As someone who is a collector I understand the drive to have items complete. This has led to a huge surge in reproduction pieces in many fields of collecting. So let me give you some scenarios.
Scenario1
We get a rare heinz dinky lorry into stock missing a door pin do we get a replacement?
In this case we did buy a replacement pin but this will be disclosed on selling by us and made clear this pin is not similar to an original. This pin is no where close to the original in size, colour or design so is clearly reproduction. So why add it I hear you ask. Well it means that when displayed both doors will be present and it can clearly be seen as not original.
Scenario 2
We get a polly pocket missing a piece do we replace it?
The answer to this is no. This isn't down to the quality in fact some of the reproductions are so good you wouldn't even know. This is because although we may choose to disclose it what happens with this item when sold on? You are not counting on your own honesty but that of future sellers. So we don't buy reproduction pieces.
Now what about those who make reproduction parts. There is an issue in that people want them as close to original as possible but do we want repro pieces in our collectibles. There are of course responsible makers who change colours so it is obviously not original but this leads to unhappy customers that it doesn't match exactly to the set.
So what's the answer?
I don't have one. That's the truth. This is personal do you want a complete item with an obvious repro or do you want a partial or broken item? This is a question for all collectors. Name an item and I can assure you there will be something that you can get that is not original. Whether it's screws in die cast, parts in polly pocket or sylvanian families, scalextrics cars thar are rebuilt. This has to be an issue for each person collecting. Some are driven crazy by partial or broken items and some prefer to keep it original. Personally I like to keep my item original and search for pieces.
This is not a dig at reproduction producers and I know a particular seller who goes out of their way to ensure the items they produce will not be able to be passed as authentic but this is at the risk of their business. The point of reproduction pieces is to replace an item and people want it as close as possible to the original. I have heard people say make the item marked so it's obvious but again that's relying on honesty of others to mark items or not alter them in some way to disguise marks.
This isn't an issue for reproduction piece sellers or producers this is an issue for collectors. Look over items carefully and ask the question. The last thing anyone wants is to pay for something that isn't genuine. We all know the complete sets and items sell for the most money so check and if it looks wrong don't buy it.
Personally I think if reproduction pieces is the way you complete a rare item then that is your choice. There is a place for them and the issue isn't with the reproduction producers it is with sellers. Just like the first scenario we will disclose it but would everyone else? We need to recognise the problem stems from those selling items with repro pieces. If it is something to make an item look right that's one thing but to complete a set to sell it is wrong and dishonest.
We need to recognise the people selling on repro as original is the problem not the makers or sellers of the pieces. Think of where the dishonesty is in this industry. If you buy a repro part you get what you paid for but when it's sold that's the problem. Thats not the fault of the repro specialist. I know there will be those of you reading this who think we'll if they didn't exist there wouldn't be an issue but if there wasn't a demand there wouldn't be reproduction parts. So before we demonise an industry maybe find a seller you trust to sell genuine items and if it looks odd there is a reason.
Look at the photograph of the lorry it is obvious one of the pins is different so ask questions. Genuine sellers will answer any questions you have but walk away if you are unsure. No one should be shamed for how they choose to collect all we can ask from our community is honesty and integrity when selling. It is time to recognise reproduction pieces exist and instead of demonising the makers demonise those selling these pieces as original.
The way to solve the repro issue is simple honest sellers with integrity who value the item over the monetary value it can bring. The reproduction industry isn't going anywhere and is growing quickly so let collectors do whatever they want to do for their own collection and focus on the sellers trying to pass repro as real. It isn't the repro specialist that is ripping off collectors it is unscrupulous sellers passing them off as legitimate parts. It is sad we even have to discuss these issues but it is something we are going to be faced with more and more so be diligent and do what makes you happy in your collecting journey.