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STAR TREK SCAMS
CREDENTIALS
VOLUNTEER: Bjo & John Trimble's SST (Save Star Trek campaign & Rename the first Space Shuttle campaign)
MEMBER: S.T.A.R. (Star Trek Association for Revival 1972)
VOLUNTEER: Star Trek Welcomittee
APPEARANCE: Recreation Hall of the Future in Star Trek TMP
MEMBER: Starfleet (Eric Stillwell's Club, Eric became the Star Trek script co-ordinator for Star Trek TNG and assistant to the late Michael Philler in 1987)
MEMBER: Interstellar (Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek Club)
MEMBER: International Federation of Trekkers
MEMBER: Official Star Trek Fan Club
I'm starting to see a lot of "SCREEN USED" items on ebay. SCREEN USED has two different meanings, the item is an item that was used on the show OR the item is the same as used on the show. Be very careful on these items. Unless these can be linked to the show by the most reputable source FORGET it. Paramount is not policing ebay and many Trek fans have got BURNED.
FOR SCREEN WORN CONTACTS
There are several different types of Cosmetic Contact lenses on the market these days. They are available by companies such as CrazyLenses and WildEyes. They contain all sorts of different contact lenses from cat eyes to eight balls. They even send you a FREE pair!
The item needs a letter signed by the actor or authentic COA from reputable dealer.
DILITHIUM CRYSTALS
These are regular quartz crystals, no matter who sells them. Items from the original show ended up in the garbage. Research! A seller can use their association with Star Trek to sell items but let's face it "how many crystals were screen used on Star Trek"? When they first appeared, I bought 2 Glass Vials off of the seller on ebay. The auction said "Limited Supply", I think it's more like an Unlimited Supply!
ILLUSTRATION PRINTS
I've bought a few myself, they were color copies and as mentioned above, how many are out there. They are easily re-printed prints, and a seller can use their association with Star Trek to sell them. Research, is the print really signed or preprinted?
AUTOGRAPHS
It is estimated that 98% of ALL autographs on ebay are Fake. See my autograph guide - I bought an autograph off of ebay, it was a FAKE.
PROPS
As I have mentioned in my Star Trek Collecting guides "No Name Props" are worthless, the PP Authorized or Toy Versions will be better assets in your collection. Any un-named resin kits are a waste of money and are a copyright violation of Paramount Pictures. There are prop makers that sell their items, they are well made & expensive....Richard A. Coyle, Ed Miarecki, Steve Horch/Mike Moore, Brad Nelson, Max Cervantes, John Long, Greg Jein, JT Kirk. Get a signed COA from them. There are many new items coming from PP Authorized Companies. These are less expensive and can be re-worked to your satisfaction.
Read carefully the auctions of "itsawraphollywood.com" Remember you can be bidding on a used in production of Star Trek prop OR as one of his descriptions said "A piece of set dressing similar to those featured throughout Star Trek: Enterprise" The seller offers both Real & Replica items. When in doubt ask the seller.
Three commercially available communicator replicas. The Master Replicas version sold originally for around $300. The "Vegas Star Trek Experience" version is very similar but debuted at $50. The Diamond Select is listed at $30. All are Made in China.
STIII Comm sold as real on ebay for
The forgery above sold on ebay as an original for $1000-FRAUD
http://propbuzz.blogspot.com/2007/01/forgeries-recasts-and-replicas-whats.html
The idea that anyone would call a legitimate replica a forgery has always boggled my mind. Some people just can't seem to grasp the differences between the two. Therefore, I would like to discuss the facts regarding forgeries, recasts and replicas.
The prop hobby is as much infected by greed and ambition as any other field you can mention. Many prop replica makers seek recognition and wealth while often dealing with prop collectors that are more interested in the investment potential of props than they are in the "hobby" of props. It is not surprising that frauds and recasts would be flourishing in this environment. Some props, like the authentic Star Trek communicators, tricorders and phasers have huge monetary values. Authentic, screen used props are valuable because of who made them; what show or movie they appeared in; the personal preferences of the collector; and the age and condition of the item. Forgery and recasting are illegitimate attempts to cash in on these facts.
