 2, 2003, 10:35 AM
Dale the Bespin, Han, or Nien gun that is grey is fake?  

I'm not so sure about this...  I'm pretty sure that gun was at some point made in grey.  Which figures the grey version came with I don't recall.  Wish I had my vintage stuff with me...

I may be wrong, since I'm by no means a vintage expert, but I'm pretty sure I've got a couple of grey versions of that gun, and if I do, they're definitely not repros...

Good luck with figuring it all out Matthew...   :-\
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repo. weapon.
Post by: DSJ™ on July 2, 2003, 10:36 AM
That would be the Han Hoth Grey gun. I never seen him with a Grey gun before. I presume this is the gun in question?

(http://www.telusplanet.net/public/djustus/Han%20Blaster.jpg)

I do have a grey gun but it is a repro.
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repo. weapon.
Post by: aka DaBigKahuna on July 2, 2003, 10:38 AM
Thanks Matt / Dale I asked my quesiton too soon, as then I read the bendy thread over at RS - whew, this stuff is confusing.

Have a productive day -


Matt
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repo. weapon.
Post by: DSJ™ on July 2, 2003, 10:50 AM
I am going to do some digging around. I have seen questions before on real & reproduction weapons in the past. When I find the links, I will post them here. Will take some time.  ;)
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repo. weapon.
Post by: JediMAC on July 2, 2003, 12:48 PM
Dale the Bespin, Han, or Nien gun that is grey is fake?  

Let me clarify on this, since you're actually talking about two different guns here.

The Bespin Han gun was mostly a dark blue (or possibly very dark grey).  But that same gun later evolved into a lighter grey color when it was issued with such figures as Squid Face.  So I think that gun can come in both colors.

The gun that comes with Nien Numb (as well as the Tie Fighter Pilot and Cloud Car Pilot) comes in both grey and black.  Not exactly sure which came with whom, but both colors are legit here.

The regular Han gun that Dale's got pictured above NEVER came in grey though...

Confused enough now Matthew?!   ;)   :P
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repo. weapon.
Post by: aka DaBigKahuna on July 2, 2003, 05:49 PM
Like I said...whew!
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repo. weapon.
Post by: Sith Bounty Hunter on July 3, 2003, 06:19 PM
Not that sure. I guess a vintage weapon is probably more wore out, damaged, ect... than a repro weapon.
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repo. weapon.
Post by: DSJ™ on March 12, 2004, 10:42 AM
There we go.  ;)  Will update in time but if you have any links or questions, post them here.  :)
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repo. weapon.
Post by: aka DaBigKahuna on March 12, 2004, 12:52 PM
I found the site to be a fantastic for the identification purposes.

http://www.loresdelsith.net/rincon/armeria/index2.htm


-Fish-  
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repo. weapon.
Post by: DSJ™ on March 12, 2004, 12:52 PM
Heres a really nice site with lots of pictures & discriptions between original & reproductions.

The Armory of the Jawas (http://www.loresdelsith.net/rincon/armeria/index2.htm)

I noticed that Billy Boy is mentioned in the acknowledgements.  8)
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repo. weapon.
Post by: DSJ™ on March 12, 2004, 12:56 PM
Ha, ha. Great minds think alike.   ;)  Posted at the same time.  ;D
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repo. weapon.
Post by: aka DaBigKahuna on March 12, 2004, 01:16 PM
LOL ;D


-Fish-
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: E.Z. on March 26, 2004, 04:58 AM
I know there are websites that answer most repro and color questions but I'm writing this list out anyways, as I've spent 6 months bending, comparing, dropping, and analyzing what feels like 1000 weapons and I'd hate to see all that time wasted. You should have seen the look on my wife's face the first time she saw me dropping weapons on a table. ;D It's been a very frustrating and expensive learning experience to say the least. How many figures did I buy complete only to have to sell them back weaponless for a quarter of what I paid. If I get a repro it goes right in the garbage. Anyways hopefully it helps someone one day.

