How to tell a replica campaign medal from an original

The following images of a replica and original France and Germany Star have been enlarged on this page so that key differences can be studied.  The differences between the stars shown here are similar to other original/replica campaign medals.  Given that an original Air Crew Europe Star is worth about NZ$450.00 (US$340.00 or £160.00), you don't want to be paying that price for a replica (which would only be worth one eighth the price)!  Starting with the replica, here are some of the things to watch out for:

Replica

1. Ring for ribbon.  As shown here, the ring is of copper.  The original is brass.  If unsure, dip it in vinegar and, if its copper, it will go a pinky colour
2. Attachment point where ring goes through.  In the replica, this is thinner and more rounded than the original
3. Points of star.  As can be seen, these are blunt in the replica.  In an original, they are sharp
4. Ridge on top of each star point.  More rounded in the replica
5. Background pattern to lettering.  In the replica, this is coarse.  The original is a finer "sand" pattern
6. Cipher (central letters).  In the original, the top faces are quite flat and chiseled with defined edges.  In the replica, the letters are more rounded
7. The "I" in "VI".  This is thinner in the replica
8. Placement of lettering.  The letters for the words "The France And Germany Star" are in slightly different places to the original and are more rounded.  The best way to compare the differences is to look at where letters are placed in relation to the half-way point between each star point (the gap)
9. Rear of medal.  In the replica, this is slightly pitted.  In an original, it should be very smooth.

A replica France and Germany Star

An original France and Germany Star

An original

Compare the original above with the replica at top and note the following differences easily seen:

1. Ring is brass
2. Crown details are more defined and there are seven "jewels" left and right of the central apex (the replica has only six aside)
3. Star points are sharper
4. Background pattern to lettering is a finer "grain"
5. Cipher has flatter topped lettering
6. Lettering "The France And Germany Star" is flatter and is placed differently.  For example, look at where left bottom point of "A" in "AND" starts.  In the replica, it starts half way between the two stars points, whereas in the original it is to the right of the halfway mark.  Also, look at where the bottom of "Y" is in "Germany"
7. Not so easily seen in these photographs is that that the center of the medal is more raised in the replica (more of a mound).

I hope this helps!