What is Forgery?
Forgery is a form of fraud. In committing forgery, a person claims their work is by another person. Forgery is when a person's name is stolen in order to add value to the wrong work. Forgery exists when a work is presented in a way that either insinuates or out right claims to be the work of another with the intent to deceive. Fraudulent intention by the maker or owner is required for a work to be a forgery. A prop presented in such a manner is a forgery and a fake. Many times, a collector will try to sell something that they are not convinced is real. They use phrases like "I was told this prop was used in..." or, after being notified that the prop is a fake, the person wishing to sell it will refuse to accept the facts and try to sell the item sticking with the story they were told when they bought it. There is a lot of this going on at eBay.
The most notorious forger in the Trek prop world is known as "ME". He created many Trek props that looked authentic and several people who are considered experts in the Trek prop field have been fooled by ME's creations. There is evidence to show that "ME" is still active in the Trek prop community.
What is a Recast?
The word "recaster" has a negative connotation. A recaster accepts credit for the work of another. Prop recasting occurs when unauthorized copies of a work are made and sometimes sold, depriving an original artist or license holder of profit and/or recognition. Prop recasters will copy another person's work without giving credit to the original artist. They do it either for recognition or profit. Usually, the recast is made by making a cast of the item and copies are made from the casting. While copying another person's work is legitimate when permission is given from the license holder or artist, there is a "gray" area for prop collectors. Some artists don't care if a person makes a copy of their work as long as it is not for profit and proper credit is given. Some license holders don't care if replicas are made and are presented as such.
However, there is no "standard" for such practice and it is advisable that the collector procure permission from the artist or license holder before making a copy of their work. Some people will mention "fair use" laws, but that is beyond the scope of this post.
What is a Replica?
A replica is a copy of a prop that is presented as a replica. It is clearly described as a replica and careful attention is given to state clearly that it is a replica. It can be recast from an original as long as proper permission is procured, or it can be scratch built or made from a licensed kit. Does anyone think George Lucas will care if you make a replica of Luke Skywalker's light saber in your garage? Probably not, as long as you don't threaten the profits of the company that has proper rights to the item. If you make a saber replica for your own use, Lucas will probably look the other way and celebrate that you are such a fan of his work. However, if you start to sell them or give enough away to threaten his license holder's profits, look out for a cease and desist order (C&D) and maybe even a law suit.
In summary, forgery is a form of fraud. A forgery can take many forms such as recasts or copies that are presented to an audience as authentic and the work of another artist. This can be done for profit or recognition but either way, it is fraud. A recast is a detailed copy of another person's work. It can be done legitimately, in many cases, or it can be done illegally. A recast made to profit from another person's work is stealing.
Replicas are legitimate copies of the real item and are presented as such. These copies can be manufactured for sale as long as proper permission is received, such as is the case with Master Replicas, for example. MR doesn't produce fakes or recasts. They produce licensed replicas, which is perfectly legitimate.
STICKERS
Stickers can be made on a PC with new hardware and software, Star Trek Fonts are available on the internet. It looks good but it's worth nothing. STICK to PP licensed stuff.
EMBROIDERED PATCHES
Embroidered patches are now made up by computer software and hardware that uses a rainbow of colored threads, perhaps you have seen this in your local mall. An existing patch can be scanned and replicated in no time. Try not to pay more than $5.00 for an embroidered patch.
When nobodies make money on Trek, Trekkers loose, PP is the owner of Star Trek. When Star Trek makes money "STAR TREK LIVES." Don't put a dime on pirate items that are resin etc., Fan items are OK and put steam in ST but there are those who seek to exploit it!
AUTOGRAPH PRE-PRINTS
Don't you hate looking for autographs and finding all the tricks out there drawing you in to a Pre-Print Autograph photo. If it's not in the Pre-Print category, REPORT it.