This list doesn't deal with repros as much as it deals with colors. Keep in mind that in some cases figures were packed with the wrong colored weapons, particullary with Tri-Logos. They are not listed of course as they are the wrong weapon.

Things to watch out for:

Painted weapons; In almost every case Kenner weapons are supposed to be molded in the color they are. If you think the weapon is painted (It appears too glossy), scratch it or bend it, if the paint comes off it's a repro. The repro lightsabers are often painted.

Color; So many repros are the wrong color. Blue, Grey, and Black are the often used wrong colors. If you have a grey Stormtrooper blaster or a Han blaster it's a fake.

Bendable; Repros are often not very flexible and will sometimes snap or feel like they are going to when bent. They are often resin based and will be very white on the inside. You want to see the same color on the inside that you see on the outside. (Although there will be white stress markings when bent on a real weapon)

Drop Test; The really crappy repros are easy to hear when dropped. They have a high pitched sound. Use this when you have a real one to compare.




Star Wars

Luke Skywalker: Yellow
Chewbacca: Black, Green
Princess Leia: Black
Stormtrooper: Black
Han Solo: Black
DSC (Stormtrooper Blaster): Black
Ben Kenobi: Blue
Jawa: Black
Sand People: Brown
Darth Vader: Red
Greedo (Han Blaster): Black
Hammerhead (Stormtrooper Blaster): Black
Snaggletooth  (Han Blaster): Black
Walrusman (Stormtrooper Blaster): Black
Luke X-Wing (Han Blaster): Black
Boba Fett: (Stormtrooper Blaster): Black


ESB

Bossk: Blue
Ugnaught (Bag): White
Bespin Security Guards (Bespin Gun): Blue
Imperial Stormtrooper Hoth (Dengar Rifle): Blue
Lando (Bespin Blaster): Blue
Luke Bespin (Han Blaster) (Saber): Blue Yellow
Han Solo Hoth (Han Blaster): Blue
Leia Bespin (Leia Blaster): Blue
Leia Hoth (Leia Blaster): Blue
Rebel Soldier: (Bespin Blaster): Blue
Yoda (Snake): Orange  Brown Green
Dengar (Dengar/Snowtrooper Rifle): Blue
Han Bespin (Bespin Gun): Blue
Lobot (Bespin Gun): Blue
AT-AT Driver (Luke Hoth Rifle): Black
Luke Hoth (Luke Hoth/AT-AT/Rebel Commander): Black
Imperial Commander (Stormtrooper Blaster): Blue
2-1B: Silver
Rebel Commander (Luke Hoth/AT-AT/Rebel Commander): Black
AT-AT Commander (Bespin Blaster): Blue
Cloud Car Pilot (Nien Nunb, CCP, Tie Fighter Pilot Blaster) (Commlink): Grey
Tie Fighter Pilot (Nien Nunb, CCP, Tie Fighter Pilot Blaster) Grey
2-1B: Silver
4-LOM: Black
Zuckuss: Black


ROTJ

Admiral Ackbar: Black
Bib Fortuna: Brown
Biker Scout: Grey
Cheif Chirpa: Brown
ERG: Grey
Klaatu (Lando Skiff/Klaatu/Weequay): Grey
Gammorean Guard : Grey and Brown
General Mandine: White
Logray: Black
Luke Jedi (Lando General/Luke Jedi/Luke Poncho): Grey or Brownish Grey
Ree Yees: Gold
Rancor Keeper: Grey
Squid Head (Bespin Blaster): Grey
Weequay (Lando Skiff/Klaatu/Weequay): Grey
Klaatu Skiff: Grey
Rebel Commando: Brown
Leia Boussh: Black
Nikto (Yak Face/Nikto/Barada): Grey
Emperor:  Black
AT-ST Driver (Leia Poncho/AT-ST Driver/B-Wing/Imperial Gunner/Awing): Blue
B-Wing Pilot (Leia Poncho/AT-ST Driver/B-Wing/Imperial Gunner/Awing): Blue
Leia Poncho (Leia Poncho/AT-ST Driver/B-Wing/Imperial Gunner/Awing): Blue
Han Trench (Han Blaster): Black
Prune Face: Brown
Teebo: Beige
Wicket: (Wicket/Romba) Brown
Lumat (Lumat/Warok Bow): Light Brown/Orange
Paploo: Brown

