RECOGNIZE REPRODUCION

What are Repros?
Repros (short for "reproductions") are copies of the original weapons, accessories, and parts that came with the original Star Wars action figures, vehicles, and playsets. While many people think they are a legitimate way to complete a collection, many others (like TBHstore.nl) think they are a threat. Problems start when people sell "genuine" items that later turn out to be cheap reproductions.

The problem depends on which repro item was purchased. Double Telescoping sabers, for example, are worth a lot of money and you can imagine how you would feel when you found out you bought a cheap reproduction for many hundreds of dollars. When you discover that a Stormtrooper blaster is a repro, it has much less impact. One of the main concerns is that almost none of the repro makers create a specific identifier that allows you to easily identify counterfeits. Instead, you'll have to be a highly trained collector to tell the originals from the repros. Especially for some items this is a big problem because you need references to originals to make a good comparison. Fortunately, there is a lot of information available on the internet.

Check the items yourself
If you're willing to take the risk, there are many steps you can take to check the items yourself. However, beware that it takes a lot of time to get good at this subject. We also sometimes have doubts about some items because they have as many 'pro' as 'con' points. Fortunately, we have a large network of specialists that we can consult. The following steps can be taken to determine whether you have an original or a reproduction:

Color test:
Fortunately, many of the repros are made in colors that are completely different from the original items.

Stiffness / drop test:
Many of the reproductions are made of a harder plastic. A well-known test is to drop the item on a glass table. If it makes a loud noise, it's usually a bad sign. You can also gently bend or deform the item, as harder items usually cannot be bent, indicating repro. However, beware that originals are also made in harder plastics. 

Transparency / paint test:
Some repros are made in a plain plastic that has been painted over to the 'correct' color. Usually these colors are too light/dull and due to the blurring of the details by the paint they are quite obvious. Original items were almost never painted (Amanaman's staff is an exception). Another way to test this is to place the item in front of a strong light source, such as placing it on your mobile's flashlight. Almost all original items are translucent in the same color shade. Focus on the thinner areas like handles, dimples, etc. ​

Detail check:
Most of the repros are much less detailed than the original due to cheap/poor molds. Notches, net patterns, hair patterns, extrusions, dents, etc. are all details lost in re-shaping and indicate repro.

Float test:
Another way to test is to put the weapon in a container with water. Most original items float, repros tend to sink.

But repro in my own collection doesn't hurt anyone, does it?
Wrong, all repro has the potential to harm someone. The repro weapons you have in your own collection will also eventually be sold. Numerous scenarios are imaginable. Consider, for example, the scenario in which your relatives sell your collection, perhaps unknowingly the repro weapon will be offered as an original and then a buyer is stuck with repro. Or how about a simple mistake? You want to upgrade something but the repro is so good that you don't see it right away, forgetting after all these years that it is repro. It is and remains best to recognize and destroy repro as quickly as possible. ​

Source references:
www.imperialgunnery.com
www.vintagestarwars.nl