MEMBER: S.T.A.R. (Star Trek Association for Revival 1972)
VOLUNTEER: Star Trek Welcomittee
APPEARANCE: Recreation Hall of the Future in Star Trek TMP
MEMBER: Starfleet (Eric Stillwell's Club, Eric became the Star Trek script co-ordinator for Star Trek TNG and assistant to the late Michael Philler in 1987)
MEMBER: Interstellar (Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek Club)
MEMBER: International Federation of Trekkers
MEMBER: Official Star Trek Fan Club
I'm starting to see a lot of "SCREEN USED" items on ebay. SCREEN USED has two different meanings, the item is an item that was used on the show OR the item is the same as used on the show. Be very careful on these items. Unless these can be linked to the show by the most reputable source FORGET it. Paramount is not policing ebay and many Trek fans have got BURNED.
FOR SCREEN WORN CONTACTS
There are several different types of Cosmetic Contact lenses on the market these days. They are available by companies such as CrazyLenses and WildEyes. They contain all sorts of different contact lenses from cat eyes to eight balls. They even send you a FREE pair!
The item needs a letter signed by the actor or authentic COA from reputable dealer.
DILITHIUM CRYSTALS
These are regular quartz crystals, no matter who sells them. Items from the original show ended up in the garbage. Research! A seller can use their association with Star Trek to sell items but let's face it "how many crystals were screen used on Star Trek"? When they first appeared, I bought 2 Glass Vials off of the seller on ebay. The auction said "Limited Supply", I think it's more like an Unlimited Supply!
ILLUSTRATION PRINTS
I've bought a few myself, they were color copies and as mentioned above, how many are out there. They are easily re-printed prints, and a seller can use their association with Star Trek to sell them. Research, is the print really signed or preprinted?
AUTOGRAPHS
It is estimated that 98% of ALL autographs on ebay are Fake. See my autograph guide - I bought an autograph off of ebay, it was a FAKE.
PROPS
As I have mentioned in my Star Trek Collecting guides "No Name Props" are worthless, the PP Authorized or Toy Versions will be better assets in your collection. Any un-named resin kits are a waste of money and are a copyright violation of Paramount Pictures. There are prop makers that sell their items, they are well made & expensive....Richard A. Coyle, Ed Miarecki, Steve Horch/Mike Moore, Brad Nelson, Max Cervantes, John Long, Greg Jein, JT Kirk. Get a signed COA from them. There are many new items coming from PP Authorized Companies. These are less expensive and can be re-worked to your satisfaction.
Read carefully the auctions of "itsawraphollywood.com" Remember you can be bidding on a used in production of Star Trek prop OR as one of his descriptions said "A piece of set dressing similar to those featured throughout Star Trek: Enterprise" The seller offers both Real & Replica items. When in doubt ask the seller.
Three commercially available communicator replicas. The Master Replicas version sold originally for around $300. The "Vegas Star Trek Experience" version is very similar but debuted at $50. The Diamond Select is listed at $30. All are Made in China.
STIII Comm sold as real on ebay for
$356.00. A worn & weathered R. Coyle replica...FRAUD
The forgery above sold on ebay as an original for $1000-FRAUD
The forgery above sold in a Well Known Auction as an original for $28,750-FRAUD
Delta Original
There are Four of Ten known originals made by Wah Chang
Alpha, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta
Forgeries, Recasts and Replicas - What's the Difference?
An excellent Article by PropMaster Staff Writer
PROP BUZZ BLOG
http://propbuzz.blogspot.com/2007/01/forgeries-recasts-and-replicas-whats.html
The idea that anyone would call a legitimate replica a forgery has always boggled my mind. Some people just can't seem to grasp the differences between the two. Therefore, I would like to discuss the facts regarding forgeries, recasts and replicas.
The prop hobby is as much infected by greed and ambition as any other field you can mention. Many prop replica makers seek recognition and wealth while often dealing with prop collectors that are more interested in the investment potential of props than they are in the "hobby" of props. It is not surprising that frauds and recasts would be flourishing in this environment. Some props, like the authentic Star Trek communicators, tricorders and phasers have huge monetary values. Authentic, screen used props are valuable because of who made them; what show or movie they appeared in; the personal preferences of the collector; and the age and condition of the item. Forgery and recasting are illegitimate attempts to cash in on these facts.
What is Forgery?