POTF

Imp. Gunner (Leia Poncho/AT-ST Driver/B-Wing/Imperial Gunner/Awing): Black
A-Wing Pilot (Leia Poncho/AT-ST Driver/B-Wing/Imperial Gunner/Awing): Black
Luke Stormtrooper (Stormtrooper Blaster): Black
Yak Face (Yak Face/Nikto/Barada): Grey
Barada (Yak Face/Nikto/Barada): Grey
Luke Poncho (Lando General/Luke Jedi/Luke Poncho): Black
Lando General (Lando General/Luke Jedi/Luke Poncho): Black
Romba (Wicket/Romba): Brown
Warok (Lumat/Warok Bow):  Dark Brown






Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: DSJ™ on March 26, 2004, 08:39 AM
Nice list Shawn.  8)  Dropping weapons is fun & the looks you get.  ;D   Takes a bit of time to get the sound down pat, I don't know how many times I dropped the same weapons over & over just to make sure.  ;)

I bought 2 different packs of repros weapons a couple yrs back & keep them in a marked case. One thing I find handy is a magnifying light. Gets you up close & personal with the weapons.  ;)
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: E.Z. on March 26, 2004, 12:49 PM
Thanks Dale.  :)

I lke the idea of the magnifying light, it must really help for the blue weapons (to see through them - which really helps in telling if they are real, as you can't see through painted weapons).  I'd always put them up to the ceiling light but that sounds much easier.  ;)

I'd hate to be building a collection 5-10 years from now as it seems everyone is getting into the repro game. It is only a matter of time before repros outnumber the real, if that isn't already the case.
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: DSJ™ on March 26, 2004, 01:57 PM
Speaking of dark weapons. I played around with the repro sabers I have. I scraped some of the paint on one side & man it looks like crap!

(http://www.telusplanet.net/public/djustus/Fake%20Reproduction%20Sabers.jpg)

So I wonder how many more repro weapons I can scrap!  ;)
 
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: E.Z. on March 28, 2004, 01:18 PM
Man do they look like crap Dale!

At least with some the repros they made it easy to check.  ;D
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: DSJ™ on March 28, 2004, 01:41 PM
Yes, they do look like & feel like crap. Its pretty sad that even with other toy lines I collect, I am seeing more & more repro replacements for example:

SPACE 1999 MATTEL EAGLE WEAPONS SET  (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3184556438&category=1187)

The seller even has other repro parts for the Eagle & I would love to get a set of weapons & parts just to compare them with my originals & also see what the heck ther made of.

Another place I found is www.bigredtoybox.com (http://www.bigredtoybox.com/repro/)

They have all sorts of repro replacement parts for various toy lines. No SW weapons but interesting stuff. Will have to check them out too.  ;)
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: aka DaBigKahuna on June 3, 2004, 12:28 PM
To ?:

After all the research I have done I do not feel that I have ever received definitive confirmation on the guns for these figures:

Leia Poncho
AT-ST Driver
B-Wing Pilot

Are all three guns blue or gray and identical?  Since this is a tough weapon to find is there any key identified like the:

a) nob on the Nien Nemb Gun
b) squiggly line on the barrell of the Fett Gun?

Help...


-Fish-  
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: Morgbug on June 3, 2004, 12:50 PM
There's a link around here somewhere to a site that Dale posted.  It has good pics with the little tricks for telling real from repro weapons.  I can't find it, but have it bookmarked at home so I can post it tonight, if Dale doesn't do so sooner.  

