With the advent of color copiers and the degree to which they can now reproduce paper items

With the advent of color copiers and the degree to which they can now reproduce paper items, we as collectors, have been given the option and ability to use these to either complete missing individual pieces or whole items for our collections. From instructions to entire boxes, the technology exists today that enables us access to examples of pieces that were previously unobtainable due to their scarcity or price. And here is where the battle lines are drawn among certain individuals. Is a collection somehow "tainted" with the use of these reproductions, or are collectors just using some of that "NASA technology" right here at home to increase their collections. Take the Aurora Penguin box for example. Originals, when available, usually run in the $150 to $200 range. Now for a fraction of that (the most I've seen it was $40), you could obtain an exact duplicate with the instructions probably included. $200....$40. Humm....Don't need to be no rocket scientist here folks.. We're talking plain and simple. Its a matter of economics.. Whatever your opinion, it seems that they are here to stay. So what can be so wrong with reproductions anyway?

For the die hard collectors, the prevalent argument has always been that with the availability of reproductions, the originals will somehow loose some of their value. Now that might be true, but I will argue that if given the choice, most of us would always choose the original over some repro. If its between having a copy or having none, then the reproduction would generally win. Take for example my quest for the box that the 60's Japanese Batman Sportscar came in.

Now talk about an obscure piece. I had pretty much resigned myself to the belief that as far as me finding that particular box, I'd have a better shot at locating Madonna's training bra. But anyway, then enters my good friend JR Bable to the rescue. Not only did he have the box but he was kind enough to color copy it. Alittle cardboard and with some patience, and it now it is displayed on my shelf by the car.

All in all, I see the use of copies as just another way to add pieces to our respective collections. The main thing to keep in mind is that the copies will never be exactly like the originals, but as long as you either use a reputable dealer or a good machine and some patience, your results will make good display pieces that "only your hair dresser will know for sure".....

I invite your thoughts about the use of copies and their impact on our collections as well as other topics you'd like to see expanded here. Responses will be presented in upcoming issues.