Forgery is a form of fraud. In committing forgery, a person claims their work is by another person. Forgery is when a person's name is stolen in order to add value to the wrong work. Forgery exists when a work is presented in a way that either insinuates or out right claims to be the work of another with the intent to deceive. Fraudulent intention by the maker or owner is required for a work to be a forgery. A prop presented in such a manner is a forgery and a fake. Many times, a collector will try to sell something that they are not convinced is real. They use phrases like "I was told this prop was used in..." or, after being notified that the prop is a fake, the person wishing to sell it will refuse to accept the facts and try to sell the item sticking with the story they were told when they bought it. There is a lot of this going on at eBay.
The most notorious forger in the Trek prop world is known as "ME". He created many Trek props that looked authentic and several people who are considered experts in the Trek prop field have been fooled by ME's creations. There is evidence to show that "ME" is still active in the Trek prop community.
What is a Recast?
The word "recaster" has a negative connotation. A recaster accepts credit for the work of another. Prop recasting occurs when unauthorized copies of a work are made and sometimes sold, depriving an original artist or license holder of profit and/or recognition. Prop recasters will copy another person's work without giving credit to the original artist. They do it either for recognition or profit. Usually, the recast is made by making a cast of the item and copies are made from the casting. While copying another person's work is legitimate when permission is given from the license holder or artist, there is a "gray" area for prop collectors. Some artists don't care if a person makes a copy of their work as long as it is not for profit and proper credit is given. Some license holders don't care if replicas are made and are presented as such.
However, there is no "standard" for such practice and it is advisable that the collector procure permission from the artist or license holder before making a copy of their work. Some people will mention "fair use" laws, but that is beyond the scope of this post.
What is a Replica?
A replica is a copy of a prop that is presented as a replica. It is clearly described as a replica and careful attention is given to state clearly that it is a replica. It can be recast from an original as long as proper permission is procured, or it can be scratch built or made from a licensed kit. Does anyone think George Lucas will care if you make a replica of Luke Skywalker's light saber in your garage? Probably not, as long as you don't threaten the profits of the company that has proper rights to the item. If you make a saber replica for your own use, Lucas will probably look the other way and celebrate that you are such a fan of his work. However, if you start to sell them or give enough away to threaten his license holder's profits, look out for a cease and desist order (C&D) and maybe even a law suit.
In summary, forgery is a form of fraud. A forgery can take many forms such as recasts or copies that are presented to an audience as authentic and the work of another artist. This can be done for profit or recognition but either way, it is fraud. A recast is a detailed copy of another person's work. It can be done legitimately, in many cases, or it can be done illegally. A recast made to profit from another person's work is stealing.
Replicas are legitimate copies of the real item and are presented as such. These copies can be manufactured for sale as long as proper permission is received, such as is the case with Master Replicas, for example. MR doesn't produce fakes or recasts. They produce licensed replicas, which is perfectly legitimate.
The Master Replicas Communicator, Star Trek Experience Vegas Communicator and Diamond Select/Art Asylum Communicator all look the same with different features.
STICKERS
Stickers can be made on a PC with new hardware and software, Star Trek Fonts are available on the internet. It looks good but it's worth nothing. STICK to PP licensed stuff.
EMBROIDERED PATCHES
Embroidered patches are now made up by computer software and hardware that uses a rainbow of colored threads, perhaps you have seen this in your local mall. An existing patch can be scanned and replicated in no time. Try not to pay more than $5.00 for an embroidered patch.
When nobodies make money on Trek, Trekkers loose, PP is the owner of Star Trek. When Star Trek makes money "STAR TREK LIVES." Don't put a dime on pirate items that are resin etc., Fan items are OK and put steam in ST but there are those who seek to exploit it!
AUTOGRAPH PRE-PRINTS
Don't you hate looking for autographs and finding all the tricks out there drawing you in to a Pre-Print Autograph photo. If it's not in the Pre-Print category, REPORT it.
LONG LIVE AND PROSPER
(the correct Vulcan salutation)
PLEASE RESEARCH
Guide created: 03/30/08 (updated 09/11/08)
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