IIRC there are those different markings somewhere on the gun for those figures.  
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: DSJ™ on June 3, 2004, 12:53 PM
Behold!  :-*

Armory Of The Jawas Repro Photo Guide  (http://www.loresdelsith.net/rincon/armeria/index2.htm)
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: Morgbug on June 3, 2004, 12:56 PM
Behold!  :-*

Armory Of The Jawas Repro Photo Guide  (http://www.loresdelsith.net/rincon/armeria/index2.htm)

Yeah, that one :D  Can't bookmark it here at work, but I used it to check over all of my weapons.  Very nice pics, to say the least.  
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: aka DaBigKahuna on June 3, 2004, 01:03 PM
I go to that site, but have heard reports of the gun coming in blue as well.

So is this a valid statement... most B-Wing, AT-ST Driver, and Leia Poncho Gun's came in GRAY only.

And the only known indicator of a fake is no circle on the barrell?


-Fish-
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: DSJ™ on June 3, 2004, 01:28 PM
OK, I'm pulling everything out I got.

I have Leia Poncho, AT-ST Driver & the B-Wing Pilot Carded.

Leia Poncho - Blue Gun. POTJ Card.
B-Wing Pilot - Blue Gun. POTJ Card.
AT-ST Driver - Black Gun. ROTJ Card.

I also have 2 loose Black guns. 1 real & 1 repro. The real one has the circle on the handle & the barrel & the repro does not.

The carded figures do have a circle on the handles & the barrels.

The image below from the Armory Of The Jawas Repro Photo Guide, show both areas marked in red. 2 spots for the repro that I can see & that I do have on mine.

(http://www.loresdelsith.net/rincon/armeria/bin/r_bwing1.jpg)

I do not have a Grey Pistol to compare like the real one below.  :-\

(http://www.loresdelsith.net/rincon/armeria/bin/bwing1.jpg)

Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: aka DaBigKahuna on June 3, 2004, 01:43 PM
That's what I figured so blue is in the equation, thanks for the clarification on both identifying points on the gun.

I have to take this opportunity to correct Dale.

Did you want to type ROTJ or were you going crazy looking at POTJ figures ;D?  Sorry, Dale...I had to.

Now that I am on your good side, can  I offer something up in trade or buy the vintage gun if it is an extra?


-Fish-

OK, I'm pulling everything out I got.

I have Leia Poncho, AT-ST Driver & the B-Wing Pilot Carded.

Leia Poncho - Blue Gun. POTJ Card.
B-Wing Pilot - Blue Gun. POTJ Card.
AT-ST Driver - Black Gun. ROTJ Card.

I also have 2 loose Black guns. 1 real & 1 repro. The real one has the circle on the handle & the barrel & the repro does not.

The carded figures do have a circle on the handles & the barrels.

The image below from the Armory Of The Jawas Repro Photo Guide, show both areas marked in red. 2 spots for the repro that I can see & that I do have on mine.

(http://www.loresdelsith.net/rincon/armeria/bin/r_bwing1.jpg)

I do not have a Grey Pistol to compare like the real one below.  :-\

(http://www.loresdelsith.net/rincon/armeria/bin/bwing1.jpg)


Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: DSJ™ on June 3, 2004, 01:58 PM
I have to take this opportunity to correct Dale.

Did you want to type ROTJ or were you going crazy looking at POTJ figures ;D?  Sorry, Dale...I had to.

Now that I am on your good side, can  I offer something up in trade or buy the vintage gun if it is an extra?

-Fish-

POTF   :-[  Thats what I get when I have 4 browsers open & clicky, clicky & looking at multiple things at once.  ;D

So ya want to buy my extra vinty gun eh! We will talk via PM later. Starting to get tired.  ;)
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: DSJ™ on June 3, 2004, 03:30 PM
I'm going to make a correction here Matt. I was looking at the carded figures in my room & the light is not all that great. I took them outside for natural light & got a better look at them.

Leia Poncho - Blue Gun. POTF Card.    Correct.
B-Wing Pilot - Blue Gun. POTF Card.    Grey Gun.
AT-ST Driver - Black Gun. ROTJ Card.   Grey Gun.

The Black gun I have goes with ethier the Imperial Gunner & A-Wing Pilot. I have another Black gun & its with my Gunner so this one must belong to my A-Wing Pilot.

