Reproductions

[Jim McDougall]

While I am not a moderator, I have a deeply vested interest in this forum, and I am becoming concerned about the character of its content, particularly in the posting of reproduction arms.

In the frontispiece of the pages......SECOND LINE.......importantly noted:
ON THE SCOPE OF THIS FORUM

The purpose of the forum and its discussions, it clearly says that the objective is to display, identify and discuss ACTUAL historic examples....for the purpose of classification by collectors, as well as learning from them historically for those of us so inclined.

This is not to say that reproduction arms are not often well researched from originals, in most cases they are, however they still do not carry the elements, character and nuances which are key to the historic value of original items.

We have a remarkable field of readership, often hundreds if not thousands to one of contributors. The discussion of recognizing key elements of authenticity in discussing the possibility of whether properly of period or modern reproduction for the benefit of improving such work accordingly is emphatically outside the intent of this forum.

Though Fernando, our stalwart leader is no longer with us, I would ask that we recognize the standards and integrity that he and Lee have instilled in keeping this forum aligned with the original standards, out of respect.

If in doubt on the character or provisions of something to be posted, check first for approval simply as a courtesy. After regrettably stepping out of bounds myself on a number of occasions, it became my policy to do just that.

Thank you guys,
Jim

[serdar]

It is very dificult to distinguis very good "reproducition" saber, before i posted a fringia one, as you yourself stated "expert" on that field proclaimed it original, but it was a fake.

I think it is good to post thing you doubt about, if not what is point of forum, this do, this dont....

But as i said, it is to think about if so caled forum "experts" cant identify something, well maybe this forum plumeted already.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by serdar

It is very dificult to distinguis very good "reproducition" saber, before i posted a fringia one, as you yourself stated "expert" on that field proclaimed it original, but it was a fake.

I think it is good to post thing you doubt about, if not what is point of forum, this do, this dont....

But as i said, it is to think about if so caled forum "experts" cant identify something, well maybe this forum plumeted already.

The fakers are getting good, they have been producing these for many decades, and they're better than the old days, however, to judge from photos is difficult if not impossible. I have never declared myself or anyone else as 'expert' as I think that designation is too subjective to be applied to anyone other than personal opinion of individuals.

I understand the points of discussion in posting a subject example as to whether it is fake or not, but presumably those acquiring these weapons and handling them personally have enough awareness and expertise to be purchasing weapons in these high end categories in the first place.

This forum has been an excellent place for us to all share examples, discuss them, and above all, LEARN TOGETHER!
Nobody claims to be 'expert' and it is unnecessary to use that term derisively toward those who make the effort to try to facilitate the discussion.

This post was not directed toward you personally, you may have noticed several other posts which feature reproduction weapons, entirely against the scope of forum noted.

I admit I personally try to look for all positive toward each persons weapon posted, and probably try to hard to avoid being blunt or directly derisive, but being placed in awkward position by posting of blatantly obvious subject items makes it difficult.

You seem to have acquired quite a selection of these 'unusual' Eastern European sabers, as you have posted, interesting.

I think overall as a forum, we have done quite well, and your observation quite unwarranted. Just my 'nonexpert'opinion.

[Marcus den toom]

It might be an idea to put some sort of "warranty" label to posts or threads that are recognised as factual and other post as under investigation or discussion?

I also am concerned by the frequent server downtime. Is there a reason why the forum has been down for a number of times the last few months?

Also, i tried to change my password multiple times but the email never reaches me. I am still loged on my mobile phone but this is also a serious issue :/

If there is a monetary reason, i am sure we can manage something together?

[ulfberth]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

While I am not a moderator, I have a deeply vested interest in this forum, and I am becoming concerned about the character of its content, particularly in the posting of reproduction arms.

In the frontispiece of the pages......SECOND LINE.......importantly noted:
ON THE SCOPE OF THIS FORUM

The purpose of the forum and its discussions, it clearly says that the objective is to display, identify and discuss ACTUAL historic examples....for the purpose of classification by collectors, as well as learning from them historically for those of us so inclined.

This is not to say that reproduction arms are not often well researched from originals, in most cases they are, however they still do not carry the elements, character and nuances which are key to the historic value of original items.

We have a remarkable field of readership, often hundreds if not thousands to one of contributors. The discussion of recognizing key elements of authenticity in discussing the possibility of whether properly of period or modern reproduction for the benefit of improving such work accordingly is emphatically outside the intent of this forum.

Though Fernando, our stalwart leader is no longer with us, I would ask that we recognize the standards and integrity that he and Lee have instilled in keeping this forum aligned with the original standards, out of respect.

If in doubt on the character or provisions of something to be posted, check first for approval simply as a courtesy. After regrettably stepping out of bounds myself on a number of occasions, it became my policy to do just that.

Thank you guys,
Jim

Well spoken Jim !

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Marcus den toom

It might be an idea to put some sort of "warranty" label to posts or threads that are recognised as factual and other post as under investigation or discussion?

I also am concerned by the frequent server downtime. Is there a reason why the forum has been down for a number of times the last few months?

Also, i tried to change my password multiple times but the email never reaches me. I am still loged on my mobile phone but this is also a serious issue :/

If there is a monetary reason, i am sure we can manage something together?

Thank you Marcus, obviously the intent of the poster is to discover more on identifying and classifying items they acquire, and there are of course many cases where the collector has no idea. However after a certain number of items continue appearing consecutively with the same basic cloud of suspicion things get a bit tiresome.

So far most of these posts have expressed open concern over the character of the item posted so that is not the problem. The idea is to cut down on this type of posts on items that are questionable at the outset, and at worst, being used to test the waters so to speak to get experienced insight into improving modern examples. No accusations but obvious potential for consideration.

Its like the 'I just inherited this' and I was restoring an old house and found this in a wall' ploys that have been well worn on certain other venues.

However it is understandable if someone has acquired something unusual to them, and hopes to have some informed input, that is indeed what we do here. Just hoping to stop the parade of reproduction items. These kinds of commercial products do have other forums where they are discussed with regard to the quality of each manufacturer.