Sorry about that.  :-[  I must be having side affects on this Zyban.  :-\
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: Morgbug on June 3, 2004, 04:25 PM
Just to add to the confusion, I have a sealed Trilogo AT-ST driver.  

Blue Gun.  
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: aka DaBigKahuna on June 3, 2004, 08:22 PM
That is what I heard blue for Leia.  Does that mean ou have no extra black gun ???.

Brent's post just adds to the confusion.  Somehow I have heard the norm gray for  B-Wing and AT-ST and blue for Leia.  That works for me, thanks guys.


-Fish-

I'm going to make a correction here Matt. I was looking at the carded figures in my room & the light is not all that great. I took them outside for natural light & got a better look at them.

Leia Poncho - Blue Gun. POTF Card.    Correct.
B-Wing Pilot - Blue Gun. POTF Card.    Grey Gun.
AT-ST Driver - Black Gun. ROTJ Card.   Grey Gun.

The Black gun I have goes with ethier the Imperial Gunner & A-Wing Pilot. I have another Black gun & its with my Gunner so this one must belong to my A-Wing Pilot.

Sorry about that.  :-[  I must be having side affects on this Zyban.  :-\
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: Morgbug on June 3, 2004, 09:30 PM
Damn, I have a carded POTF B-wing pilot at work too and forgot to check.   :-\  I'm not back in until Monday, but will check then.  Don't have my Leia Poncho yet, in fact the one that I won doesn't have a gun, I think.  Oops.

I think the trilogo stuff was the great rehash dumping ground in one sense, wasn't it?  Basically everything got dumped onto those cards and they probably used whatever weapons were left afterwards.  
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: aka DaBigKahuna on June 10, 2004, 11:27 AM
I have a carded POTF B-wing pilot at work too and forgot to check.   :-\  I'm not back in until Monday, but will check then.

Well sir?  Please tell.


-Fish-
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: Morgbug on June 10, 2004, 12:00 PM
Aw crud, not at work, sorry Matt.  At least not at my office.  I'll check tomorrow (he says, knowing he'll probably forget again).   :-[
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: DSJ™ on June 10, 2004, 12:03 PM
(knowing he'll probably forget again).  

Happens with age!  :-\
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: aka DaBigKahuna on June 10, 2004, 12:50 PM
Quote
Happens with age!  :-\
Quote

Dale,

you say that as though your speak from experience ;D

I have some good collecting news to share.

I received my Luke Combat Ponch belt and authentic gun in the mail so he is now complete.

My AT-ST Driver had an authentic black gun so now my A-Wing Pilot is complete.  

I just traded for 2 authentic Leia Poncho / AT-ST Driver Guns so now those two figures are complete.    

All I need now is one B-Wing Pilot Gun and a Lando General Gun and Cape to equip all of my figures.  I'll probably have better luck just getting a complete Lando.  Warok is on the way...so all I need now is a Gunner and R2-Pop Up.


-Fish-
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: DSJ™ on June 10, 2004, 01:03 PM
Man, you 2 are just going crazy with your collections!  ;D

Yeah, it might be better getting a complete Lando General, the cape & gun is hard to get by themselves.  :-\

Keep it up guy's almost there.  8)

Now what was I doing, oh yeah, I forgot!  ;)
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: jokabofe on June 12, 2004, 10:35 PM
Just to add to the confusion, I have a sealed Trilogo AT-ST driver.  

Blue Gun.  

to add to the confusion a little more, i also have a carded at-st driver tri logo - black gun. or at least it looks pretty black to me  ;D
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: Rob on April 8, 2005, 11:11 AM
I looked for almost a year for a Lando General cape to complete a figure I had... Eventually I just gave up and bought a complee one, and then sold my incomplete one to re-coup some of the difference.
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: aka DaBigKahuna on April 8, 2005, 06:28 PM
LOL ;D!  Can you believe that is the last piece accessory I need for a complete 100. 

DBK

I looked for almost a year for a Lando General cape to complete a figure I had... Eventually I just gave up and bought a complee one, and then sold my incomplete one to re-coup some of the difference.
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: DSJ™ on April 9, 2005, 01:25 AM
Happens at times, your missing one accessory and searching forever. You keep your hopes up and hopefuly you luck in but at times it maybe best just to break down and buy a completed one.

I know Brent needs that blasted dark cane for his Yoda.  :-\
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: aka DaBigKahuna on April 9, 2005, 10:09 AM
Mr. 10K DSJ.

DBK
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: Morgbug on April 9, 2005, 11:17 PM
Happens at times, your missing one accessory and searching forever. You keep your hopes up and hopefuly you luck in but at times it maybe best just to break down and buy a completed one.

I know Brent needs that blasted dark cane for his Yoda.  :-\

Yes I am and I dragged my ass all the way into the hype for the new movie ::)  Now Yoda's regularly going over $30.  Bah, all things in time.

It's not the only thing I'm missing either.  I've been deconstructing the collection to put away for an eventual move and I've been making up my vintage list with condition and accessories.  Still a few pieces missing.
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: JesseVader08 on November 16, 2005, 11:16 PM
Speaking of dark weapons. I played around with the repro sabers I have. I scraped some of the paint on one side & man it looks like crap!

(http://www.telusplanet.net/public/djustus/Fake%20Reproduction%20Sabers.jpg)

So I wonder how many more repro weapons I can scrap!  ;)
 

Cool pic Dale.  So I've got a tough question.  Are there any obvious ways to tell a fake lightsaber from a picture (ie. eBay)?  Ideally, I'd get the seller to send me a close-up photo of the saber - is there anything I could look for that would be a giveaway that it was fake?
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: DSJ™ on November 16, 2005, 11:26 PM
I would say no Jesse, it's really hard to tell just by a picture even if the seller did send better pic's. Who is to say that the pic's he they send are the weapons you are getting. They could show you real ones but send you the fake item.  :-\

Best that I can offer thus far is this link posted a page back:

Behold!  :-*

Armory Of The Jawas Repro Photo Guide  (http://www.loresdelsith.net/rincon/armeria/index2.htm)
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: JesseVader08 on November 16, 2005, 11:41 PM
Who is to say that the pic's he they send are the weapons you are getting. They could show you real ones but send you the fake item.  :-\

Good point.   :-\

Quote

Best that I can offer thus far is this link posted a page back:

Behold!  :-*

Armory Of The Jawas Repro Photo Guide  (http://www.loresdelsith.net/rincon/armeria/index2.htm)

Some great reading there - thanks!
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: attahunter on January 20, 2006, 04:49 AM
Well, not an easy job, because there are versions even AMONG those original vintage weapons. For example the rebel commando's gun is available in two different colors - light cappuccino and light sand grey - or the vibro weapon for the Weequay and Lando skiff guards is also in two versions. One was used for Lando in ROTJ carded figures AND for the Trilogo Klaatu, I know this clearly because I have them carded as well! In the case of this weapon NOT ONLY the color, but also the sculpting and molding IS DIFFERENT. It is kind of risky, because the second (Trilogo) version is darker grey, shinier and a bit thinner, SO it looks like a repro at first sight! But it is NOT. I also have one REPRO version of this weapon: it is really not easy to tell the difference between the trilogo and this, but the "REAL" repro is even shinier, gleamier and a bit darker, than the Trilogo release. The BEST way of identification is to look at the little stripes at the bottom of the weapon's rod. There is a part of the rod, which is thicker than the rest of it. There are two narrow stripes on it. NOW, in the case of the Trilogo weapon they are close to each other in the MIDDLE of this thick part. While on a repro the two narrow stripes divide the thick part into three, more or less EQUAL parts.

This is one piece of advice for you. Otherwise the 'ping' test is really good, it works usually, because the sound of the original and repro weapon is always different, and the repro makes a louder, PING! sound if you drop it on the table, while the original makes a softer sound. ALSO, the repros are ALMOST ALWAYS significantly GLEAMIER (more gleaming), THINNER and HARDER  - less flexible - than the originals. ALSO, the details are more precise on the repro weapons.

I hope I could help you.  ;) Any questions? : ) Don't hesitate.   ;D
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: Mackson on January 21, 2006, 03:21 AM
Hello everyone.  I am new here so bare with me.  I have a DT Vader and DT Kenobi however, they are both missing the inner portion of the saber.  Does anyone know how I can get one for each of them?  Also how can I tell if the pieces are authentic?

Mack
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: evenflow on March 7, 2007, 06:55 AM
As some of you know i still need a vinyl cape Jawa, this is a price i can deal with. Any one have any opinions on this one, help is appreciated.

Jawa (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300088541842&fromMakeTrack=true)
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: aka DaBigKahuna on March 7, 2007, 12:21 PM
Opinion...

Looks good to me.  Good seller feedback and detail in the subject along with a return policy.  Act quick if you are going to as it probably will get snatched up soon.

As some of you know i still need a vinyl cape Jawa, this is a price i can deal with. Any one have any opinions on this one, help is appreciated.

Jawa (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300088541842&fromMakeTrack=true)
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: aka DaBigKahuna on March 7, 2007, 04:25 PM
Someone purchased...hope that it was evenflow.
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: Morgbug on March 10, 2007, 04:42 PM
It would be nice if Dan was the lucky one, I know he's been looking for it for a long time.  That auction reminds me of how lucky I was to get mine too, a monster bargain.  And since I pulled it out of storage today, I'm even happier.
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: evenflow on March 10, 2007, 05:00 PM
Hey guys, yeah i ended up buying it. So let's see what happens when it arrives. In the last month I have bought this Jawa, the Glasslite C-3PO, and the ROTJ Death Star Droid. I am so broke. Thanks for the help to DaBigKahuna. I just crossed off 2 from my list of needs. Vlix is really my main objective, i just need someone to list one now. Then its off to the 63rd POTF coin.  ;D
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: evenflow on April 3, 2007, 02:10 PM
So i have never heard of a modern reprint. Anyone have any info on this?

63rd coin (http://cgi.ebay.com/STAR-WARS-AFA-85-63RD-POWER-OF-THE-FORCE-COIN-POTF_W0QQitemZ230112961020QQcategoryZ50271QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

I have no intentions of going for this specific one, but the info could be helpful in the future.
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: Mikey D on April 5, 2007, 09:05 AM
I figured this was the best spot to post this.

I'm thinking about trying to get a complete loose figure collection together.  I got a good start because a friend of mine gave me a box of loose vintage stuff awhile back.  Included were a complete Jabba and throne, a complete Ewok village and some other stuff.  The best were two full cases of loose figures, mostly commons, but most were tight and complete (including a mail away Spirit Anakin still sealed in his baggie).  Some of the figures need upgrading, but I'm happy with about 90% of them for a collection.

The reason for the post is I need to track down some loose original weapons and accessories for those few figures missing them.  I remember a site awhile back that sold just about every one of the accessories, but don't remember the name.  Any ideas?

Thanks
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: JesseVader08 on April 5, 2007, 10:42 PM
Perhaps http://www.theearthtoymall.com/ ?  I know they're a very reputable place for vintage.
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: Mikey D on April 6, 2007, 07:19 AM
That's it, Jesse.  I actually find the link in one of the other threads here also.  They don't have all of what I need, so I'll just wait and hope they get more in stock.
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: DSJ™ on April 6, 2007, 08:40 PM
The Earth is a great place to buy stuff, very friendly staff & fast shipping. Another place I have linked but have never delt with is Tony the Toy Man (http://www.tonythetoyman.com/starwars/index.html), maybe they might have something.
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: Rob on May 21, 2007, 03:21 PM
It may have been answered before, but I've got a quick question.  I'm pretty good at telling the difference between real and repro weapons, but how do you tell the difference between a 1977 Luke and a 1997 Commemorative Luke?  (or the other 3 figures for that matter).

I'm looking at this auction for a Luke - Auction (http://cgi.ebay.com/STAR-WARS-VINTAGE-FIGURE-Luke-Skywalker-1977-Complete_W0QQitemZ130115398195QQihZ003QQcategoryZ50271QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

But at 12$ BIN for one that looks like it's in good shape, my radar is going off that says this is fishy.

How do I buy a nice white 1977 Luke without getting hosed on the 1997 re-do?

My impression was that both versions are stamped 1977?

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: john todd on May 21, 2007, 05:04 PM
the re-releases have a 1996 stamp on the back leg.  they are also a little smaller, but that doesn't help unless have one of each to compare.
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: Rob on May 21, 2007, 05:09 PM
Oh, well that's easy then.  I thought they used the same molds exactly and the 1977 was still stamped on the new ones.

Thanks.
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: CookieeMonster on January 4, 2009, 04:46 PM
Nope I have a Small Headed Han Solo from 1996 and he has it stamped on his leg, still looks cool and will do me, but it is a Repro figure.
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: JediJman on January 4, 2009, 10:29 PM
Nope I have a Small Headed Han Solo from 1996 and he has it stamped on his leg, still looks cool and will do me, but it is a Repro figure.

Wow, now that's digging up the past Cookie.   ;)
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: SWJACK on May 30, 2010, 11:07 PM
http://www.imperialgunnery.com/ is a useful repro guide. There is a new batch of reproduction weapons out of the Netherlands that are top 'quality'. The fake Yoda snake & Amanaman staff float unlike the vintage ones that sink. ( most real weapons float just to confuse the isssue )
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: McMetal on January 3, 2014, 11:21 AM
Ok, I read through this entire thread last night and could not find the help I needed.

I recently purchased a vintage blue Obi-Wan Kenobi lightsaber off eBay since the tip had broken off my original one. Seller had all positive feedback and clearly stated it was from the original 70's figure.

I got it yesterday and it just doesn't look quite right to me. The color seems a little too crisp for one thing. My original is a lot more faded. The new one also does not have any letters on the hilt either, which bothers me more I think. (My original has an "I" on the hilt)

I have tried the water test and it floats, but apparently so does the revalve-it stuff, so that didn't help much. I also tried bending it and it seems flexible enough. I don't want to mar the piece up, so I am reluctant to scratch it to see if any paint comes off.

Are there any other tests I can try to assess legitimacy?

Does the lack of any lettering on the hilt necessarily mean it is a repro?

Are there any good resources online to help me compare? (I tried imperial gunnery and that jawa site from ealier in this thread, and the RS photo archives, but I can't find any details about hilt letters)

I will try to post a picture if I am able later...thanks in advance!
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: Scott on January 3, 2014, 11:25 AM
I haven't had to do this for a while but I used a simple sound test for a lot of weapons.  Drop a known original and the supposed repro on a hard surface (like a table or countertop)

The sound the two make were usually completely different since they were typically different plastics.
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: DSJ™ on January 3, 2014, 11:40 AM
Star Wars - How to spot a repro weapon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Gnw-IQCv6I)
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: DSJ™ on January 3, 2014, 11:54 AM
Imperial Gunnery Identification Guide (http://www.imperialgunnery.com/identificationguide.htm)
Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: JediJman on January 3, 2014, 12:28 PM
Imperial Gunnery Identification Guide (http://www.imperialgunnery.com/identificationguide.htm)

I always use IG.  If you can't tell from this whether it is authentic or repro, then you have to ask yourself if it really matters.   ;)

Title: Re: How to tell the difference between a vintage and repro. weapon
Post by: McMetal on January 4, 2014, 10:20 PM
Thanks for the input guys. The Youtube video was interesting but the "shake test" does not work so great for sabers I take it. I went back and pored over the IG pics and it looks like I've got the "Flat Tip Transition - Thin Tip" version and I have yet to see any record of repros with the similar thin tip, so this is probably legit, I'm thinking. I was able to confirm it is cast in blue plastic too and not painted in any way. Apparently some just have letters and some don't.